Rough Country N3 Shocks Review – Are They Any Good?
Rough Country is considered one of the top suspension manufacturer brands alongside Bilstein, Icon, Foxx, and Kings.
The Rough Country N3 suspension kit is designed to provide above-average off-road performance and improved towing capacity – without requiring any major modification to the vehicle itself.
The real question is, do the Rough Country N3 shocks live up to the hype? Find out here!
Here is a quick overview to help you decide whether this kit is right for you.
Main Features
Rough Country has tried to bring together many good features in the N3 suspension package. Some of the most prominent features include:
- Variable valving with ten stages of adjustment
- Nitrogen charged shock
- Rubber bushings that provide better absorption
- High-spec shock liquid that is rated to work at -40C
- Big 35mm piston
- Chromed and hardened 18mm piston rod
- Large 54mm external body to help heat dissipation
- Piston rod seal is also spring loaded
- High-tensile strength aluminum is used in the construction of the body
The manufacturers claim that this shock absorber system also has a linear damping rate. This makes it an ideal choice for carrying heavy loads or using it in extreme conditions where you need a consistent response from the suspension, no matter what the terrain is like.
However, it may not be the best solution for those looking for optimal control over their vehicle or those wanting the most dynamic suspension setup possible.
Naturally, there will be some loss of control with this kind of suspension, but that is why the manufacturers provide ten valving adjustments to get it as close as possible to what you prefer.
Installation
Keep in mind that the N3 shocks are available in sets for the front, sets for the rear, and complete vehicle sets that have shocks for the front and rear.
Moreover, you can also get the N3 specifically for different vehicles, such as the Ford F-150 or the Jeep Cherokee. The shock specifications will remain the same, but the length will vary slightly, and the connectors will also vary depending on the vehicle they are intended for.
The Rough Country N3 shocks come with a detailed manual and installation guide, and plenty of videos are available online.
However, if this is your first time installing a suspension on your vehicle, you should have an expert handle the job. Replacing the suspension requires some specialized machinery. A lift is needed to lift the car.
While it is possible to get the job done when the vehicle is parked on the ground, it can be tricky without a professional.
Having your mechanic inspect it leaves no room for mistakes. They will ensure all the suspension parts are properly in place once the shocks are installed, and they won’t need more than a day to install the new shocks.
Setup
With the shocks installed, it’s time to set up and tweak them according to your needs.
Ideally, you should start with the damping control at one extreme setting. You can dial it in all the way or at its lowest setting. Either way, this will give you a clear understanding of how the shock performs in that setting and whether tweaking is necessary.
The settings will feel different on different vehicles depending on the weight of the vehicle, size of the tires, amount of travel available, etc. The highest setting on a small two-door may feel much stiffer than on a Tundra.
On to the valve adjustment – all you need to adjust is the ring on top of the shock to make it harder or softer. There are also indicators on the ring to show you your current setting.
This way, you can drive around and adjust on the go – perfect for people who want a soft setup for offroading and a firmer setup when they get back on the highway.
Similarly, you can ramp up the settings if you need to tow a trailer. Then, you can always adjust the shocks for comfort while driving.
Reliability
When upgrading your vehicle with aftermarket parts, one of the main concerns is the reliability of the new parts, especially when upgrading an offroad vehicle that you use in remote areas. You want to be sure that nothing will break down.
The Rough Country N3 system is built with top-quality materials, thoroughly tested, and even the fluid in the shocks is of military standards. The shock exterior is made with 6061-grade aluminum, which is extremely durable and reliable even in extreme conditions.
Even the internal components on the N3 shock have been reinforced and strengthened to ensure durability and consistent performance no matter what conditions you are in. The company also backs up this product with a three-year warranty.
Off-road And On-road Performance
The N3 suspension system is an overall upgrade from your OEM shocks and is suitable for both on- and off-road use. The fact that it has adjustable valves makes it more flexible for any condition.
Being a linear dampening system, it has a firm ride on the tarmac and a slightly softer ride off-road. The main benefit is that the suspension has a very static response no matter how much pressure you place on it.
This is a perfect setup for commercial work on a work truck and casual offroading on the weekends.
If you’re looking for something with lots of travel, this is not the solution for you. But if you want something that has OEM capability but much better performance, the N3 is right for you.
Lift
The springs you get with this system are of OEM length so that they won’t add any height to your vehicle.
This suspension will work with a body lift but if you want a proper suspension lift, consider some other options from Rough Country.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great-looking set of shocks and springs, and the neutral gray color will look fantastic on any vehicle. They aren’t very loud, but one look under the vehicle, and you will know it is a capable off-roader.
The main benefit of this kit is the price. Considering the features and the quality of the product you get for the money you spend, it is a bargain. Even without the extremely advanced features such as an external reservoir, the kind of performance these shocks and springs give you is excellent value for the money.
For the average user who is an occasional off-roader, these springs and shocks won’t disappoint!
