2023 Ram 1500 Rough Country vs. Readylift

[CaptainMax]

Hey Everyone,

I am new to this form, and I couldn't find this topic, but if it is already out there, please comment with a link.

Anyways, I ordered a 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Laramie 4x4 Crew Cab Short Bed and looking to do some upgrades when the truck arrives. One of the upgrades I am looking at is lifting/leveling the truck. Through my research, I have would four lift kits that I am interested in; however, I am open to other suggestions, so if you have any, please comment below.

The four lift kits currently on my list are:
- Rough Country 3.50-Inch Bolt-On Suspension Lift Kit with Lifted N3 Struts and Premium N3 Shocks
- Rough Country 3.50-Inch Bolt-On Suspension Lift Kit with V2 Monotube Shocks
- Rough Country 3-Inch Bolt-On Suspension Lift Kit with Premium N3 Shocks
- ReadyLIFT 3.50-Inch SST Suspension Lift Kit

I believe I am correct in my research, but correct me if I am wrong, but I believe these four lift kits will meet my short criteria:
- Does not require any modification (Bolt-On and go)
- Will fit with 35's on 22's without any rubbing
- Good on-the-road lift kits

Any advice or input on these lift kits would be greatly appreciated, along with any other recommendations.

 

[lapoolboy]

Out of those, ReadyLift..... ALL....DAY....LONG

 

[SD Rebel]

I heard from a few sources the Readylift 3.5 kits is especially stiff riding on the street. You are talking both top hat and spring preload spacers with that kit, no spring/shock upgrades. This is a recipe for stiffened ride quality.

The Rough Country kits come with upgraded springs/shocks, probably designed to improve the ride as well.

Highly recommend you check out the user reviews for both kits before making your decision.

 

[lapoolboy]

The way to go with the ReadyLift kit is to scrap the OEM shocks and replace them with Bilsteins. Set the fronts at clip position just higher than 1.5" (depends on whether you go with 5100s or 6112s) to allow for settling, omit the preload spacer, and use only the tophat spacer. The ride quality is amazing and I feel it is better than stock.

I know there are some Rough Country fans out there and I don't want to offend, but I have seen several of their kits for several makes/models up close and it is garbage compared to some of the other (better) brands. There is no way I would put any of their stuff on my truck. There is a reason their stuff is so cheap.

 

[SD Rebel]

The way to go with the ReadyLift kit is to scrap the OEM shocks and replace them with Bilsteins. Set the fronts at clip position just higher than 1.5" (depends on whether you go with 5100s or 6112s) to allow for settling, omit the preload spacer, and use only the tophat spacer. The ride quality is amazing and I feel it is better than stock.

I know there are some Rough Country fans out there and I don't want to offend, but I have seen several of their kits for several makes/models up close and it is garbage compared to some of the other (better) brands. There is no way I would put any of their stuff on my truck. There is a reason their stuff is so cheap.

That sounds like a good idea, I wonder if he could just buy the top hat spacer and UCAs from Readylift and get the Bilsteins of his choice.

I rather go with the Carli kit, but way too pricey, the plan you outlined is where I was likely going to go myself. Using the Bilsteins to level the front 2.5 or 3.0 inches.

 

[lapoolboy]

That sounds like a good idea, I wonder if he could just buy the top hat spacer and UCAs from Readylift and get the Bilsteins of his choice.

I rather go with the Carli kit, but way too pricey, the plan you outlined is where I was likely going to go myself. Using the Bilsteins to level the front 2.5 or 3.0 inches.

Nope, I already tried that. Best to buy the full 3.5" SST kit anyway - all you'll have left unused are the preload spacers.

You can buy their leveling kit with the UCAs and tophat spacers to avoid buying preload spacers you won't use, but then you'll have to buy the rear spacers separately if you want a complete lift kit.

 

[SD Rebel]

Nope, I already tried that. Best to buy the full 3.5" SST kit anyway - all you'll have left unused are the preload spacers.

