Another question on lifts Zone 4.5" / RCX 5" (x2)

jroyston13 · December 16, 2015

I keep researching and finding new info, and as a result, my decision keeps going back and forth between the Zone 4.5"

http://zoneoffroad.com/zone-offroad-products-4.5in-suspension-lift-kit-chevy-gmc-pickup/c27/c28

and two different RCX 5" lift kits.

http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-suspension-lift-kit-247-8.html

http://www.roughcountry.com/gm-suspension-lift-kit-296-20.html

So heres my question....

What are the differences between the three? Pros and cons on either one? Any real benefit to one over the other? Difference in "real lift v. advertised lift" on either one? Differences in quality and customer service? YES, i have done a google and forum search, no it did not answer my questions. Please, i am looking for real experiences (unbiased) not just preference of one brand over the other. Fact > Opinion.

I like how the crossmembers on the RCX are shaped to contour the stock crossmember. Not sure if the flat one zone uses would even make a difference, its just an observation. Im planning to run a 33" or 34" tire (whichever i can fit)

scrodd88 · December 16, 2015

I am looking at same kits but for a 4wd and wondering same questions

jroyston13 · December 18, 2015

bump...

XMR15 · December 18, 2015

I never installed the lifts myself. However, with that being said i was there during installs of both lifts. I had a RCX lift on my old truck and have the Zone 4.5 on my new truck.

The RCX lift was a pain to install. There was a lot of fitment and alignment issues. Not sure if it was just a bad batch of lifts but there was a lot more grinding/drilling than what should have been involved. Nothing seem to line up correctly and it was on a brand new truck!

The Zone was a breeze. No issues at all installing. Also, the powder coating on the zone was way better quality. The RCX rusted way quicker. The zone is relatively new still so time will tell, but as of now it looks better. Again, not sure if it is a fluke, but that's my experience.

My one last experience is that the shocks with the RCX were garbage! They didn't last at all. I know this can be easily resolved, but just comparing apples to apples. I still have the stock shocks that came with the Zone and they are lasting way longer. The ride is actually really good. Can't even tell it is lifted.

So I would not think twice about buying another Zone.

Oh and by the way, the 4.5 inch can fit 35's on the stock wheels. No rubbing or cutting involved either.

Davidryan1987 · December 19, 2015

Just installed today so can't say much.

jroyston13 · December 26, 2015

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1450486276.550007.jpg

Just installed today so can't say much.

Nice! What size tires are you running? Which kit?

Looks good!

Davidryan1987 · December 26, 2015

Zone 4.5 and tires are bf 35x12.5x18

Mike1220 · December 26, 2015

I have RCX 6". I can agree that shocks suck, I plan to get a set of bilsteins all around or fox.

I'll also say that it's better to try and find a different set of blocks for the rear and do trac bars. This isn't to say the ride is bad but since it's 6" tall, the rear block has to be wide, and so you have to tighten down the rear leafs a far amount which leads to a hard ride for rear passengers. This is a complaint I hear from my parents when they ride in the back seat, don't hear a word from them when upfront

Other than the ride not being great I haven't had any issues. I've had it for 10K miles and don't see any rust

chevy2tuff2006 · December 26, 2015

Zone 4.5 and tires are bf 35x12.5x18

Did you need wheel spacers to use the stock 18's?

Davidryan1987 · December 26, 2015

Yes I put 1.25 in the front. If I did again I would of put 5/8 and longer studs.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

jroyston13 · January 5, 2016

Anyone else have pictures of the 4.5" or 5" lift installed?

jroyston13 · January 5, 2016

Zone 4.5 and tires are bf 35x12.5x18

Also did you do any trimming or have any rubbing with 35s?

jroyston13 · January 25, 2016

I ordered my kit... Went with the Zone 4.5" lift. Should be here in a week or two.

Decided on Cooper Discoverer STT Pro 295/60 R20 which is a 34.4" tire.

Hoping to have it installed early next month!

sawyer_dowell_3 · January 25, 2016

I ordered my kit... Went with the Zone 4.5" lift. Should be here in a week or two.

Decided on Cooper Discoverer STT Pro 295/60 R20 which is a 34.4" tire.

Hoping to have it installed early next month!

I think you'll be pleased with it! I am. Pic and specs in my signature

mrhonestlyinsane · February 7, 2016

I have the rcx 5 inch bracket lift. Other than being time consuming everything fit just fine. Mine only came with rear shocks and blocks for the front. I would like to eliminate the blocks in the front and get extended length shocks but I haven't seen much out there. It rides no worse than stock but I hate seeing the blocks in my wheel well.

As far as rcx having poor powder coat. I hit everything I had to cut or grind with primer and then truck bed coating after I assembled