Rough Country 2-3" LIFT KIT INSTALL AND PAYOFF!!

[@1RoadGarage]

Special thanks to the following people: 1. Blake Baxa 2. Tim Lewallen 3. Jacob Hurd 4. Michael Scicluna 5. Chris Gorman 6. Jorge Siller 7. Luis Mujica 8. Troy Besseche These people, listed in order of when received, contributed to the build. Thank you!

[@wva_trucks2336]

1ROAD the upper control arm has a grease fitting under the RC cap

[@LaRevolution9]

That exhaust sound thooo is that the suburban and what exhaust

[@burnerloco4138]

did you have problems getting the sway bar links hooked back up? and what about the alignment any issues there?

[@victormanuelcasaspalomares5260]

21w2w2w2222

[@PanzerPlatform]

Nice. I think every guy can appreciate sporting an extra 2-3 inches.

[@ariyanadumon4549]

Hell, every Girl can appreciate an extra two to three inches too lol.

[@bentnickel7487]

What in the hell is a "penid". You look away for a few minutes, and everything changes. :-D :-D :-D

[@johnalenwork53]

Budget Panther Fan LOL

[@ricardoramos1242]

Oh, you...

[@ricardoramos1242]

@@ariyanadumon4549 and "oh you" too

[@patricklogston4031]

Long live the 90’s C/K 1500/2500’s!!!!!!!! Man I love em:)

[@Agent.K.]

Patrick Logston The best SUVs GM ever made!

[@djwakademikz]

I still own a 98 gmc 'burban 😄

[@dakotaberry2663]

Damn right love my 92 c1500

[@Ahkjksksl]

I have a 94 k1500 suburban

[@franciscoburgos787]

If the instructions included everything it would be a log and boring read that no one will do. They only give you the universal part that applies to everyone. I prefer a video like this however. Awesome job!

[@JuanSanchez-ou3di]

This is by far one of the most formal, professional video I’ve ever seen. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@theANGRIERone]

Mannnn...you don't know about rust. After a year of having just the rear of my '99 Sierra stepside higher from the level kit I bought, I finally - three days ago - was able to get my keys and bars out to change to the new keys. Thank God I now have an air compressor and air hammer. Even with that it was a complete PITA. Hours of heat on the keys/control arms and beating it with the air hammer/sledge/you name it. The Midwest is a killer with rust. Your truck looks like it rolled off the assembly line in comparison. Lol Truck looks amazing! Nicely done!!

[@1RoadGarage]

Yes this truck is an extremely good condition. It's always been a desert truck.

[@burnerloco4138]

@@1RoadGarage I'm in the mid west sprayed everything down with PB blaster for a few days before disassembly....

[@davestewart9146]

Jimmy, you showed the problems that the normal guy or girl can run in to, great video 👍

[@supertrzy]

Rough Contry shocks can't compete with Bilstain ones

[@Pterodactyl-kn3ve]

RC seemed to be responsive, but the QC and fitment is less than perfect.

[@jacobn3160]

I would have used 2” shock extenders on those bilsteins instead of using the rough country shocks

[@kongchingpow]

It actually makes me think of a 2500 now, lol. I think im going to go for this kit on my 98 z71. I wanted to see it installed before making the decision to buy it. I appreciate you making this video!

[@rackbar17]

I’m watching this video as I install this kit on my 95 Yukon Gt 2 door

[@kongchingpow]

@rackbar17 lucky to have that rig!

[@minnie19booboo]

Damn Rough country dropped the ball! Shouldn't be this difficult! Thanks for the video!

[@christopherrowley7506]

yeah I'm wondering if a few years later if they've made improvements to the kit... I've got a 99, same body style

[@mustang89000]

​@@christopherrowley7506 they made improvements since then. Now upper control arms are way better than before an can upgrade shocks. Other than that it's still the same

[@pedronovales4931]

I have a 97, and did 2 inch in front and 1 3/4 in back, to fit 285/75 R16. It looked amazing. Initially I kept the original wheels, but after a year I bought some Procomp 1069 brushed aluminum 16X8 wheels, with 4.5" backspacing, and it gave a better stance. I also added some side fenders. It also is my Overland vehicle.

