3.5" Rough Country Install - Tips / Suggestions (Complete!!)

KevinO · March 3, 2020

Final project... looks good.

Dunn · March 3, 2020

On 3/1/2020 at 4:32 PM, curly said:

The final product... not the best picture but at least it's clean!

I like the factory look!....theres a few others on here that have done same with stock wheels, i cant see why i would ditch my rims when i actually like them, lol....heck i am waiting for my stock tires to burn out cuz i cant see replacing perfectly good sneakers.

curly · March 3, 2020

I have always preferred sticking with a factory wheel but Fuel Rebels in bronze have really tempted me. The ‘want’ list for my truck is long so wheels will be the least of worries (tonneau cover and exhaust are higher on the list right now).

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Whiz · March 5, 2020

I did the R/C 3" ... the a-arm version, but I really don't think I got the full lift and still not level. Wished I'd done a 4" or so.

I'll probably now have to go back and install and 1" ring spacers.

It's high enough that the wife complained about getting into it, so I install a long Club Cab step bar (photo was taken prior to install).

curly · March 5, 2020

Good looking truck. I debated going bigger before I ordered the 3.5” but figured this would be a good all around loft. I’m very pleased with the outcome and would do it again.

I’m now debating what exhaust to go with.

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Fltmech · March 5, 2020

On 3/2/2020 at 7:43 PM, curly said:

About 1/4”.... Close but not much less than factory.

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Thanks. Looks good. The specs on these kits make it difficult. They usually note you can't use stock wheels and always show a smaller size. Then I see pics of the kit with stock wheels and larger tires than recommended.

curly · March 5, 2020

Thanks. Looks good. The specs on these kits make it difficult. They usually note you can't use stock wheels and always show a smaller size. Then I see pics of the kit with stock wheels and larger tires than recommended.

I’m sure that most of that is so the lift manufacturers cover themselves in the event that sticks don’t fit.

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Whiz · March 6, 2020

Thanks for the response.

When I was considering their lift kit, I spoke to them on the phone. I was pretty inquisitive, and they never mentioned a thing about tire size. I *may* have mentioned that my rig came with the 20's.

Fltmech · March 6, 2020

17 hours ago, curly said:

I’m sure that most of that is so the lift manufacturers cover themselves in the event that sticks don’t fit.

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Yeah, I'm sure its to cover their ass if anything goes wrong.

xsquid · March 6, 2020

Question for those of you who have installed these kits. I ordered the 2 inch RC struts with coils. Will remove my lower spacer. Do you have to remove or lossen the axle nut in order to pull the full strut assembly , and reinstall ? Was kind of hoping I have enough clearance to sneak them in without removing the nut. Thanks

curly · March 10, 2020

On 3/6/2020 at 5:04 PM, xsquid said:

Question for those of you who have installed these kits. I ordered the 2 inch RC struts with coils. Will remove my lower spacer. Do you have to remove or lossen the axle nut in order to pull the full strut assembly , and reinstall ? Was kind of hoping I have enough clearance to sneak them in without removing the nut. Thanks

I did not have to remove the front axle nut. Dropping the lower a-arm per the directions provided more than enough room to remove the struts. Keep a jack under the lower a-arm to keep it from 'over extending' while lowering and it will be needed for raising the lower a-arm after putting the strut back in (help during this process was helpful though it can be done alone, the wife helped me with the passenger side which made things go a bit smoother). Be careful when working around the boots (I paid special attention not to pinch / tear them when removing / replacing the strut assembly). It really was a easy process if you take your time and have moderate mechanical skill.

xsquid · March 10, 2020

Thanks so much for the response. I though there might be enough room to drop the arm without removing the axle nut. Just don’t want to damage the boots. Remember it went pretty far when I installed the lower spacer. I can see where the extra per of hands would come in handy . Went to get my daughter to hold something last time. She was gone out the front door. They just came in today. Quick note the factor spring dia is 18mm or .708. The RC 2 inch strut spring is 11/16 dia . Or .6875. I figured it would be less. Hope it ride just as nice as stock. Thanks again

curly · March 19, 2020

Finally got some better pics.... figured I would share one.

amog4life · March 19, 2020

I got the 3.5" lift for my Denali as well and did the rear today but still need to tackle the front. She currently sits wonky hahaha. Ill be doing the fronts tomorrow then getting 20x9 black rims and Nitto Ridge Grappler 33" on it by this weekend.

Installing the rear lift was super easy. Did not need many tools and its a pretty easy bolt on kit. I know the fronts will require small modifications but im ready for them.

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Edited March 19, 2020 by amog4life

Flyinwells · March 19, 2020

15 hours ago, amog4life said:

I got the 3.5" lift for my Denali as well and did the rear today but still need to tackle the front. She currently sits wonky hahaha. Ill be doing the fronts tomorrow then getting 20x9 black rims and Nitto Ridge Grappler 33" on it by this weekend.

Installing the rear lift was super easy. Did not need many tools and its a pretty easy bolt on kit. I know the fronts will require small modifications but im ready for them.

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NICE!

Hey, before you put the new wheels on, do you mind if you post a few with the stock wheels please?