ROUGH COUNTRY 921226000 3.5 Inch Lift Kit Installation Guide

: June 13, 2024
: Rough Country

Table of Contents

921226000 3.5 Inch Lift Kit
Product Information:
Product Usage Instructions:
Tools Needed:
Torque Specs:
Kit Contents:
Upper Control Arms:
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921226000 3.5 Inch Lift Kit

Product Information:

Product Name: GMC 2019 4WD 1500 3.5 Inch Lift Kit

Manufacturer: Rough Country

Model Number: 921226000A

Product Usage Instructions:

Before beginning installation, read the instructions
carefully.
Check the kit hardware against the parts list provided in the
instructions to ensure you have all the necessary parts.
Review the tools needed list and make sure you have all the
required tools.
It is recommended to have a certified technician install this
system due to the complexity of disassemble/reassembly procedures
and post-installation checks.
Ensure that the electric power steering is unplugged before
removing any steering components to prevent damage.
If your truck is equipped with a mass damper on the front
differential, it needs to be removed.
This kit is designed as a leveling kit, raising the front by
3.5 inches and the back by 1 inch. If you desire a different look
or if your vehicle has a tool box or added weight in the rear,
consult with your sales representative for other block and u-bolt
options.
If wider tires are used, trimming may be required. Test all
tire and wheel combinations prior to installation, especially on
oversized or wider-than-stock tires and wheels.
This kit fits crew cab short bed models only. It will not fit
models with adaptive ride control and will not fit GMC AT4 or Chevy
Trail Boss models.
Any vehicle equipped with this Rough Country product should
have a Warning to Driver decal installed on the inside of the
windshield or on the vehicle’s dash as a constant reminder for the
driver.

Tools Needed:

Floor Jack / Jack Stands
36mm socket
10mm socket / wrench
1/2 socket / wrench
13mm socket / wrench
9/16 socket / wrench
15mm socket / wrench
3/4 socket / wrench
17mm socket / wrench
T30 Torx bit
18mm socket / wrench
Reciprocating Saw
21mm socket / wrench
Hammer
22mm socket / wrench
Locking Pliers
24mm socket / wrench
27mm socket / wrench

Torque Specs:

Size| Grade 5 (ft/lbs)| Grade 8 (ft/lbs)| Class 8.8 (ft/lbs)| Class 10.9 (ft/lbs)
---|---|---|---|---
5/16| 15| –| 5| 9
3/8| 30| –| 18| 23
7/16| 45| –| 32| 45
1/2| 65| 20| 55| 75
9/16| 95| 35| 85| 120
5/8| 135| 60| 130| 165
3/4| 185| 90| 170| 240
–| –| 130| –| –
–| –| 175| –| –
–| –| 280| –| –

Kit Contents:

22630 (Kit)
29501 Forged Aluminum Arms x1
226BOX2 x1
20158 N3 Rear Shocks x2

Upper Control Arms:

29501 (Upper Control Arms)
Forged Aluminum Dr Upper Arm x1
Forged Aluminum Pass Upper Arm x1
29501BAG1 x1 Ball Joint Hardware Bag x2

921226000A
226INSTBAG1
226INSTBAG1
GMC 2019 4WD 1500 3.5 Inch Lift Kit
Thank you for choosing Rough Country for your suspension needs. Rough Country recommends a certified technician install this system. In addition to these instructions, professional knowledge of disassemble/reassembly procedures as well as post installation checks must be known. Attempts to install this system without this knowledge and expertise may jeopardize the integrity and/or operating safety of the vehicle.
Please read instructions before beginning installation. Check the kit hardware against the parts list on the rear cover of these instructions. Be sure you have all needed parts and know where they go. Also please review tools needed list and make sure you have needed tools.
PRODUCT USE INFORMATION As a general rule, the taller a vehicle is, the easier it will roll. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be worn at all times. Avoid situations where a side rollover may occur. Generally, braking performance and capability are decreased when larger/heavier tires and wheels are used. Take this into consideration while driving. Do not add, alter, or fabricate any factory or after-market parts to increase vehicle height over the intended height of the Rough Country product purchased. Mixing component brands is not recommended.
Rough Country makes no claims regarding lifting devices and excludes any and all implied claims. We will not be responsible for any product that is altered. If question exist we will be happy to answer any questions concerning the design, function, and correct use of our products.
The electric power steering must be unplugged before any of the steering components are removed. Failure to do so may cause damage to the electric power steering.
Trucks equipped with a mass damper on the front diff, the damper will have to be removed.
This kit is packaged as a leveling kit–raising the front 3.5″ and the back 1″. If you desire a different look or if the vehicle has a tool box or added weight in the rear, please consult with your sales representative about other block and u-bolt options.
This suspension system was developed using a 295/60R20 tire on the factory 20″ wheel. If wider tires are used trimming may be required. Due to manufacturing, dimension variances, and inflation, all tire and wheel combinations should be tested prior to installation on all oversized / wider then stock tires and wheels.
Fits crew cab short bed models only. Will not fit models with adaptive ride control and will not fit GMC AT4 or Chevy Trail Boss models.
DEALER AND VEHICLE OWNER Any vehicle equipped with any Rough Country product should have a “Warning to Driver” decal installed on the inside of the windshield or on the vehicle’s dash. The decal should act as a constant reminder for whoever is operating the vehicle.