[@TOMAS-lh4er]

" THANK YOU " !!!!!!! FOR SHOWING ALL THE THINGS that you had to mess with in order to make the parts fit !! I have a really good idea of what to possibly run into, and how to fix it and how long it might take !! that was really helpful to me !!

[@1RoadGarage]

Glad you liked it!!

[@BLACKCLOUDFORD]

I did the 3 inch body lift on mine.. It only took me about 3hrs. No headaches, no grinding, and no drilling. Factory smooth suspension. To adjust the level just manipulate the torsion bolts a little or take a leaf out of the rear(I run helper bags for hauling) it sure rides smooth minus the heavy leaf with 15psi in the bags.

[@triggerhappy18gmail]

What brand lift did you use?

[@FredTheLutinoCocatiel]

Wouldn't the driver side need to be set about a 1/8 inch higher on the torsion bar for compensation of the weight of the driver?

[@MIKEH.777]

Jimmy I want to thank you very much for making the lift kit because I was thinking about buying one for my Z71 and now I feel a little bit more confident to put it in myself thank you and I am now a subscriber 2 your Channel keep up the good work and God bless you and your family

[@burnerloco4138]

dont buy RC

[@michaelparker2319]

This is the only suburban rough country video that’s thorough. I have a gmt 800. Kit is was easier. Wish there was a good gmt 800 video just the same for peace of mind before I dive in.

[@boldlionpro2814]

Thanks for the work done. This video is my tutorial and I appreciate your scrutiny. I’ll be doing my K1500 very soon

[@norsevikingsir4932]

I've got a 95 blazer I've completely rebuilt and I am a huge Chevy fan. I'm glad I happened across your channel. You got my subscription.

[@muzzys99]

Thanks for sharing. I’ve been thinking about this same RC kit for my Suburban and I think I am almost convinced. I have 285/70/17’s on mine now with 4.5” backspacing in the wheels with 2”blocks in the rear and keys in the front. I just replaced all of my steering components and cv axles and I want this kit to get all those component angles back as close to stock as possible.

[@STREETRACEN4U]

After watching this and knowing how rusty my truck is.....yeah i'm just gonna pay a shop to do it😂

[@MrBowNaxe]

WOWZA! That looks awesome... I've been wanting to do a small lift to my '99 K2500 Suburban since I got but haven't been brave enough to try it. I've done all my own work on vehicles so I feel comfortable giving this a shot. Still researching which lift to go with because I don't want to end up with a rough ride. Thanks again for sharing.

[@madhavda]

Man, every time i look into some work or mod to my '95 burban I find you, already been there and done that, which is super cool and helpful. Btw, aren't those wheel chocks from Harbor Freight nice?

[@1RoadGarage]

Yep, I have a few of those. 👍👍

[@rickstir7144]

Wanted to mention to you, I installed some rough country 2” wheel spacers on my rear tires to widen the rear wheel base to match the front wheel base and it makes a huge difference appearance wise! I always hated the way the rear tires are inside the rear fender wells ... highly recommend doing that. You’ll notice the difference, trust me

[@jamessnoderly4011]

I’m glad to see you were straight up about forgetting the bushings on the shocks

[@C25A1guy]

Hey Jimmy, don't get too frustrated over the time it took. I've done a LOT of these kits, and with 2 techs, it takes about a day and a half. Me and my master tech, if we were feeling pretty good and the truck doesn't fight us, probably can punch it out in about 10 hours (totalling about 20 man hours). And that's us, 2 technicians that do this day in/day out, going at it on a lift, with proper professional tools at our disposal along with some of our custom made tools for jobs like these (we have a dedicated differential jack using scrap metal around the shop on a old transmission jack that we fabricated up). You did good for a home gamer, using a lot of basic hand tools, and no professional training trying to figure out instructions that was written by a tech for techs. One thing we do different is that we usually hit the rear first and then work our way forward.

[@1RoadGarage]

Haha. Thanks! I was sort of wondering why it took me so long but i realized that trying to film it also slows the process way down. 👍👍

[@Dave-ty2qp]

Isn't it fun dealing with a vendor that tells you to go ahead and do whatever you think is best. You didn't get any good help from them at all. But you kept it above board, and gentlemanly. Tell us a lots about you, and a lots about them. Good man.

