Lift Questions

rwalk · Feb 28, 2013

I have a 2012 1500 Outdoorsman Quad Cab and I was looking into either a 4" or 6" Rough Country lift kit (links below). My first question, is this a decent kit? It seems very inexpensive compared to comprable ones and I can't figure out why. Second, I have a 3.92 ratio and was wondering if the 6" would require me to change or do anything to this. Also, are there any other things I would need to change once I install the kit and new wheels/tires? (Looking at getting 20's with 35's) Any reason I should lean towards one or the other? My friends and I do some off-roading but nothing super serious solely because we can't find any spots near us (North-Eastern Mass.) The price difference is only $150 so I am leaning towards just going for the 6" as long as it won't require much more in other mods as opposed to the 4". Finally, one more question, I see everyone talking about getting bilsteins with their lifts, I'm assuming the 5100 is right for my truck but I'm a little bit confused on what they do and why I should get them.

4":
http://www.roughcountry.com/suspension/4wd-dodge/1500-ram_4.html
6":
http://www.roughcountry.com/suspension/4wd-dodge/1500-ram_6.html

4x4Hemi · Feb 28, 2013

Im not sure about rough country. All i will say about em is that no shops in my city will touch em, even if i bring the kit in and pay em for labor.

but theres many guys out there happy with their rough country kit.

go 6 inch youll be disappointed and want more if you go 4.

youll be fine with 35s and 3.92s, youll see a decrease in mileage but it wont be a slug off the line

rwalk · Feb 28, 2013

Thanks for the info, I'm so conflicted, seems like 50% of the people say the kits are perfect, they've had no issues, and like the customer service and the other 50% say the kit is garbage and have broken parts and terrible ride quality. I can't spend much more than the price of that kit ($1400) but if someone knows a better kit for a similar price, I'm all ears. If not, I still think I'll hop on it, if I hate it I'll learn my lesson but I'm only 16 and just looking to have some fun and do some minor off roading here and there so not extremely concerned that I'm going to beat the thing to death but would like something that's going to last me some time.

omaha123 · Feb 28, 2013

I got the 6" rough country. There all just generic drop bracket lifts in all reality just with some small differences. I'm very happy with my lift... Easy install too, take your time and it goes smoothly

rwalk · Feb 28, 2013

Thanks, I feel like a lot of the people who trash on these lift kits do it either because they did not install it properly or they do very agressive off roading, also most of the bad reviews came from people with the jeep kits.

Before I set my heart on the RC, are either of these significantly better?
6" IFS System D19/D21 ($1600)
Pro Comp Suspension Part K2082B - 6 Inch Lift Kit with ES9000 Shocks-RH1 ($1900)

SirScottland · Feb 28, 2013

I agree with 4x4 HEMI i got the RANCHO 4 inch lift i love it but kinda wish i had the 6 inch. I cant complain cuz i got it for free.

rwalk · Feb 28, 2013

Looks like I'm deffinetly going to go with the 6, can anyone inform me on the question in the original post about bilsteins?

monettejb · Feb 28, 2013

rwalk said:
Thanks for the info, I'm so conflicted, seems like 50% of the people say the kits are perfect, they've had no issues, and like the customer service and the other 50% say the kit is garbage and have broken parts and terrible ride quality. I can't spend much more than the price of that kit ($1400) but if someone knows a better kit for a similar price, I'm all ears. If not, I still think I'll hop on it, if I hate it I'll learn my lesson but I'm only 16 and just looking to have some fun and do some minor off roading here and there so not extremely concerned that I'm going to beat the thing to death but would like something that's going to last me some time.

I was thinking of going this route but then I looked at the install pdf and you have to cut some stuff in order to stall the drop brackets and im not fond of cutting anything off that you cant put back. Look at the pdf.

rwalk · Feb 28, 2013

monettejb said:
I was thinking of going this route but then I looked at the install pdf and you have to cut some stuff in order to stall the drop brackets and im not fond of cutting anything off that you cant put back. Look at the pdf.

Is this for the RC lift?

