Installed 3" lift but ride became stiff due to wrong kit

There isn't a spacer on top of that front strut, is there? Can't tell from the pics. But it sure looks like you don't have much down travel left before that upper ball joint reaches its limit.

Your control arms are in a fixed position. The spindle by the wheel doesn't get longer or shorter, and where they attach to the frame doesn't change. They aren't getting squeezed together. The wheel is just pushed down, which gives you the lift. If you don't like it, take it all off. And don't buy any more Rough Country garbage.

 

The answer is in your title.

Wrong kit.

Put your OE parts back on and study up on suspension options before your next buy.

 

there are not any spacers about the strut. what lift kits would you recommend for rwd?

 

If you just want a lift go with a spindle lift and stock shocks. I you want to off road desert running, go with spindles and an after market coilover like fox, icon or king(you don't have to pre load the springs to get desired lift). You should also upgrade your rear springs and an aftermarket performance shock matching the fronts.

 

A spindle lift would be better, but they are mainly available for 4" of lift. I wouldn't recommend lifting more than 3". Most people here on TW aren't fans of spacer lifts, but if you are limited on budget and are just doing it for looks, get some Bilstein 5100s and use a small spacer on the front, use a block and extended 5100s on the rear. IMO, the best economical choice for a functional lift is the OME kit with new rear springs. Beyond that, you are getting into a lot more money for the higher-end Bilstein, Fox, or King setups.

 

Where would I find the OEM kit? and I think I am just going to go ahead and stick with what I have on and replace the OEM UCA with RC UCA.

 

Why change the UCA? That is not going to change how the ride feels. It might help you get a better alignment, but that's about it.

Many vendors sell the OME (Old Man Emu) kit.

 

Well I thought to change the UCA since my ball joint is on the edge of snapping, plus I didn't plan on spending too much money on a lift kit from the start. The stiff ride, I think I will just have to deal with rather than dealing with the hassle of taking it off.

 

everything is brand new. give it some time and if its still to stiff lower your tire pressures a bit. take that truck off road so everything cycles fully and "wears in"

step back and ask "why did I lift my truck"
usually its to fit bigger tires or better offroad performance
either way, whatever you do, drive the hell out of it and enjoy the truck.

 

Funny, if I’m seeing this right, the ball joint angle would improve with more lift.

Could just be that I’m not looking at the whole thing.

Best budget lift is no lift at all. Three places you don’t want to skimp on, steering, breaks and suspension.

If it doesn’t soften up to your liking, return to stock and try to sell the kit.

 

He was referring to old man emu ome kit. I say go bilstien. They do great for what sounds like what you want. You can choose what springs you want. Actually hit up @HeadStrong Off-Road she will get you setup.

 

Your ball joint is not 'on the edge of snapping'. Upper control arms won't change the angle of your ball joint. Cheap is cheap. New springs/shocks can easily take 500-1k miles to settle in.

 

OMFUG!

 

This^. New UCA's won't change that angle.

Again, the only thing "wrong" about that kit is the diff drop hardware that you don't need. RC sells those same coilovers for 2WD trucks. You could have bought new coilovers direct from RC and you'd be right in this exact spot.