Thank you for choosing Rough Country for your suspension needs․ This guide provides comprehensive instructions for installing Rough Country lift kits‚ ensuring a safe and successful upgrade․
1․1 Importance of Proper Installation
Proper installation of Rough Country suspension lift kits is crucial for safety‚ performance‚ and durability․ Incorrect installation can lead to component damage‚ unsafe driving conditions‚ and voided warranties․ Ensure all steps are followed carefully to maintain your vehicle’s stability and ensure optimal functionality․ Always refer to the provided instructions and consider professional assistance if unsure․
1․2 Safety Precautions and Warnings
Always follow safety guidelines to avoid injury or damage․ Chock wheels‚ use jack stands‚ and wear protective gear․ Ensure proper torque specifications are met․ Never exceed vehicle weight limits․ Consult a certified technician if unsure․ Improper installation can lead to unsafe conditions․ Adhere strictly to instructions for a secure and reliable suspension system․
Pre-Installation Preparation
Gather all tools and equipment‚ ensure the vehicle is on a level surface‚ and chock the wheels for safety․ Prepare the workspace and review instructions carefully․
2․1 Tools and Equipment Required
Essential tools include a 5mm wrench/socket‚ 15mm and 21mm wrenches‚ jack stands‚ a hydraulic jack‚ and a coil spring compressor․ Additional tools like torque wrenches and shock compressors may be needed․ Ensure all equipment is in good condition to guarantee safety and proper installation․ Proper tools are crucial for a successful and safe suspension lift installation process․
2․2 Vehicle Preparation and Safety Measures
Park the vehicle on a level surface‚ engage the parking brake‚ and chock the rear wheels․ Jack up the front and place jack stands under the frame rails․ Remove wheels‚ and lower the vehicle onto stands․ Ensure the vehicle is stable before starting work․ Always refer to factory torque specifications and safety guidelines to avoid accidents or damage․
Front Suspension Installation
Remove the factory components‚ then install the new Rough Country progressive rate coil springs and shocks․ Adjust the track bar and sway bar links for proper alignment․
3;1 Removing the Factory Components
Start by chocking the rear wheels and raising the front of the vehicle․ Place jack stands under the frame rails for stability․ Remove the wheels using a 19mm socket and lower the vehicle onto jack stands․ Next‚ disconnect the sway bar links and track bar‚ then carefully remove the factory coil springs and shocks․
3․2 Installing the New Coil Springs and Shocks
Install the new Rough Country progressive rate coil springs‚ ensuring the coil isolator is correctly positioned in the upper mount․ Use a coil spring compressor if necessary․ Align the springs with the upper and lower spring pockets‚ then carefully remove the compressor․ Next‚ bolt on the new shocks‚ ensuring they are securely fastened․ Use a torque wrench to meet specified torque values for all bolts․
3․3 Adjusting the Track Bar and Sway Bar Links
Attach the supplied track bar using factory hardware and a 21mm socket‚ torquing to 120ft/lbs․ Adjust the sway bar links to ensure proper alignment and function․ Turning the steering wheel can help align components․ Tighten all bolts securely to avoid noise or wear․ Ensure all adjustments are made with the vehicle on level ground for accurate alignment․
Rear Suspension Installation
Chock the front wheels and lift the vehicle; Remove the rear shocks and springs‚ then install the new components․ Ensure all bolts are properly torqued․
4․1 Removing the Factory Shocks and Springs
Start by chocking the front wheels and lifting the vehicle․ Remove the rear wheels and support the axle with jack stands․ Use a wrench to detach the shocks and springs from the vehicle’s frame․ Carefully lower the axle to access the components․ Remove the factory shocks and springs‚ ensuring all hardware is set aside for reuse or disposal․ Proceed with caution to avoid damage or injury․
4․2 Installing the New Rear Shocks and Components
Mount the new rear shocks to the axle and frame using the provided hardware․ Ensure proper alignment and secure the components tightly․ Reinstall any additional parts such as bump stops or spacers․ Double-check the fitment and alignment of all components before proceeding․ Consult a professional if any issues arise during the installation process to ensure safety and performance․
4․3 Reinstalling the Rear Sway Bar End Links
Reattach the rear sway bar end links to the axle and frame using the factory or provided hardware․ Tighten the bolts securely and ensure proper alignment․ Check for clearance and alignment to prevent interference․ Torque the bolts to the specified torque rating․ Test the vehicle to ensure stability and proper suspension function after installation is complete․
Post-Installation Checks