[@chris61670]

I bought the Rough country 2-3 inch lift kit for my 96 Silverado back in 1997. My kit came with an add a leaf to the rear leaf springs and it also came with new torsion bars. I am looking at buying a beautiful 95 Silverado and getting this kit again but this time I am going with the rear block option but I do not see they come with new torsion bars.

[@phillipbrown5522]

I'm not complaining . That's all you have done

[@jameshall4385]

i love my rough country lift. i put a 2” lift on a k5 blazer and it rides great. i had the same issue with the shocks that you had. i got a bag of bushings and sleeves with no instructions on which ones to use and my front spring perches dowel pins didn’t fit. i had to resize them. but it was still a great kit and would do it again. great video

[@emiliog1985]

I put this exact same kit on my 96 suburban, I actually did not like that the truck sits perfectly level. Now when I put a few bags of dirt in the back or hook my trailer up it will immediately sag. I am probably going to do the back with 3" blocks instead but while not loaded I agree it looks awesome! looking forward to your updates.

[@chrisv3863]

Buy an add a leaf kit for the back leaf springs.

[@johnhalchishick7094]

Bag the back

[@boolbartholomeu]

I’ve got an 01 Blazer and even though it’s not the same as your suburban it shares many 90s GM-isms and the same tranny which make your videos very relevant. Thanks for making such great videos Jimmy.

[@danhambrick6331]

I think the Bilstein shocks are better than the Rough Country shocks...

[@1RoadGarage]

I kept them just in case I want to swap them back in.

[@joenutsgarage]

Jay K rough country shocks are trash bilstein or fox 2.0

[@kenuber4766]

@ Anything "Rough Country" Sucks balls!!

[@theozman38]

Try skyjacker

[@CentralOregonCC]

Looks like man really knows what he is doing! Great mechanical approach!

[@wutang80oc39]

I took forged lower control arms off of a K2500, when I needed new ball joints, they fit perfectly and are stronger than the stamped steel ones. I'm doing a similar build with a 99 Z71 tahoe.

[@jasonlewis3283]

Great job and great video. I think Rough Country should watch this video and learn from the short comings you discovered in the instructions. It may help their future customers. 🧐👍

[@rjm7168]

You've discovered what I've read about Rough Country quality.

[@salty_terminal_civilian5374]

My Tahoe is 37 in the rear stock, 35 front. I lifted the front 3" and im debating on lifting the rear 1.5" to make it 38 F 38.5 R. I dont know if I want it a half inch off, but when I tow it won't matter lol. I'll probably leave it. Thanks for the vid.

[@yazmingamboa6834]

FYI.. Tech support will say ANYTHING to keep you from returning the kit/product. Anytime you use after market products expect to do your own mods to get it to fit. But on the positive side she looks AWESOME👍👍👍.. GREAT VIDEO keep them coming. Luv your channel Yazmin Venice Beach 🌴

[@kcscustom9759]

That’s the fun of installing a lift kit lol they all require some kind of modifications. But that’s the problem with a lot of people they try to cut corners then blame it on the company when things don’t work. However you took your time to make sure everything was actually done right & for that I’m sure you’ll have a great experience. These rough country kits are great, a lot of people hate on them but they’ve actually came a really long ways to their quality now being equal to a lot of kits but, still cheaper. And I think your right about the instructions for these older kits being written a long time ago because if you read through a set of instructions for a newer kit there’s quite a bit more detail and things are just explained a bit better. Anyways you did a great job with everything considering. Can’t wait to see this thing lookin proper with some new tires on it!

[@1RoadGarage]

Tires hopefully soon!!

[@Deadpool-ODST]

@25:19 A lot of the later year Blazer/Tahoe/Suburbans had the pre 91 parts from the trucks. Like my 93 Blazer has parts that are more 88-91 k1500. That is pretty normal for them.

[@Andisols_Myakka]

I rebuilt my 97s front differential several years ago so I know your pain removing and installing by yourself. After watching this it brought back memories.. so I decided not to do the lift lol after 16 years of owning it it's fine the way it is

[@pathslesstrampled9906]

Great video. Nice truck! Love the GMT400s. I have a 1997 Tahoe that looks a lot like the two-door version of your Sub. I was thinking of getting this lift kit which is why I checked out your video. Appreciate you putting in all this effort! Both in installing the lift, and making the video.

