Okay, I know I'm about to get toasted here, but I feel I just can't sit on this anymore. When I needed new shocks a few years ago, I really wanted to go with Fox 2.0s. At the time, I had a suspension lift of about 2.5". While measuring for shocks, I found that the front Fox shocks were not a good fit in that the 0-2" measured out too short for my application, and the 3-4.5" were too long, so I started looking for something similar, but in a size that would fit my build.
About the only thing I found that was of similar construction to the Fox 2.0 was the then new Rough Country V2, and the sizes were perfect for what I had. So, I started searching the web for "Rough Country V2 Jeep TJ". I couldn't find any direct hits. The only reviews I did find on these particular shocks were on bigger truck applications, but they were all positive reviews. I even heard some folks say things like, "Forget what you used to think about Rough Country. These shocks are actually nice.". At $130 per shock, the price was considerably higher than the "budget" shocks on the market, but still about $50 per shock less than the Fox 2.0.
I figured I'd roll the dice and order a set. I was replacing my worn out Rancho 5000 (pre X model) shocks. Once I had them mounted, I took them for a ride over a particular stretch of road in my area that I knew was rough and in need of some repair. I was really happy with the ride they provided. They were very complaint with no harshness. They were a real improvement over what I had been riding on.
Then, I found this forum. I had been familiar with guys like Blaine and Jerry from other forums they were once active on, so I figured this was the place to be. I was right. But, Imagine my terror when I started reading the absolute disgust for all things Rough Country around here.I started thinking that maybe my old shocks were so worn that these new shocks just felt good in comparison, but were actually not that good at all. So, I decided to order a set of Black Max shocks to compare them to and decided that I'd keep the shocks that felt best and sell the others since neither set would have more than a couple hundred miles on them. To my delight, the Rough Country V2s rode at least as nice as the Black Maxes did on road and did really well off road, as well. I decided to go with the V2s. I didn't have to sell the Black Maxes because just after I made my decision, my son purchased a 2001 TJ that he immediately lifted 2" and was in need of new shocks, so he's riding on them now.
So, to wrap up this rather long winded post, I would say that either my old ass is not an accurate tool for testing ride smoothness, or that ALL Rough Country components suck...except the V2 shocks.
Oh, and in the spirit of full disclosure, I also have a Rough Country motor mount lift, but how do you screw up a chunk of aluminium?
no toasting from me. There are things that RC does perfectly fine. Their customer service is great, I've even had them send me replacement parts for free without any warranty stuff. The CRES 2 HD is a good solid cargo net. Their sway bar disconnects are a good value. Their LED lighting might not be Baja Designs level but they're a clear step up from the nameless Chinese crap on Amazon. And they're the only company that makes anything close to a Rubicon-width factory looking fender flare.
I'm completely open to the possibility that they could make (or relabel and resell) a good shock. Their reputation is based more on the shocks they've historically packaged in their lift kits, and thoughtlessly including goofy stuff like drop pitman arms in their lift kits. If I see some feedback around here from someone who has been able to directly compare them with some of the other players I might even try them out.
it did go it fairly easy and the angle on each side at the upper ball joint was really close to the same. Within .2 of each other. It does drive considerably better so it can’t be all bad. lol. To get any more adjustment out of it I’ll have to buy adjustable lower arms as well. Mine are fixed.