I want to order a rough country 6" lift. There are mixed reviews about every brand out there. Anyone on here actually run it and have any problems? I compared installations between pro-comp and Rough country and pro comp seems to have some kind of seal and spacer installed into the differential and a driveshaft space. Where as Rough Country only does a driveshaft spacer. I dont want vibrations or leaks in my differentials..etc but I also dont want to empty my wallet. Thanks.

 

There's a few threads on these two kits, specifically, in the last week or so, alone. Hammer's the expert on this (and has given tons of info and advice in the other threads), but, you get what you pay for. You'll save money now, but more than likely be forking it out in the future to replace other parts worn out prematurely due to those specific lists.

What's the price difference between the RC and a high-end Rancho or similar kit that provides the subframe assemblies, etc? I'd save for one of those, myself. Might take a little longer, cost a bit more, but you can't put a price on quality.

 

Thanks for the info. Ill have to look through the threads I guess. One of my main concerns was just why Pro Comp makes you insert a new seal and that spacer into the differential O_o

 

Both Rough Country and ProComp are on the "bargain basement" side of suspension kits, but are adequate. I'd stay clear of Fabtech and Superlift especially in a torsion front IFS kit. Too many guys report failed CV joints with the Fabtech as it puts the CV at a really poor angle.

Rancho is a STRONG kit with a full sub-frame and replaces more front end parts with larger/beefier ones but is 4" - I have this kit. Skyjacker has most of the advantages of the Rancho in a 6" kit and also uses a full sub-frame - downside of these two kits are cost.

If you just want the lift to look really good while you're cruising the malls or mild trail use the RC and ProComp are fine, if you plan on any serious wheeling, spend the extra $$$...

 

I put the 5" Rough Country on my 97 and love it. Rides better than stock!

 

97 is a solid front axle, whole different ballgame, and they may be better on their truck kits, but in the Jeep community they are considered bargain basement. I know a lot of guys complain that the asian made springs sag a good bit not long after install. I'm going strictly off of what guys who have them say, it's one of the few torsion front IFS suspension kits I've not seen first hand...

 

Thank you for the info! Im not looking to go crazy off-roading...some snow fun, and maybe some mudding around...nothing too big. By any chance do you know why Pro-Comp uses a spacer and a new seal for the differentials in their kits? I called the guys at Top gun Customz and two guys said they dont know why and they're really not needed. Any idea? Thanks again!

 

Are you referring to an indexing ring? I'm shocked Top Gunz doesn't know, unless you are talking to some $8 an hour sales person.

Basically there are two ways to keep the transmission/transfer case/front drive shaft in the proper positions when doing a suspension lift. One is to use a cheap transfer case drop kit (usually a couple of "L" brackets), which is kinda cheesy since the lift you gain you basically give back (or at least the ground clearance portion of it) by dropping the transfer case down. Better kits re-index the transfer case with a ring, which keeps the angles correct without lowering the transfer case.

With a 4" lift, dropping the transfer case is minimal bu I wouldn't have a 6" kit with a drop bracket myself.

Does it look like this?



Here, this will tell you about what it (and the seal adapter) is and where they go and a good read also:

http://www.jegs.com/InstallationInst.../825-IXR10.pdf

 

Pro Comp makes you drop the differential as well with brackets, AND supply you with the index ring and have you replace the seal. Which I think is what Top Gunz meant by they didnt know why Pro Comp does it when they have the bracket already. I prob worded it wrong, sorry.
Thanks for all the info, all this makes more sense now. I just didnt want to get vibrations or screw up the driveshaft/transmission/differential.

http://www.procompusa.com/downloads/PDFs/is/56746B.pdf

 

I was close to buying the rough country till you made some good points, instead of rushing like I normally do I decided to take my time and research some stuff. So from calling top gunz and pro comp, reading and help from you...I gained some information. Rough country drops the differentials to better the angle, After speaking with pro comp, they do it too AND supply the index ring because they believe that its too much pressure on the transfer case and it will crap out eventually if its not installed. (Top Gunz said you dont need it, though) When I was on the phone with Pro Comp, I mentioned the fact that dropping the differentials makes u lose ground clearance and if there was a way to avoid it and just using the index ring, he explained that if you don't drop it, it puts too much pressure on the joints and causes pre-mture wear. So Im kinda back where I started...unsure of what to get. I just don't want to come across major issues.
I was on the Sky-Jacker site but unsure of how they work.