Tools Needed:
Floor Jack /Jack Stands 36mm socket 10mm socket /wrench 1/2″ socket/wrench 13 mm socket/wrench 9/16″ socket /wrench 15mm socket / wrench 3/4″ socket/wrench 17mm socket/wrench T30 Torx bit 18mm socket /wrench Reciprocating Saw 21mm socket /wrench Hammer 22mm socket /wrench Locking Pliers 24mm socket /wrench 27mm socket /wrench

Torque Specs:

Size 5/16″ 3/8″ 7/16″ 1/2″ 9/16″ 5/8″ 3/4″

Grade 5 15 ft/lbs 30 ft/lbs 45 ft/lbs 65 ft/lbs 95 ft/lbs 135 ft/lbs 185 ft/lbs

Grade 8 Size 20 ft/lbs 6MM 35 ft/lbs 8MM 60 ft/lbs 10MM 90 ft/lbs 12MM 130 ft/lbs 14MM 175 ft/lbs 16MM 280 ft/lbs 18MM

Class 8.8 5 ft/lbs 18ft/lbs 32ft/lbs 55ft/lbs 85ft/lbs 130ft/lbs 170ft/lbs

Class 10.9 9 ft/lbs 23 ft/lbs 45ft/lbs 75ft/lbs 120ft/lbs 165ft/lbs 240ft/lbs

KIT CONTENT

Kit Contents

22630 (Kit) 29501 Forged Aluminum Arms x1 226BOX2 x1 20158 N3 Rear Shocks x2
29501 (Upper Control Arms): Forged Aluminum Dr Upper Arm x1 Forged Aluminum Pass Upper Arm x1 29501BAG1 x1 Ball Joint Hardware Bag x2
226Box2 (4WD Lift Kit) Upper Strut Spacers x2 Strut Spacer Preload x2 2″ Rear Blocks x2 226INSTBAG1 x1 275BAG3 x1 9/16 X 2 1/2 X 9 1/2 Square U-bolts x4 9/16BAG x1 10MMSTUDBAG-2 x1 Driver Side Sway Bar Drop Bracket x1 Pass Side Sway Bar Drop Bracket x1 226BAG1 x1
226BAG1 10mm-1.5x35mm Bolts x4 10mm-1.5 Nylock Nuts x4 10mm Flat Washers x8
226INSTBAG1 Instructions x1
29501Bag1 Instructions x1
10mmstudbag-2 (Strut Spacers): 10mm Stud x6 10mm Hex Nuts x1 10mm Serrated Flange Nut x6 1/2″ Jam Nut x1
9/16Bag (Rear U-bolts): 9/16″ Washers x8 9/16″ Nuts x8
275BAG3 (Lower Strut Bolts): 10mm-1.5 x 65mm Hex Head Bolt x4 10mm Flat Washer x8 10mm-1.5 Nylock Nut x4
20158 x2

22670 (Kit) 29501 Forged Aluminum Arms x1 226BOX2 x1 760739 V2 Rear Shock Pair x1
29501 (Upper Control Arms): Forged Aluminum Dr Upper Arm x1 Forged Aluminum Pass Upper Arm x1 29501BAG1 x1 Ball Joint Hardware Bag x2
226Box2 (4WD Lift Kit) Upper Strut Spacers x2 Strut Spacer Preload x2 2″ Rear Blocks x2 226INSTBAG1 x1 275BAG3 x1 9/16 X 2 1/2 X 10 1/2 Square U-bolts x4 9/16BAG x1 10MMSTUDBAG-2 x1 Driver Side Sway Bar Drop Bracket x1 Pass Side Sway Bar Drop Bracket x1 226BAG1 x1
226BAG1 10mm-1.5x35mm Bolts x4 10mm-1.5 Nylock Nuts x4 10mm Flat Washers x8
226INSTBAG1 Instructions x1
29501Bag1 Instructions x1
10mmstudbag-2 (Strut Spacers): 10mm Stud x6 10mm Hex Nuts x1 10mm Serrated Flange Nut x6 1/2″ Jam Nut x1
9/16Bag (Rear U-bolts): 9/16″ Washers x8 9/16″ Nuts x8
275BAG3 (Lower Strut Bolts): 10mm-1.5 x 65mm Hex Head Bolt x4 10mm Flat Washer x8 10mm-1.5 Nylock Nut x4
760739 x1

FRONT INSTALLATION

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and chock the rear wheels. Lock the steering wheel in the straight position.
2. Jack up the front of the vehicle. Place jack stands under the frame rails and lower onto jack stands letting the front suspension hang.
3. Raise the hood and disconnect the battery using a 10mm socket.
4. Remove the tires and wheels. 5. Remove the 6 bolts holding the factory skid plates, using a 13mm socket. See Photos 1 & 2. Retain for later use.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Remove skid plates.