After completing the installation‚ perform a thorough inspection of all components․ Check torque specifications‚ ensure proper alignment‚ and verify that the brake and steering systems are functioning correctly․ Test the vehicle under normal driving conditions to ensure everything operates smoothly․
5․1 Torque Specifications for All Bolts
Ensure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications․ Use a torque wrench to verify frame bolts‚ shackle bolts‚ and sway bar links․ Refer to the provided torque chart in the instructions for precise values․ Proper torque ensures safety and optimal performance of your suspension system․ Always double-check torque values before completing the installation process․
5․2 Checking Clearance and Proper Alignment
Ensure proper clearance and alignment after installation․ Check for adequate space between all moving parts‚ steering gear‚ and heated components․ Verify steering functionality and brake system operation․ Refer to torque specifications for all bolts․ A certified technician is recommended to guarantee safety and optimal performance․ Proper alignment ensures your vehicle handles correctly and maintains stability on the road․
5․3 Testing the Brake and Steering Systems
After installation‚ test the brake and steering systems thoroughly․ Inspect for any interference or damage to components․ Perform a test drive on a safe‚ open road to ensure proper operation․ Check for abnormal noises or vibrations․ Refer to torque specifications for all bolts․ A certified technician is recommended to verify system functionality and safety․
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regularly inspect suspension components for wear or damage․ Lubricate moving parts and tighten all bolts to specified torque values․ Ensure proper alignment and clearance․
6․1 Regular Inspection of Suspension Components
Regularly inspect all suspension components‚ including coil springs‚ shocks‚ and sway bar links‚ for signs of wear‚ rust‚ or damage․ Ensure all bolts and fasteners are secure and tightened to the manufacturer’s torque specifications․ Address any issues promptly to maintain optimal performance and safety of your Rough Country suspension system․
6․2 Lubrication and Tightening of Bolts
Apply a thin layer of grease to all suspension bolts and components to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation․ Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque values using a torque wrench․ Regularly check and tighten loose bolts to maintain system integrity and optimal performance of your Rough Country suspension lift kit․
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Address common issues like uneven ride or noise by checking suspension alignment and tightening loose bolts․ If problems persist‚ consult a certified technician for professional assistance․
7․1 Addressing Uneven Ride or Noise
If your vehicle exhibits an uneven ride or noise after installation‚ inspect the suspension components for proper alignment and torque specifications․ Ensure all bolts are tightened to factory specs and check for any loose connections․ If issues persist‚ consider consulting a certified technician to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively․
7․2 Fixing Alignment Problems
If alignment issues arise post-installation‚ perform a steering sweep to ensure proper toe-in specifications․ Check for any loose or misaligned components and tighten to factory torque specs․ If problems persist‚ consult a certified technician to realign the suspension system and ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety on the road․
Importance of Professional Installation
Rough Country recommends certified technicians for installation‚ ensuring proper disassembly‚ reassembly‚ and post-installation checks․ Professional expertise guarantees safety‚ optimal performance‚ and compliance with manufacturer guidelines․
8․1 Why a Certified Technician is Recommended
A certified technician ensures proper installation‚ leveraging professional expertise to handle complex disassembly and reassembly․ They guarantee safety‚ optimal performance‚ and compliance with manufacturer guidelines․ Improper installation risks safety hazards‚ reduced vehicle performance‚ and potential voidance of warranties․ Rough Country strongly advises against DIY installations to avoid these consequences and ensure reliability․
8․2 Consequences of Improper Installation
Improper installation can lead to safety hazards‚ reduced vehicle performance‚ and potential damage to suspension components․ It may void warranties‚ cause uneven ride quality‚ and result in alignment issues․ Additionally‚ incorrect torque specifications or improper component fitting can lead to premature wear or failure of critical parts‚ compromising the vehicle’s overall stability and safety on the road․
Alignment After Installation
Proper alignment ensures optimal performance and safety․ After installation‚ a front-end alignment is crucial to maintain correct toe-in specifications and prevent uneven tire wear or handling issues․
9․1 Why Alignment is Necessary
