Hi I'm new so I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section but here we go,

I recently installed the RC 5 inch lift on my 1998 and had some info to share about it.

Quality:
I thought the overall quality of the lift was good. The drop brackets were all thick steel plate (1/4 inch I think). However on the diff drop bracket I found that it wasn't completely welded in, there was spots on it that they just decided not to weld were it could have been IMO. The lift blocks were solid and use 4 u bolts instead of 2 and have a wide mounting surface against the leaf to prevent wheel hop. I found the shocks to be a little cheaply made but they are thicker and longer than the factory ones, they seem to be working alright so far too so time will tell. The skid plate that comes with the kit is small, just large enough to cover the bottom of the front diff so I plan on upgrading that. But overall I found it to be good quality.

Fitment:
Almost everything fit they way it should and minimal cutting was needed. The only thing that needed to be cut was just a little bit off the corner factory cross member, which is in the instructions. The only fitment issues I had were with the front driver side brake line extension. It had a female thread on it when it needed a male to fit on the truck. Also the holes in the skid plate did not line up with the cross member exactly.

Notes:
-My 15 inch steel wheels clear perfectly fine and aren't close to the knuckles at all, even though according to Rough Country 17" wheels are the smallest you can run.
-Front brakes on 98-2000? need to be upgraded to 12.1" rotors due to where the caliber bolts on the knuckle. My truck had 11.25" rotors and needed to be upgraded.
-Factory front skid plates will not fit without modification.
-If you have add a leaf like me and plan on leaving it installed you will need longer u-bolts than what is included in the kit.
-If you are having the kit shipped to Canada like I did beware of duty and exchange. I owed $300 for duty when the kit came in. My kit costed me right around $1700 CAD after everything.
-The biggest tire they recommend is a 33 12.5 but I found that my 33 10.5s look small and I don't think clearing a larger tire would be an issue.

I thought the kit seemed to be well made and looks great on my truck IMO.

Yes, I am aware that my locking hubs weren't installed in these pictures and yes my FX4 sticker is fake. (Previous owner) lol

 

I recently purchase this kit, what all did it take to make the 12” brake rotors work?

 

The tires do look small in the wheel well, but concern with larger than that would be possible rubbing when turning.
Nice looking truck. I have a '99 same color, sort of. Just about all of the clear coat has peeled from the hood and fenders.

 

Hi, all it takes is just the rotors. The difference is where the caliber bolts onto the rough country knuckles.

 

Hi, thanks. I don't think I should have a issue clearing bigger tires, in person there is alot of room in the wheel wells. When I upgrade to 35"s I'll check back in and let you guys know how it went.

 

Got my new tires on. They are Cooper Discoverer stt Pro's. Size is 35/12.50/15. So far no clearance issues. Truck will turn at full lock with no rubbing. Will have to wait until I take it out in the woods again to find out if they rub or not when flexing or something but so far no issues.

 

"-My 15 inch steel wheels clear perfectly fine and aren't close to the knuckles at all, even though according to Rough Country 17" wheels are the smallest you can run."

The 17" wheel requirement is the only thing keeping me from buying this lift.... you have had no issues?

 

no issues running them at all. My wheels are offset a little but thats it.

 

Looks a lot better with 35's. Did you re-gear the diffs?
Did you install the lift yourself? How many hours did it take? Any special tools?

 

where’d you find the 12.1” rotors

 

What offset are they? what brand?

 

Resurrecting this as I am trying to find out the actual drop the brackets create and how much of the 5” is torsion twist. I have read the super lift is a 3” drop. So wondering if the RC lift is 4”?

does anyone know?

i can see in the RC photo the front axle shave a pretty healthy angle and it looks like at least 1” of TT.

I’m looking to put this on my explorer and can’t find any information on this lift, literally joined the forum just to ask this question. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

You guys that have done the 5” lift. Where did you get the 12.1” rotors. And also did you have to get larger calipers. I’m getting the lift kit soon and my suspension tech at work is going to help me instal it. I have already got 17” wheels and going to upgrade to warn manual hubs. My only dilemma is the front brakes. I’ve tried reading through the forums and couldn’t find info on where to find the bigger rotors. Thanks in advance

 

Hi sorry I haven't been on in awhile my truck is not currently on the road at the moment. I have had other projects and and a new daily, my 88 f150. To answer a few questions, yes I installed the kit myself at the time I was not a mechanic and did this myself I when was 18 years old it is fairly easy to install. I don't know the specs or brand of my wheels they came off a old jeep that's all I know lol. As for the front rotors I just ordered rotors for a 2011 ranger they are the same as the 1998 rotors except the size difference. I haven't done a regear yet. It could definitely use one badly. But I daily drove the truck on 35s with a 3.0 and 3.73 gears. Don't be afraid to install the kit if that's what's holding you back especially if you have a 4.0. I'd definitely plan to regear but you can get away with it for a little while. The way my truck is right now I'm guessing I have around 7 inches of lift all suspension and it drives pretty good. It is a add a leaf and keys turned up with the kit. Hope this helps.

 

Your calipers you have will work. Get rotors for a 2011 they are the bigger ones. The knuckle that comes in the kit will move the caliper out further to work with the bigger rotors.

 

​​​​​​Before I cranked my keys after I installed my kit the angles looked the same as they did stock. I can't remember how much of a drop it is but I cranked my keys with the kit in and the angles are not that bad. Beware if you install this on a explorer the lift blocks won't work in the back as you axle sits on top of the leaf springs.

 

Thanks a lot for your review very useful. Here is mine (rc 5" ) on 35" tires. A special thanks to guillaume tremblay and his team on the job!

After suspension lift and added leaf and rear lift

After suspension 5 inch and rear lift

After rear lift

After suspension lift but Before rear lift and added leaf.

Before ... just... everything.... this is so painful to watch...

 

Good review, my friend also got the RC 5 inch lift and I agree with you that the fit and quality of the lift are good enough although there are better alternatives but for the budget it comes in, I think it’s a fair deal. I may be considering this some time in the future

 

Trucks look good... consider the Coil Over Shock set up for the front.
Gives a lot more clearance under the middle and you can vary the ride by adjusting or changing the coil.
Also, give the truck a more solid feel on corners.

Just talking out loud.

 

I agree for the clearance... coilovers are not a cheap option. Still I think i got enough clearance with rc lift kit on big tires for my winter pereginations. Looking to add a winch hoocked on a rear hitch receiver as the bumper of the ranger is everything but useful for a rough ride. The rear of the truck is now level, had to use 4" lowering brackets in the rear and added a leaf to get it even.
Has anyone used a rear hitch mounted winch? Seems like a simple yet powerful option....

 

Does anyone have a clear understanding on why the kit requires 17" wheels? I keep seeing people stating that their 16" rims clear just fine. Is this just for owners with the 16" steel rims because they're a little more thin than the aluminum 16" rims? I'm trying my best to avoid buying the new aftermarket "off-road" 17" rims plus the extra 1000 dollars just for rim and tires. I'd much rather just stick with tires.

 

IIRC, it's because there could be interference between the wheel and brake calipers with smaller rims.

 

Has anyone had any luck getting this lift kit put on with a 31 spline rear axle? I’ve heard talk that it won’t fit and that these lifts are made for a 28 spline. If so, or if you have knowledge in this area, how would I get it to fit? Some people have suggested bigger U-bolts. I just want some options before I drop $1000s on new rims and tires. Thank you

 

Anyone have a long term review of owning the lift kit? Placing a deposit tomorrow for the kit and tires.

 

Long Term???? How much 4wheeling you plan on doing in Tampa? LOL