You can buy their leveling kit with the UCAs and tophat spacers to avoid buying preload spacers you won't use, but then you'll have to buy the rear spacers separately if you want a complete lift kit.

Sounds good, to level with the rear, you need 3.5" in the front, but assuming only 2.5" if you don't raise the rear?

 

[lapoolboy]

Sounds good, to level with the rear, you need 3.5" in the front, but assuming only 2.5" if you don't raise the rear?

3.5" up front will still leave you with slight rake if you lift 2" in the rear.

2.5" in front only leaves you sitting closer to level. I had this setup on mine for a while and it was still just a tad lower in the front.

 

[Outlaw21]

I just installed the 3.5" ReadyLift SST last night and had 35x12.50R22 Trail Grappler tires put on today. So far I'm very happy with the way it rides even using the OEM shocks. Before / After pics

 

[Frosty Ride]

I have the Rough Country 3.5 lift on my Big Horn with ORP. Biggest advice do not buy the kit that comes with spacers for the front. I did that and it creaked and groaned before I took it back to the installer. They put the Rough Country struts on and is perfect now. There are two kits out there and the one with the struts is about $300 more. Truck might ride better than stock now and looks nice.

 

[CaptainMax]

I just installed the 3.5" ReadyLift SST last night and had 35x12.50R22 Trail Grappler tires put on today. So far I'm very happy with the way it rides even using the OEM shocks. Before / After pics

Thank you very much!

 

[Jwedding1989]

The way to go with the ReadyLift kit is to scrap the OEM shocks and replace them with Bilsteins. Set the fronts at clip position just higher than 1.5" (depends on whether you go with 5100s or 6112s) to allow for settling, omit the preload spacer, and use only the tophat spacer. The ride quality is amazing and I feel it is better than stock.







I know there are some Rough Country fans out there and I don't want to offend, but I have seen several of their kits for several makes/models up close and it is garbage compared to some of the other (better) brands. There is no way I would put any of their stuff on my truck. There is a reason their stuff is so cheap.



Which 5100? I seen 2 different ones.

 

[lapoolboy]

You referring to the 5160? Those are remote resi's for the rear. They pair nicely with the 6112 up front. Otherwise, just run all 5100's.

 

[ntx_lonestar5.7]

I've been trying to figure this out too. I can get either. I am looking at the 6" lift and with new UCA's and installed from RC I can get it all for about 3k installed. If I do the Readylift no UCA's installed it is about 4k from 4WP. The Readylift has new springs for the rear but the front is still lifted by a spacer. I dont tow or haul heavy loads. It is mainly lumber and lawn stuff for home projects so is it worth the extra grand? I could use that for a programmer or another mod.

 

[BigPapa59]

That sounds like a good idea, I wonder if he could just buy the top hat spacer and UCAs from Readylift and get the Bilsteins of his choice.

I rather go with the Carli kit, but way too pricey, the plan you outlined is where I was likely going to go myself. Using the Bilsteins to level the front 2.5 or 3.0 inches.

I Got Cargomaxx HD springs in the back, Extreme suspension spacer on the front with readylift control arms. Not that the stock shocks are bad but I ordered Bilsteins as well

 

[DIRTRIDER]

I have the RC complete 3.5” kit with upgraded rear shocks and lifted struts on 2 different trucks. Very happy with ride.

 

[mrclortho]

ReadyLIFT 3.50-Inch SST Suspension Lift Kit - 35's. It rides and drives like stock (still using stock shocks). I tow two trailers loaded up the bed and been off-road with zero issues. It has been a very nice kit for the money. However, you aren't going to gain any 'performance' upgrade, just taller for bigger tires.

Being a Jeeper, I will NEVER run a Rough Country lift again...ever.

 

[Steelcajun39]

I just put this on my 2024 RAM but when I measured from the ground to the wheel well in the front it was 41" and the back was 40, I thought this was supposed to level the truck

 

[Redz72]

I just put this on my 2024 RAM but when I measured from the ground to the wheel well in the front it was 41" and the back was 40, I thought this was supposed to level the truck

A little more info would help. What kit did you put on etc?