9 Inch Rough Country Lift Kit

So, you're thinking about giving your truck or SUV a serious lift? A 9-inch lift is a significant upgrade, and Rough Country is a popular brand for off-road enthusiasts. Let's break down what a 9-inch Rough Country lift kit entails, what it does, and what you need to consider before diving in. We'll keep the technical jargon to a minimum and relate everything to concepts you likely already understand.

What is a 9-Inch Rough Country Lift Kit?

Simply put, a 9-inch Rough Country lift kit raises the body of your vehicle a full 9 inches higher off the ground than its original factory height. Think of it like giving your truck a serious growth spurt. This increased height primarily achieves two things: it allows you to install much larger tires, and it significantly improves your vehicle's ground clearance. That added clearance is especially important when navigating off-road obstacles like rocks, logs, and deep ruts.

These kits aren't just spacers slapped on top of your existing suspension. They are comprehensive systems designed to maintain (or even improve) ride quality and handling while accommodating the massive increase in height. Rough Country kits typically include a combination of:

Lifted Knuckles/Spindles: These replace your factory knuckles or spindles (the part that connects the suspension to the wheel hub) and are designed to maintain proper steering geometry at the new, higher ride height. Imagine trying to steer a shopping cart where the wheels are angled inwards – that's what would happen without properly designed knuckles.
Drop Brackets: These lower the mounting points for your factory suspension components (like control arms and sway bar links) to prevent them from being overextended or operating at extreme angles. Think of it like relocating the hinges on a door after raising the doorframe.
Coil Springs/Strut Spacers (or complete strut assemblies): These provide the actual lift at the front of the vehicle. Coil springs are, well, springs. Strut spacers are essentially blocks that sit on top of your existing struts to push them down. Some kits include complete strut assemblies with longer struts and springs to improve performance and ride quality.
Lift Blocks/Add-a-Leafs (for leaf spring suspensions) or Coil Spacers (for coil spring suspensions): These achieve the lift in the rear. Lift blocks are solid blocks placed between the axle and the leaf springs. Add-a-leafs are extra leaf springs added to the existing pack to increase stiffness and ride height. Coil spacers are used on vehicles with coil spring rear suspensions.
Shocks: Longer shocks are essential to accommodate the increased suspension travel. Rough Country kits often include their own brand of shocks, sometimes with upgrade options available.
Sway Bar Links: These connect the sway bar to the suspension. Longer links are needed to maintain the proper sway bar geometry at the lifted height, preventing excessive body roll during cornering. Think of a sway bar like a stabilizer bar on a boat.
Brake Line Brackets: These relocate the brake lines to ensure they aren't stretched or damaged when the suspension is at full extension.
Hardware: All the necessary bolts, nuts, and brackets for installation.

Why Choose a 9-Inch Lift?

The primary motivation for such a significant lift is usually the ability to run much larger tires. A 9-inch lift typically allows you to fit tires in the 37- to 40-inch range, depending on the vehicle and the specific kit. Larger tires significantly increase ground clearance, improve off-road traction, and give your vehicle a more aggressive appearance.

Beyond tire size, a 9-inch lift provides exceptional ground clearance. Consider a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, known for its off-road prowess. Even a Rubicon with its factory tires can get hung up on obstacles. A 9-inch lift and 37-inch tires transform it into a rock-crawling beast, capable of tackling terrain that would stop a stock vehicle in its tracks. Similarly, think of a Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150. A 9-inch lift allows them to clear obstacles that would otherwise damage their undercarriage.

Things to Consider Before Lifting

A 9-inch lift is a major modification and comes with several considerations:

Installation Complexity:

This is not a weekend project for a beginner. While some experienced DIY mechanics might tackle it, professional installation is highly recommended. It involves significant disassembly and reassembly of suspension components, and proper torqueing of fasteners is critical for safety. Incorrect installation can lead to premature wear, poor handling, and even dangerous failures.

Cost:

The kit itself is a significant expense, and professional installation will add to the overall cost. Budget accordingly.

Drivetrain Modifications:

With larger tires, your vehicle's gearing may need to be adjusted. Think of it like riding a bicycle uphill. If you're in too high a gear, it's difficult to pedal. Similarly, with larger tires, your engine has to work harder to turn them, which can negatively impact fuel economy and performance. Re-gearing the differentials (changing the gear ratios inside the axles) can restore the optimal power delivery.

Also, the increased angles on the driveshaft may cause vibrations or premature wear. You might need a longer driveshaft or a carrier bearing drop kit to correct the driveline angles.

Ride Quality:

While Rough Country kits are designed to maintain ride quality, a 9-inch lift will change the way your vehicle rides and handles. It will likely be firmer than stock, and the center of gravity will be higher, which can affect cornering stability. Consider upgrading to better quality shocks (like those from Fox or Bilstein) for improved ride comfort.

Legality:

Check your local laws and regulations regarding vehicle height and tire size. Some areas have restrictions on how high you can lift your vehicle. You may need to ensure that your headlights are properly aimed after the lift to comply with regulations. Also, be aware that a vehicle that is too tall may not be able to enter certain parking garages or use drive-throughs.

Fuel Economy:

Expect a decrease in fuel economy due to the larger tires, increased weight, and increased wind resistance. A heavier foot on the accelerator will only exacerbate this problem.

Tire Wear:

Improper alignment after the lift can lead to uneven tire wear. Ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned after the installation to maximize tire life. Remember, big tires are expensive!

Accessibility:

Getting in and out of your vehicle will be more challenging. Consider installing running boards or steps to make it easier, especially for passengers.

Rough Country Specific Considerations

Rough Country is known for offering budget-friendly lift kits. While they provide a good value for the price, some considerations are specific to the brand:

Shock Quality: Rough Country shocks are often considered entry-level. Upgrading to higher-quality shocks can significantly improve ride quality and handling.
Component Durability: While generally reliable, some users have reported issues with certain components over time, especially under heavy off-road use. Regularly inspect your suspension components for wear and tear.
Customer Service: While Rough Country offers customer support, some users have reported inconsistent experiences. Be sure to research the kit thoroughly and understand the installation process before purchasing.

Practical Takeaways

Here's what you need to do before and after installing a 9-inch Rough Country lift kit:

Research: Thoroughly research the specific kit for your vehicle. Read reviews, watch installation videos, and understand what's involved.
Professional Installation (Recommended): Unless you are a highly experienced mechanic, have the kit professionally installed by a qualified shop.
Alignment: Get a professional alignment immediately after the installation. This is crucial for tire wear and handling.
Re-gearing (Likely Necessary): Consult with a mechanic to determine if re-gearing is necessary based on your tire size and driving habits.
Driveshaft Considerations: Inspect your driveshaft angles and consider a longer driveshaft or carrier bearing drop kit if needed.
Headlight Adjustment: Adjust your headlights to ensure proper visibility and comply with local regulations.
Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect your suspension components for wear and tear, especially after off-road use.
Driving Habits: Adjust your driving habits to account for the higher center of gravity and increased braking distances.
Enjoy! Once everything is properly installed and adjusted, enjoy the added capability and aggressive look of your lifted vehicle!

A 9-inch Rough Country lift kit is a significant upgrade that can dramatically transform your truck or SUV. By understanding the components involved, the considerations before lifting, and the specific aspects of the Rough Country brand, you can make an informed decision and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.