[@1RoadGarage]

Thanks!! I love the 2 door Tahoe and Yukon. I've wanted the 6.5L diesel version forever!!

[@farhenheit628of1200]

I found a pretty clean 1999 gmc suburban. I think im going to purchase it and put on this kit also! Thanks for the information!

[@alfredoibarra9825]

I just swapped out that very same differential out a few weeks ago, you don’t need to cut the mount to remove. I had to just power it in. It goes out and or in by turning it like a Tetris L piece.

[@JCSRunur]

Awesome lift. This is what I need for my 94 K1500.

[@floydsmith2296]

This video iced it for me. I will either: 1) Never purchase anything from Rough Country 2) Take my 'Burb to a shop to raise it. I will not try this project on my own. Thanks for an incredibly detailed video. Well done!

[@lawnworkshawaii2418]

"How in the world am I supposed to get a wrench up there" lol. Good job in keeping your composure and keeping it clean. I would have slipped and cuss up a storm already. Have to go and repent on Sunday. Thank you for all the videos

[@noahwiggins8746]

After watching your videos I wish my truck didn’t have this lift the geometry of my 95 is so thrown I’ve replaced everything up to the steering box starting to think it doesn’t have the drop brackets for the diff wonder if this is a earlier Modle lift bought the truck with it I changed everything and took to several shops still stomped on what it could be

[@johnnymack8442]

I installed the skyjacker 3 inch kit last winter. Looks similar to yours. Had to ream out that bolt hole. And also had to grind off the fins from the side of the differential.

[@DirtyDanMunicipalMan]

Gosh that rig is so clean underneath! Up north where I am nothing stays that nice. Good ole road salt.

[@ferberb9662]

The suburban looks nice good video and I have a 1989 Chevy 2500 truck 4x4 and for years I have been trying to put a lift kit and because of this economy is hard to buy a lift and have it installed and because of the problems or the customization you had to do in my mind was if I screw up and cut some thing wrong I am screwed those parts don’t grow back but with your video and the explanation you gave I am less nervous to buy a kit and installed it my self thanks for the heads up and keep the food videos

[@rick343]

Yeah those are extra, don't worry about it, the new guy must of answered the phone, pretty funny, they really should know better. Great video, keep up the good work.

[@ewalt5501]

Considering doing this to my 99 Tahoe, but I’m not interested in shaving and cutting. Will I run into the same problems? Is the suspension a little different the the 95?

[@brandonnewman98]

Gonna be doing a 3” lift on my 98’ K2500 Suburban with the 6.5 Detroit Diesel here soon, thanks for making these videos n’ keep up the good work 🤘

[@ciscoace2807]

LMFAO 😂😂... Good times brother.... I've had many long days that rolled through the night unto the next day and then some on my 97 suburban. Lots of headaches, cuts and bruises and headaches, but when it's all said and done, she looks good and you know it's all worth it in the end. Keep having fun with it bro.

[@TheOkieDude]

The front fender openings are taller than the rear (often the case since the front is a steering axle and tires extend outside the fender when turning), so just because your measurement is larger in front doesn't mean that the front sits higher.

[@jamestaylor1078]

It looks good, your hard work paid off. Those lifting blocks are shorter on the one side to shim the rear axle which helps with your pinion/ driveline angle.

[@CrashOverride777]

The dislike on the vid is the guy from ruff country lol

[@Wakeywhodat]

^^haha

[@dariannerobertson9832]

I installed this kit on my 96 k1500, and can not get the driver's cv axle correct. Seems like axle is too long, binding in rotation, which is pushing everything on driver's suspension outwards. Passenger side is fine & rotates 360° freely. I've tried multiple different axles, oem and aftermarket.

[@1RoadGarage]

That’s so weird. Did you happen to notice any weirdness with the new bracket (replacing the cut off one) for the front diff drop?

[@chulee8148]

Your patience so far better than mind and thank you for sharing this I will not do this my self And I am a subscriber from now on I have 2007 suburban

[@toddbrackett4277]

If the front of the Suburban was slightly higher than the rear then why would you install a kit with 3" of lift in the front and only 2" in the rear? Wouldn't you want to level the truck? The lift blocks won't increase the spring rate , if you plan to use it for overlanding Wouldn't you want a bit more spring rate to handle the additional weight of your gear? I have also read that lift blocks can enhance torsional stress on leaf springs leading to axle wrap, have you had any problems with this? If you did this project again would you have opted for 3.5" add a leafs rather then 2" blocks?

