Your next off-roading adventure needs some adrenaline, some snacks for the trip, and a sturdy lift kit for your good old Jeep!
Your lift kit should be able to raise your vehicle’s height, so you can traverse through rough terrain like a hot knife in butter. You may also need suspension shocks and steering stabilizers.
Here, we’ll shed some light on Skyjacker and Rough Country: two renowned companies for suspension kits and off-roading equipment. We’ll show you a detailed comparison between the two, so you can make your decision easier.
A Brief About Skyjacker
Skyjacker’s products are all meant for off-roading, which is no wonder, seeing as the company’s engineers work as road-off drivers in their extra time. Every item they sell, including the famous suspension kits, is inspired by real-life experience.
While this may not mean a lot to you as a buyer, it certainly gives a sense of safety that the manufacturers fully understand the product they’re making. On top of that, Skyjacker has been in the market since the early ‘70s, and the experience is apparent in every item they sell.
Skyjacker produces a wide variety of suspension gear; you’ll likely find a kit for any driving style you’re opting for. There are the lifts, which will give you excellent ground clearance. There are also the leaf springs that raise the height and add to the payload capacity. In addition to that, the stabilizers and end links Skyjacker offers will give you better control of your truck.
A Brief About Rough Country
Same as Skyjacker, Rough Country has been making suspension kits since the early ‘70s. That’s why they’re now one of the leading brands in the market. The company is well-known for its tough products.
Their kits are meant for heavy-duty jobs, so you can abuse your vehicle without any fear. The company makes some of the most durable products in the industry.
Rough Country makes two main styles of shocks with different types of fillings. The Hydro 8000 series has a hydraulic design, while the Nitro 9000 series has a nitrogen gas charging.
As for the stabilizers, Rough Country makes some of the best in the market. Their steering stabilizer, for example, will maximize your tires’ lifespan. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, which puts your mind at ease.
Which One Should You Pick?
The choice between Skyjacker and Rough Country is a confusing one, especially that they make almost-similar products. However, some differences can make it or break it. Here’s a detailed comparison between the two giants.
Lift Kits
Both companies make lift kits. Let’s see how each one outperforms the other.
Rough Country
Rough Country lift kits come with everything you may need for your off-road trip. They provide impeccable performance, along with safety features and style. All Rough Country kits give enough ground clearance for different types of terrains.
The company provides double-tapered leaf springs with the kits, which are ideal for load distribution. That way, you’ll have more flex while driving. On top of that, most kits come with transfer case drips that maintain the driveshaft angles, thereby adjusting the vibration issues.
All Rough Country kits are easy to install by yourself, which is one primary reason for the company’s popularity.
Skyjacker
Skyjacker lift kits don’t provide as much ground clearance as Rough Country. However, they’ll help you maintain optimum contact for your vehicle with the ground. Not to mention that they’re more affordable than Rough Country’s kits, which is the reason some people prefer them.
Like Rough Country, Skyjacker’s kits all come with everything you may need. If your goal is an extra comfy ride, you might want to opt for a long arm kit.
Shocks
Rough Country is the leading company in producing shocks, but Skyjacker is also worth a shot.
Rough Country
Rough Country produces two shocks: The Hydro 8000 and the Nitro 9000. The Hydro features a hydraulic design, while the Nitro is charged with nitrogen. Both series come with military-grade filings and sturdy chrome steel piston rods.
Moreover, both of them feature velocity-sensitive valving systems that automatically adjust according to the rod’s speed.
Skyjacker
Like Rough Country, Skyjacker makes Hydro and Nitro shocks. Both series use different valving, but all shocks from the same series have the same valving. The differences are mainly with the fitment numbers, which isn’t much of an issue.
Skyjacker’s top shock is the Mono-Tube Nitro shock. Most users think it’s flimsy, seeing as it’s thinner than the Hydro and the Nitro. However, its innovative technology makes it much more efficient. It’s double-walled for extra durability. Besides, it offers an advanced level of seals.
Steering Stabilizers
Steering stabilizers are essential for rough terrains. Let’s see the differences between the two competing brands.
Rough Country
The Rough Country stabilizers are ideal for rough conditions. If you go off-road frequently, they’d be a nice option to consider. Unlike Skyjacker’s stabilizers, which are installed where the shocks are, the Rough Country ones are mounted where the tie rod is.
The mounting place means they’ll absorb all the vibrations, seeing as they’ll be right at the front-end, which is where all the wobbling and vibrations come from.
Skyjacker
Skyjacker’s steering stabilizers are hard to match. They’re designed to minimize the bump steering and front-end vibrations. That way, you’ll have smooth rides.
There are single and dual kits available, so they match all driving styles. Furthermore, the kits come with everything you need for installation, so you don’t face a hard time doing it. Additionally, the replacement kits come with boots, so the stabilizers stay protected from dirt and debris.
The Final Verdict
If you’re opting for durability and sturdiness, Rough Country is your go-to off-roading products company. Meanwhile, if you want to drive off-road in style and have smooth rides, Skyjacker’s products are hard to match.
When it comes to shocks, we recommend Rough Country for its comprehensive set of features. However, Skyjacker outperforms its competitor in lift kits.