Automotive / Suspension Kits
Installation Guide for Rough Country 3.5 Inch Lift Kit 1189BAG5
Step-by-step installation guide for the Rough Country 3.5-inch front and 1.75-inch rear lift kit for 2014-16 GM 1500 Denali vehicles. Includes torque specifications, tool requirements, and post-installation maintenance.
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
This installation manual provides instructions for the Rough Country 3.5-inch front and 1.75-inch rear lift kit designed for 2014-16 4WD GM 1500 Denali vehicles with Magneride. Professional installation by a certified technician is highly recommended. Important: This kit is not compatible with trucks equipped with aluminum arms and knuckles. Before starting, ensure the electric power steering is unplugged to prevent damage.
Tools and Torque Specifications
Required tools include an 18mm, 15mm, 21mm, 11mm, and 10mm wrench, floor jack, jack stands, strut compressor, and a die grinder. Refer to the torque specifications table in the manual for proper tightening of Grade 5, Grade 8, Class 8.8, and Class 10.9 hardware.
Front Installation
The front installation involves removing the factory skid plate, disconnecting the electric power steering, and removing steering components. Key steps include:
- Disconnecting the ABS sensor wire and brake line bracket.
- Removing the upper control arms and strut assembly.
- Installing the diff drop spacers and cutting the factory rear crossmember as marked.
- Installing the new strut spacers and reassembling the suspension with the supplied hardware.
Rear Installation
The rear installation focuses on lifting the rear axle and relocating the shocks:
- Remove factory shock absorbers and u-bolts.
- Install the new 3-inch lift blocks, ensuring the larger end faces the rear of the truck.
- Install the shock relocation brackets using the supplied sleeves, bolts, and washers.
Post-Installation
After installation, perform the following checks:
- Lightly grease the ball joints (do not over-grease).
- Have the vehicle aligned immediately by a qualified center.
- Adjust headlights to proper settings.
- Retighten all kit components at 50 miles, 500 miles, and every 3,000 miles thereafter.
Practical help
Common problems
Incompatibility with specific suspension components
This kit will not fit trucks with aluminum arms and knuckles.
Electric power steering damage
The electric power steering must be unplugged before any steering components are removed.
Front differential interference
Trucks with a mass damper on the front diff must have the damper removed.
Before use
- Verify all parts against the parts list on the rear cover.
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
- Chock the rear wheels.
- Ensure you have all required tools (wrenches, jack, stands, die grinder).
- Have a certified technician perform the installation.
Specs in practice
- Recommended Tire Size
- 32 x 11.5 tire with factory wheels
Images and diagrams
- Photos 1-6 show the front disassembly process, including unplugging the steering and removing the strut.
- Photos 7-12 detail the differential drop installation and crossmember cutting.
- Photos 13-20 illustrate the strut spacer installation and skid plate mounting.
- Rear installation photos show the lift block orientation and shock relocation bracket installation.
Model compatibility
- Designed for 2014-16 4WD GM 1500 Denali with Magneride.
- Not compatible with aluminum arms and knuckles.
- If wider tires are used, offset wheels and trimming may be required.
Manual page author
Michael Turner
Technical manual editor
Reviews PDF manuals for structure, safety notes, and practical product details so readers can find the right information quickly.