Bilstein Level vs Rough Country 3.5"

[Ibanez540r]

I currently have the Bilstein 5100's with non-ORP springs set at clip 5. I also have the matching Bilstein rear shocks (no spacer/stock height). The truck sits pretty perfectly level, really happy with ride qaulity, etc. It's been installed for probably two years and initially looked like a huge difference, but it's "worn-off" and I'm wanting more. I've considered going to clip 6 and adding a rear spacer..

Came across a guy selling the complete Rough Country 3.5" lift kit with N3 for $500:
"Includes: • (2) Front Rough Country N3 Loaded Struts (pre-assembled coilovers) • (2) Rear N3 Shocks • (2) Rear Lift Coil Springs • (2) Forged Upper Control Arms • (4) Extended Sway Bar End Links"

Curious what the quality/ride quality difference would be going from the Bilstein to the Rough Country, and also how much real-life difference the height would be (vs the technical spec comparison, which isn't always accurate)?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

 

[H2OMAN]

Bilstein is the gold standard for low end Lift/Levels. Rough County is garbage. If you are dying to spend another $500, get new coils all around and keep the Bilsteins. You can get lift coils for the rear. You can either get longer coils for the front or just go up to notch 6 or 7 for the fronts. You'll get an even better ride and you won't be buying new stuff in a couple of years. And you'll keep the race tech that you get with the Bilsteins.

 

[boogielander]

just saying, it's called "rough country" for a reason.

keep the bilsteins.

 

[msnyder1112]

Real experience of that 3.5 RC kit. I wouldn’t say it’s garbage. It served my purpose for the 2 years I had it.
But… the ride sucked. I did have the spacer lift vs the taller struts so I’m not sure how the n3s or m1s would be on that application.
I moved up to their 6 inch lift with the n3s and will contest that the n3s are pretty close to stock… My daughter has the m1s and they feel exactly like stock. I think I’m upgrading to the vertex coil overs as i hear a lot of good things.

I personally have very little regrets with my lift. No issues with the products, customer service has been great the few times I need them. I will say, if you don’t know jack about suspensions, it would be wise to stay away from your boxed lifts. RC, BDS, Ready Lift, etc.