F150 4-Inch Lift: Rough Country Review & Installation

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey truck enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you're always looking for ways to beef up your ride. One popular upgrade for the Ford F-150 is a lift kit, and today, we're diving deep into the Rough Country 4-inch lift kit! We'll cover everything from what it is, why you might want one, to the nitty-gritty of installation and some things to consider. Let's get started!

What is a 4-Inch Lift Kit?

So, what exactly is a 4-inch lift kit? Simply put, it's a modification designed to raise your truck's ride height by four inches. This gives your F-150 a more aggressive stance, allows for larger tires, and improves ground clearance. The Rough Country kit, in particular, is known for being a solid choice for those looking to enhance their truck's off-road capabilities and overall appearance without breaking the bank. It is designed to provide you with extra ground clearance, giving you the ability to go over obstacles and through tough terrains. It also allows you to fit larger tires on your truck without rubbing against the fenders or other components. The result is a more capable and stylish truck that can handle whatever you throw at it. The 4-inch lift kit usually involves replacing or modifying the suspension components such as shocks, struts, springs, and sometimes control arms, to achieve the lift. This is the perfect option for those who want to be able to hit the trails and also like the look of a lifted truck. The Rough Country brand offers lift kits for a wide variety of vehicles, but they are particularly popular for the F-150 because of their combination of affordability and performance. This kit is a great investment for anyone who wants to take their truck to the next level.

Benefits of a 4-Inch Lift

Why go for a lift kit in the first place, you ask? Well, there are several benefits to consider. First and foremost, a 4-inch lift gives you significantly improved ground clearance. This means you can confidently tackle rough terrain, navigate over obstacles, and take on those off-road trails you've always dreamed of. Beyond the functional advantages, a lift kit completely changes the look of your truck. It gives it a more aggressive, commanding presence. Additionally, a lift kit allows you to fit larger, more aggressive tires. This not only enhances the off-road performance but also adds to the overall aesthetic. Finally, a lifted truck can simply be more enjoyable to drive. The higher vantage point provides better visibility, and the improved suspension can lead to a smoother ride on bumpy roads. Keep in mind that installing a lift kit will have some effects. If you are not familiar with these changes, you can take your truck to a mechanic to get assistance. This way, you are also making sure that you avoid any future issues.

Rough Country Lift Kit: A Closer Look

Alright, let's zoom in on the Rough Country 4-inch lift kit specifically. Rough Country is a well-known name in the off-road world, and they have a reputation for offering quality products at a reasonable price point. The 4-inch lift kit for the F-150 is designed to provide a balance of performance, affordability, and ease of installation. You're getting a kit that is engineered for your specific truck model, so it should fit properly and function as intended. The kit typically includes components like lifted knuckles, upper and lower control arms, front and rear shocks, and other necessary hardware. Rough Country also offers different levels of kits, some with upgraded shocks or additional features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. What makes the Rough Country kits stand out? They are known for their durability and the quality of their components. This means that your lift kit will last for a long time. They are also known for providing great customer support in case you have any issues during or after the installation. The kits are designed to be relatively easy to install, even for those with some DIY experience. Of course, it's always recommended to consult a professional if you're not comfortable working on your truck. All of the components that make up the kit have been designed and engineered to work together, which means that the performance will be better than if you were to piece together a lift kit from different manufacturers. You can also customize your truck with additional accessories, such as skid plates or a winch. This gives you the ability to tailor your truck to your specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, Rough Country gives you a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for F-150 owners. This also makes the kit a worthwhile investment for those who are serious about off-roading or simply want to elevate their truck's appearance and capabilities.

Kit Components & Features

The exact components included in a Rough Country 4-inch lift kit can vary slightly depending on the specific kit you choose and the year of your F-150, but here's a general idea of what you can expect:

  • Lifted knuckles or Spindles: These are crucial for achieving the lift in the front end. They replace your stock knuckles and allow the suspension to be raised.
  • Upper and Lower Control Arms: These are often included to maintain proper alignment and suspension geometry after the lift.
  • Front and Rear Shocks: Upgraded shocks are a must-have for a lift kit. They improve ride quality and handle the increased suspension travel. Rough Country offers different shock options, including their own brand of shocks.
  • Coil Springs or Strut Spacers (Front): Some kits use coil springs to lift the front, while others use strut spacers. Coil springs usually provide a better ride quality, but both methods achieve the desired lift.
  • Rear Lift Blocks or Add-a-Leafs: These components lift the rear of the truck. Lift blocks are inserted between the axle and the leaf springs, while add-a-leafs add extra leaves to the existing spring pack.
  • Brake Line Brackets: These brackets relocate the brake lines to ensure they have enough slack after the lift.
  • Hardware and Instructions: The kit includes all the necessary hardware for installation and detailed instructions to guide you through the process.

Installation Process: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part – the installation! I am not a mechanic, and I would recommend getting a professional involved, but let's take a look at the process. This is a general overview; always refer to the specific instructions included with your Rough Country kit for the most accurate information.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before you even touch a wrench, you'll need to do some prep work.

  • Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools. This usually includes a jack, jack stands, wrenches, sockets, a torque wrench, and possibly a spring compressor.
  • Read the Instructions: Carefully read through the instructions that come with the kit. This will give you a clear understanding of the process.
  • Safety First: Always work in a safe environment. Use jack stands to support the truck, and wear safety glasses.
  • Organize the Parts: Lay out all the kit components and familiarize yourself with them.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Here’s a general rundown of the installation steps:

  1. Prep the Truck: Start by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Then, raise the front of the truck and secure it with jack stands. Remove the front wheels.
  2. Remove the Old Suspension: Disconnect the brake lines, ABS wires, and any other connections to the front suspension components. Remove the stock shocks, springs, and control arms.
  3. Install Lifted Knuckles/Spindles: Install the new knuckles or spindles, ensuring all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
  4. Install New Control Arms: Install the new upper and lower control arms.
  5. Install Front Shocks: Install the new front shocks.
  6. Install Coil Springs or Strut Spacers: If the kit uses coil springs, install them now. If it uses strut spacers, install them on top of the struts.
  7. Rear Suspension: Raise the rear of the truck and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
  8. Install Lift Blocks or Add-a-Leafs: Install the lift blocks between the axle and the leaf springs, or install the add-a-leafs.
  9. Install Rear Shocks: Install the new rear shocks.
  10. Re-connect Brake Lines and ABS Wires: Make sure everything is properly connected.
  11. Install Wheels and Tires: Put the wheels and tires back on, and lower the truck.
  12. Alignment: Get a professional alignment to ensure the truck drives properly.

Things to Consider Before You Install

Before you start, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First off, consider your budget. While Rough Country kits are generally affordable, there are still costs involved, including the kit itself, installation (if you're not doing it yourself), and potentially an alignment. Think about your mechanical skills and experience. If you're not comfortable working on your truck, it's best to have a professional install the kit. Also, consider the impact on your truck's performance. A lift kit will change the way your truck handles, and it may affect fuel economy. Finally, you might want to review local laws and regulations regarding lifted vehicles. Make sure your truck complies with all the rules. It's also important to note that you may need to make other modifications depending on the lift kit that you choose. For example, some kits require you to trim your fenders or replace your driveshaft. This is all part of the process, and it's important to be prepared. If you're planning on doing any off-roading, you'll also want to consider upgrading your tires and wheels. Larger tires will give you more ground clearance and improve your truck's off-road capabilities. You can get an estimated quote for the total cost of the project from a mechanic. That would also let you know how long the project will take. If you are not familiar with the procedure, it would also be a great idea to let the mechanic do the installation so that you can avoid any mistakes.

The Importance of Professional Installation

While many people with some mechanical experience choose to install their lift kits, there are definite advantages to having a professional do the work. A professional mechanic has the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to ensure the kit is installed correctly and safely. They can identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments, reducing the risk of problems down the road. They can also ensure that all components are properly torqued and aligned, which is critical for the vehicle's handling and safety. Furthermore, professional installation often comes with a warranty, providing you with peace of mind. While the cost of professional installation is an extra expense, it can be well worth it for the added assurance and convenience. It's also a good idea to seek out a reputable shop that specializes in off-road modifications. These shops will have experience with Rough Country kits and other similar products, and they'll be able to provide expert advice and recommendations.

Driving Experience After the Lift

So, you've got your Rough Country 4-inch lift kit installed. Now what? You can definitely expect some changes in how your F-150 drives. The most immediate difference will be the higher ride height. You'll have a better view of the road, and you'll feel like you're sitting on top of the world. The ground clearance will also be greatly improved, allowing you to easily handle rough terrain and obstacles. A lift kit can also change the truck's handling characteristics. With a higher center of gravity, the truck may feel slightly more tippy in corners. You may also notice some changes in the ride quality. The new shocks that come with the kit will generally improve the ride on rough roads, but the truck may feel a bit stiffer overall. Of course, all of this is part of the fun of lifting your truck. The goal of the lift is to enhance the capabilities and visual appeal of the truck, so it's a worthwhile compromise for most truck owners. Overall, you will have a more capable and stylish truck that is ready for whatever adventure you have in mind. Remember to take it easy at first and get used to the feel of the new suspension and ride height before you start pushing your truck's limits. It might take some time to get used to the new feel of your truck. If you are not used to it, you can take it slow at first. This will give you time to adjust to the new driving characteristics. It's also important to keep in mind that lifted trucks require more frequent maintenance. You'll need to check the suspension components regularly and ensure that everything is in good working order. With all this in mind, you can fully enjoy the lifted truck experience.

Maintaining Your Lift Kit

Once your Rough Country 4-inch lift kit is installed, proper maintenance is key to keeping your truck running smoothly and safely. Regular inspections are a must. Check all the suspension components, including shocks, springs, control arms, and hardware, for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or looseness. Make sure all the bolts are properly tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. Also, pay attention to the tires. Ensure that they are properly inflated and rotated regularly to promote even wear. Lubricate all moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep an eye out for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Address any problems promptly to prevent them from worsening. If you're unsure about any aspect of maintenance, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic. They can perform regular inspections, identify potential issues, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. With proper care, your Rough Country lift kit will provide years of reliable service and enjoyment.

Conclusion: Is the Rough Country 4-Inch Lift for You?

So, is the Rough Country 4-inch lift kit the right choice for your F-150? If you're looking to improve ground clearance, enhance the look of your truck, and upgrade your off-road capabilities, then the answer is likely yes. The Rough Country kit offers a great balance of performance, affordability, and ease of installation. However, it's essential to consider your budget, mechanical skills, and intended use. Make sure you're comfortable with the installation process or willing to have a professional handle it. Consider the potential impact on your truck's handling and fuel economy. All things considered, the Rough Country 4-inch lift kit is a popular and solid choice for F-150 owners looking to take their trucks to the next level. So go out there and enjoy your lifted truck! Have fun and be safe!