3.5 rough country lift opinions

Hey everyone, I am new here I have a 2021 Tacoma TRD sport, I want to raise it and put 285/70r17 on it, along with a better stance, I don’t do any off roading I am looking at the rough country 3.5 lift with lifted struts and n3 shocks along with the control arms and the diff drop, hearing lots of reviews and some say it’s good and bad, also wondering about the tss system and if lifting it effects that system? Again I am going more for look and to get more height, what do you all think? I would have bought the factory lift but the dumbasses at Toyota only made it for the shot box Tacomas and not the long box

 

As well It also worry’s me that the dealer may void warranty if something were to happen to the diff or axels, which I don’t think would of the kit fits correctly and puts no strain on it

 

Rough country has a poor reputation for durability.

They are cheap for a reason.

If you want a cheap lift, just do a spacer lift, and save up for a coil over lift one day.

Read up on here for loads of choices, but rarely you'll see RC recommended.

Do you have a 4x4?

Typically the lift after 2.5" starting to max out the limitations of the design and you run into many issues, like wicked CV and prop shaft angles.

 

I do have a 4x4 long box, basically I am looking to add a bit more hight and a more bolder/ bulky look, like I said I don’t off road so it is basically pavement truck. Money I was looking to spend up to 2 grand on a lift just not sure what the best way to go is

 

I would just do a OME 2” suspension lift. Same clearance in the front as a 3.5” lift with a diff drop. No need for UCAs. Your truck will also ride better.

Or can always do bilstein 5100 in front and throw a 2” block in the rear.

 

This goes against the grain here, but I put in the RC 3.5" lift with the N3 shocks a couple of weeks ago and I am impressed. Between my old 2nd gen and my current truck, I have had Bilstein 5100s, OME suspension, and Fox suspension. The Rough Country setup rides much better than the 5100s and OME suspension did. I'll admit that Rough Country products used to be garbage but since coming out with the N3 and Vertex lines, I think they are trying to get on par with some of the other mid-level suspension systems out there. Is it a high-end Fox or King suspension? No. Is it supposed to compete with that? Also no.

I have put about 2,000 miles on the RC setup, with about 100 being off-road. The ride on and off-road is firmer than the stock TRD OR suspension but is very controlled and comfortable. If most of your driving is on road with some off-roading mixed in, give it a shot. If you are trying to do some hard-core wheeling, go with something else.

The TSS system is fine with the lift, it won't hurt anything. Toyota is just trying to cover their rears. My truck has been lifted for 50,000 miles and I have not had an issue with the sensor. You will also be hard pressed to cause any damage to the diffs or axles. Like some other posters said, keep an eye on the CV angles and you will be golden. Worst case you may need to replace the needle bearing in the front differential but that is fairly easy if you have the truck apart already to install the lift.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. I don't think many folks are running this setup on the forums.

 

diff drops are completely unnecessary and not needed on a 3rd Gen. It can actually do more harm than good…been there

as far as OME, I had this lift and I have to say that it was way too stiff and over-preloaded from the factory. OME does this on purpose as their stuff is directed to the heavy over and crowd. I went through aftermarket SPC ball joints in 10 months from this lift…never again

If OP wants a budget setup but still well balanced and quality, I would go with the Eibach stage 1 or 2. A better leaf pack like a Dobinsons or Icon RXT will be better than blocks over time anytime

@Jer1623

 

Have a look through this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/eibach-pro-lift-kit.545060/

 

I put the Rough Country 3.5 Vertex Coilover lift on with the control arms, and rear spring lift and rear vertex shocks, for $3k it was absolutely worth every penny. The lift rides great, plenty of travel, and the 33x12.50 clear without any trimming or rubbing.

 

It all just depends on how much money you want to spend..... there are lots of options.

 

So with a 3.5 lift adding a diff drop will do more harm then good? Without a dif drop would it not be hard let on the axles? Ect

 

Stock is always better, unless it’s a toy or some shit.

 

If you want the truck to be level with the 3.5" rough country kit, you gotta get the leaf springs too. With the rear blocks the front will be high and the back will be squatted. New leafs are taller than the blocks. If you don't want the leafs, then get the 3" coilover kit and add the control arms with the blocks and it'll be level. That's what I did. See Custom Offsets website for pics, you'll see. You'll also need longer rear brake lines $100 and probably ECGS bushing for driver's side $100.

 

you aren’t going to get 3.5” of lift without hurting your axles regardless…that is a made up lift height that is not common to aftermarket suspension lifts. And yes, it rotates the diff slightly and can position some parts slightly out of the normal oil level which can cause weird harmonic vibrations.

the ideal lift height for theses trucks is 2.5” or less because of the CV axle issue and ride quality. Almost all suspension lifts for these trucks max at 3” (which is a harsh ride if not done with the proper coil and shock valving)

 

It will rub if you wheel it and flex.

 

The best way to go is to leave it alone. You're going to make the ride more harsh and reduce your gas mileage by putting on big, heavy, bulky wheels and tires to get some silly stance.

 

I wanted a certain look, I don't wheel - just rough gravel roads in Northern Wisconsin is about the extent I off-road. I did the lift, wheels and tires and in the summer I get a little over 18 mpg, which isn't bad.



I'm happy with that stance, little bit of poke but with 285s it doesn't look all that lifted.

 

What lift did you end up going with the Rc? Looks nice I was thinking 285’s as well

 

So what would be the best 2.5 lift to use then? I could always do the 2 inch levelling kit and 1 inch block on the rear along with a set of bigger tires to give me a bit more hight and better stance.

 

Okay … I bought the truck, and lift for my som who just turned 18, highly doubt it’ll see much off-road use…