[@2ACountryCouple]

I really enjoyed watching this. I don't have this vehicle, I have a 95 Isuzu Trooper. Just watching different videos to see what types of things I can expect when I attempt a lift on my truck. Very nice video, thumbs up from me! Just barely replaced two CV axles and two lower ball joints and all 4 shocks on my truck, so I understand about having to work upside down. Lol.

[@ryanbandlow533]

Great job!! When I installed my lift kit which is the same as yours I ran into the exact same issues and I thought it was just me at first. But like you said it was worth it in the end.

[@JCSRunur]

What year is your truck?

[@tysoncurrie7745]

The lift still looks good with the stock rims and tires. I would still drive it like that without bigger tires, but yeah bigger tires would probably be best and it will raise it a tad more. Great video, you make me want to do it to my 2004 suburban.

[@farmboy6129]

Good video but you could have just bought the blocks and crank the stock keys up and get longer shocks I raised my front end up 3 inches juts by cranking the stock keys and that’s all I did and it worked great ride was a little more rough but saved a lot of money and time.

[@brihan24]

i'm glad you documented it, RC should pay you to make their install video. Good job, now since you done it, it's my turn to try :)

[@Snoophouse66]

Hey jimmy! I know you installed this a long time ago so not sure if you’ll see this or even care! But just so you know, the front fenderwels on 90’s Chevys sit about 2 inches taller then the rear! If you look where the front fender is equal to the door handles compared to the rear fender you can see what I’m talking about. So technically by having it only “slight taller” you’re actually over an inch lower in the front! The hopping is most likely due to bad alignment and the unnecessary shock extenders!

[@KendrasEdge757]

Going 3” in the front and 2” in the rear IS NOT a “lift kit”, it’s a ‘LEVELING KIT’ just to clarify. That LEVELS the truck so it doesn’t have anymore rake from the factory. Also, your hight will settle over time. Give it a few weeks for the shocks to break in and the hight will drop some.

[@TheOkieDude]

If you lift both the front and the rear, that my friend is a lift kit. :)

[@Goinbig]

If your vehicle is higher than stock, it's lifted

[@larrymelroy5687]

I did this with my 99 suburban and curious to know what you did with the rear emergency brake cable to keep it from being super tight

[@caryfowler5999]

Hey man, I'm glad you did this video, I have a 97 Tahoe that I'm putting the same kit on..Thanks Cary

[@williamstevens4824]

Great video Jimmy ! Thanks for sharing this with us. Your vehicle came out great. Keep up the great work. Bill

[@johnreavis9301]

Good video, I didn't read all the comments to see what everyone said but I would for sure take the front shock extensions out, and the rough country shocks are pretty good now the older design shocks were not

[@jdhuey]

Great videos Jimmy. I just started a 99 Tahoe build and am curious, what was the average drop in mpg after adding the lift? After adding the 32’s? Thank you for your great work!

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

no drop

[@FabiusMaximus1000]

You did alright. When I replaced my front diff it took me 2 days. Even though it was the same diff it didn't fit the same as the old one.

[@timjohnson6864]

Just did this same lift 3 mo ago with the exception of selecting all my own peices for the lift and rwbuilding the entire front suspension tht top bolt get it from the other side with a socket wrench i had plenty of room to get it out

[@timjohnson6864]

This entire video made me cringe you buy a lift kit they give ya standard size beefed up shocks hollow rear blocks the peanut shaped brackets the thicker part goes on the differential and then you dont need to grind down the cooling fins on the differential i hope u didn't pay much for tht kit i got maybe 350-400 into a full kit that i sourced myself

[@cagthetism]

I am having a hard time finding one that will fit a 2500, 8 lug suburban. RC says their stuff only fits the 1500.