Alignment ensures proper tire contact‚ improves handling‚ and prevents uneven wear․ Misalignment can lead to reduced vehicle stability‚ increased wear on suspension components‚ and compromised safety․ A post-lift alignment guarantees optimal performance and extends the life of your tires and suspension system․ Rough Country recommends a professional alignment after installation for best results․
9․2 How to Perform a Steering Sweep
To perform a steering sweep‚ turn the steering wheel from full left to full right‚ checking for smooth operation․ Ensure no binding or interference occurs in components like the track bar‚ tie rods‚ or drag link․ This step confirms proper alignment and ensures all suspension and steering components function correctly after the lift installation․
Tools and Equipment
Essential tools include a 5mm wrench‚ socket set‚ jack stands‚ and a strut compressor․ Additional tools like torque wrenches and impact guns may be necessary for specific tasks․
10․1 Essential Tools for the Installation
Essential tools include a 5mm wrench‚ socket set‚ jack stands‚ coil spring compressor‚ and torque wrench․ Additional tools like a 21mm wrench‚ impact gun‚ and strut compressor may be required․ Ensure all tools are readily available to streamline the installation process and avoid delays․ Proper tools are critical for safely and effectively completing the lift kit installation․
10․2 Recommended Additional Tools
Additional tools such as a 19mm socket‚ impact gun‚ and torque wrench can significantly simplify the installation process․ A strut compressor may also be beneficial for certain coil spring installations․ These tools help ensure proper torque specifications and safe handling of suspension components‚ making the installation more efficient and reducing the risk of complications․
Wheels and Tires
Rough Country recommends using 33×12․50×15 tires on 8-inch wheels with 3 5/8 backspacing for optimal performance․ Ensure compatibility with your vehicle and lift kit for safety and proper fitment․ Always consult a tire and wheel specialist for personalized recommendations․
11․1 Recommended Tire and Wheel Combinations
Rough Country recommends using 33×12․50×15 tires with 8-inch wheels and 3 5/8 backspacing for optimal performance․ Ensure the selected tire and wheel combination is compatible with your vehicle’s make‚ model‚ and lift kit specifications․ Proper fitment is essential for safety‚ clearance‚ and handling․ Always consult a tire and wheel specialist for personalized recommendations․
11․2 Installing the Tires and Wheels Post-Lift
After completing the lift installation‚ reinstall the tires and wheels․ Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure․ Refer to your vehicle’s torque specifications for proper tightening․ Double-check all bolts and ensure the tires are securely fastened․ Properly tightened wheels and tires are essential for safety and optimal vehicle performance․
Legal and Disclaimer Information
Rough Country suspension lift kits are sold without warranty‚ expressed or implied․ Buyer assumes all liability for proper installation and use․ Always comply with local laws and regulations․
12․1 Warranty and Liability Information
Rough Country products are sold without warranty‚ expressed or implied․ The purchaser assumes all liability for proper installation and usage․ Misuse or improper installation may void liability claims․ Always follow local regulations and safety standards․ Failure to adhere may result in legal consequences or safety hazards․ Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and manufacturer guidelines․
12․2 Legal Considerations for Lift Kits
Lift kits must comply with local‚ state‚ and federal regulations․ Ensure modifications do not violate vehicle safety standards or emissions laws․ Proper installation and compliance are the owner’s responsibility․ Failure to meet legal requirements may result in fines or penalties․ Always verify local regulations before installation to avoid legal issues related to vehicle modifications․
Thank you for choosing Rough Country․ Completing the installation successfully enhances your vehicle’s performance and appearance․ Refer to this guide for future maintenance and enjoy your upgraded suspension system․
13․1 Final Tips for a Successful Installation
Double-check all torque specifications and ensure proper alignment post-installation․ Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for optimal performance․ Consult a certified technician if unsure about any step to avoid complications․ Keep this manual handy for future reference and enjoy the enhanced capabilities of your Rough Country suspension lift kit․
13․2 Enjoying Your New Suspension Lift
Your Rough Country suspension lift enhances vehicle performance‚ handling‚ and clearance․ Enjoy improved off-road capabilities‚ a commanding stance‚ and the confidence to tackle challenging terrain․ Proper installation ensures reliability and safety․ Take pride in your upgrade and explore new adventures with your enhanced truck or Jeep‚ knowing it’s equipped to meet your needs․