BAILEY1 · Feb 28, 2013

To answer your question on the 5100. They are a much better shocks than you will get with any lift kit, IMO. And they will also allow you to lift the front after the lift is installed to eliminate any rack that the truck might have after the lift.

4x4Hemi · Feb 28, 2013

rwalk said:
Thanks, I feel like a lot of the people who trash on these lift kits do it either because they did not install it properly or they do very agressive off roading, also most of the bad reviews came from people with the jeep kits.

Before I set my heart on the RC, are either of these significantly better?
6" IFS System D19/D21 ($1600)
Pro Comp Suspension Part K2082B - 6 Inch Lift Kit with ES9000 Shocks-RH1 ($1900)

im not trashing on the kit, im just simply telling you that shops wont touch it because they dont want to deal with the warranty work lol i have no experience with it so i cant say if its good or bad. but when 3 shops tell me they wont install it unless i sign off on any and all warranty work... then yeah... aint touching that

bilsteins are an adjustable shock. you can adjust it from 0. 0.7, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.7 inches of lift. they add lift and some ride quality. if you get them and max em out at 2.8 it would probably make 35s look small.

rwalk · Mar 1, 2013

4x4Hemi said:
im not trashing on the kit, im just simply telling you that shops wont touch it because they dont want to deal with the warranty work lol i have no experience with it so i cant say if its good or bad. but when 3 shops tell me they wont install it unless i sign off on any and all warranty work... then yeah... aint touching that

bilsteins are an adjustable shock. you can adjust it from 0. 0.7, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.7 inches of lift. they add lift and some ride quality. if you get them and max em out at 2.8 it would probably make 35s look small.

is that up to 2.8 additional lift so with a 6" kit would it be 8.8" or does it just lift 2.8"

raptor1797 · Mar 1, 2013

How much lift does a 6" lift actually give you front and back. Does a 6" lift also level you out ?

rwalk · Mar 1, 2013

raptor1797 said:
How much lift does a 6" lift actually give you front and back. Does a 6" lift also level you out ?

The RC ones I was looking at also level it so its like 6 front 4 back or something like that

smoothee · Mar 1, 2013

The shop I took mine to had no problem with installing the RCX lift and I'm happy with it so far.

Went with 4" because I don't want to go any bigger than 35's and prefer more of a stuffed look, but that's just me. If you think you'll like bigger then definitely go for the 6" while you're at it.

4x4Hemi · Mar 1, 2013

The 2.8 is additional. But if your kit already levels the ram then putting in the bilsteins would make it noise high. You'd need some blocks in the back or something to level it back out.

Kits ive been looking at like bds have the option to get a 3 inch lift in the rear or 5

rwalk · Mar 1, 2013

Alright another question, is the 2012 Outdoorsman considered a TRX Model? I know it replaced it but I'm wondering if this applies to me:

"TRX models will achieve aproximately 1" of additional lift. This lift is not recommended for use on the TRX models due to possible CV shaft vibration caused by the additional lift. Consider our 4" lift system for about 5" of lift or replace the TRX struts with standard struts for use with this system."

Thor09 · Mar 1, 2013

I've installed a 6" BDS and a 6" RCX and I can say that I liked the 6" RCX installation alot better. It re-uses the factory brake lines, you get a solid sway bar for the front instead of extensions, little stuff like that.

I currently have a 6" RCX on my outdoorsman with Bilsteins maxed at 2.8" and a Top Gun Customz 1.5" rear spacer. Check out my build thread in my sig for more info and pics.

If I had to recommend anything, I would do the 6" RCX and Bilsteins at 1.4" (no rear spacers) That will level your truck and won't be any added stress on your CV joint or ball joints. I know the setup I have now is putting a little more stress on them than I would like but I won't change anything until there is an issue.

Otherwise, my truck even with 37s and 3.92s runs and rides freakin great, I love it

rwalk · Mar 1, 2013

I emailed RC and they said that the 6" will not fit the outdoorsman because it is a trx model unless I get new front struts

Stangshcky12 · Mar 1, 2013

Installing it on an outdoorsman would be similar to running it with bilstien adjustables
Theyre just covering themselves because it isn't actually designed for it but several run it like Thor09

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