[@190amg7]

Chances are that your variance in the instructions for the 88-91 vs 92+ shock mount images have to do with your truck being a suburban. In fact, the 88 & 89 suburbans are still square body trucks. It wouldn't surprise me if they didn't make that update on the gmt400 suburbans)

[@williambowen1771]

Just got mine for my 01 tahoe 4×4 3in front but 3 in rear also for extra height for towing

[@michaelclld]

I have a 98 swb stepside Silverado 4x4 and looking for my best option to level and get 35" tires

[@1996ikey]

That’s why I hate mods cuz nothing is better than stock and normal like stock looks nice tho jimmy

[@mackenzieyoung2194]

Hey you can Greece those ball joints if you pop that round plastic cap off the top of the control arm. You can mine any way I just got this same lift in the mail now.

[@robbking6633]

Truly think you would make a darn good automotive teacher,.... great video . Thank you cause I just was thinking about doing this same life to my 99 Tahoe. Helpful information for sure.

[@chicagomike6666]

Really nice...and still practical and affordable. I agree..I don't like the extreme builds...this is about perfect.

[@jamphil0395]

Just food for though.... with a bigger tire your gearing will be higher.... (3.73 w/35’s will probably be around 3.42.) so basically your low end torque/off the line take off will suffer some, but the top end speed will increase. You might want too consider a gear swap for your diff’s! Also the gear swap needs too be the same for front and rear. If you go this route I highly suggest looking into NITRO GEAR sets and probably go to 4.30ish... hope this helps with your overland build!! Btw, great videos!

[@afterhoodrathours5407]

I think most of this process will be the same for the 3 inch lift for my 2006 Chevy Colorado 4x4. Thank you for this helpful information. There’s a lot of similarities between your suburban and my mid size Colorado

[@thekosmokramer]

the lift looks great man! only one thing u may want to change. for the ubolts id order some round ones so it curves around the bottom of the axle instead of a bolt hanging down to catch things

[@aaronpowell4885]

Man that's looking good Jimmy! Not too much lift, but definitely enough to inspire a little more confidence off road.

[@ariyanadumon4549]

Also, some wider tires might be a good idea, it looks a little cartoony lol. Wider, Bigger, it will give you some better look, better grip and may improve your ride quality by some measure.

[@mrchrisoben]

We’re u able to correct the camber on the front tires. ?? I have the same problem with mine as the top sticks out

[@burnerloco4138]

i installed the same lift on my truck, encountered the same problems you had and then some....called RC a few times not much help from them....new idler arm and tie rod ends my alignment guy said the steering angle is too steep and recommended to install a dropped pitman and idler arms if i could find them otherwise they will wear out faster and a year later they were wore out steering is all loose and sloppy. called RC about and gave them the measurement from center of axle to bottom of fender just under 24 " they said that was within specs. tires rub on tight turns...etc....bought a different lift kit for my XJ '

[@johnnyboy859]

Brother. Want to order this lift for KY 96 z71. Doing a complete front end rebuild. Do I have to use the upper A arms the lift comes with, or can I still buy the mevotech a arms.. ?

[@walterk1221]

It is good that you used restraint in grinding off the "cooling fins" as I believe they are actually reinforcing gussets. Taking the minimum amount of material was wise.

[@conservativecrusader80]

Cool video, but as a midwesterner it took me about 1.3 seconds to notice you live out west where its dry and where there's no salt used on the roads. If you lived in Indiana where I do we haven't seen a 'burb that clean since '98! You guys are so lucky, if it was from the midwest or east coast the job would literally be 10 times harder! Still nice vid.

[@BigCatRiverFishing]

There is a grease zert under that plastic cap foe the upper arm. Just take a flat screw driver and pop it off and you can grease it. 👍

[@larrymelroy5687]

How did you get enough slack in the e break in the rear I have a 1999 suburban I put mine up 3 inchs and the e break is super exstended and looks like it could snap ?

[@rackbar17]

Thanks I really appreciate this video! It’s helping me get thru installing this kit on my 95 Yukon Gt

[@brockdyncatron3775]

The upper control arms i got have a grease fitting under the rc plastic cap. Yours looks the same.

[@1RoadGarage]

I finally realized that! 🤦‍♂️🤪

[@brockdyncatron3775]

@@1RoadGarage do you know if the upper ball joints are replaceable or do you have to get a new arm? I'm having a hard time figuring that out.

[@ronaldjohnson2266]

if you're going over rocks you want the front to be higher so you can have the right approach angle on a rock

[@westsidelawncare5085]

Went you install the 2 in lift kit you put shock extensions on front and read?

[@stephenmckinley8855]

how's the front end parts holding up now ??