6. Unplug the three connectors going to the rack and pinion. See Photo 3. 7. Using a 21mm socket, remove the tie-rod nut as shown in Photo 4. Using a hammer, strike the front of the mount to
dislodge the tie rod end. Remove from the knuckle.

Photo 3

Photo 4

Strike Here

Unplug rack and pinion.

Remove tie rod end.

8. Unplug the brake pad sensor wire on the drivers side of the vehicle. 9. Remove the brake line from the knuckle using a 10mm socket. Retain hardware for reuse. See Photo 5. 10.Remove the brake caliper using a 18mm socket. Retain the bolts for reuse. See Photo 6. Hang caliper out of harms way.
Do not hang by the brake line.

Photo 5

Photo 6

Remove the brake line from the knuckle.

Remove the brake caliper.

11.Remove the ABS wire bracket from the upper control arm using a 10mm socket. See Photo 7. 12.Using a 10mm socket, remove the ABS wire bracket from the knuckle. Retain hardware. See Photo 8.
Photo 7

Photo 8

Remove ABS wire bracket from the upper arm.

Remove ABS wire from knuckle.

13.Using a 10mm socket, remove the ABS sensor from the knuckle. Retain hardware and hang ABS wire out of the way. See Photo 9.
14.Using an 18mm wrench, loosen the upper ball joint nut. Do not completely remove the nut. Strike the knuckle with a hammer to release the ball joint taper. See Photo 10.
15.Remove the upper control arm nut and remove the control arm from the knuckle. 16.Support the lower control arm.

Photo 9

Photo 10

Remove ABS sensor from knuckle.

Loosen upper ball joint nut.

17.Remove the swaybar from the LCA and frame using an 18mm socket on the LCA and a 10mm socket on the frame. See Photo 11.
18.Using a 15mm socket, remove the lower strut mounting bolts. See Photo 12.

Photo 11

Photo 12

Remove swaybar from LCA and frame.

Remove lower strut bolts.

19.On the passenger side, use a 13mm socket to remove the bolt holding the plastic wire loom that is attached to the frame and the upper strut tower. Retain hardware. (Inner fender was removed for pictures) See Photo 13.
20.Using an 18mm wrench, remove the upper strut nuts. Retain hardware. Remove the strut from vehicle. See Photo 14.

Photo 13

Photo 14

Remove wire loom nut.

Remove upper strut hardware.

21.Place the strut into a strut compressor. Make sure to locate or mark the position of the lower barpin. See Photo 15 22.Compress the spring to allow room for the preload spacer. Photo 16.

Photo 15

Photo 16

Place strut in strut compressor

Compress spring to allow room for spacer.

23.Place both halves of the preload spacer beneath the isolator. See Photo 17. 24.Interlock the two halves of the preload spacer by angling up one side and sliding it into place. See Photo 18.

Photo 17

Photo 18

Place preload spacer beneath isolator.

Interlock both halves of preload spacer.

25.Completely seat the preload spacers and release the strut compressor. See Photo 19 and Photo 20. Photo 19

Photo 20

Completely seat preload spacers.

Completely seat preload spacer.

26.Measure from the top of the stud down 3/8 inch, mark the stud and cut off with a cut off wheel to clear the strut spacer
with the studs installed. See Photo 21. 27.Install the 10mm studs into the smaller holes in the strut spacer, using the supplied 1/2″ jam nut to slide over each stud
to act as a spacer allowing you to pull the stud through the hole with the 10mm hex nut and a 17mm wrench, locking the
stud into place. Remove sleeve and repeat on the other five studs. See Photo 22. 28.Install the strut spacer on top of the factory strut, secure using the OE nuts, Torque to 45 ft-lbs. using an 18mm wrench.
See Photo 23.

Photo 21

Photo 22

Measure 3/8 of an inch and trim the stud

Install the studs on the strut spacer.

29.Mark the location of the upper control arm. Remove the 2 bolts and nuts from the upper control arm, use a 21mm socket and wrench. See Photo 24. Save for reuse.
30.Remove the upper control arm from the vehicle.
31.Install the new supplied upper control arm in the stock location, using the OE hardware, align the marks made in step 30.

Photo 23

Photo 24

Install the strut spacer onto the strut.

Remove the upper control arm.

Torque to 80 ft-lbs, using a 21mm socket and wrench. See Photo 25. 32.Install the strut into the factory mount on the frame, use the supplied flange nuts. (10MMSTUDBAG-2). See Photo 26.
Hand tighten only. 33.Use a flat screwdriver to remove the factory clip nuts from the lower strut bar pin. 34.Install the strut into the lower control arm. See Photo 27.

Photo 25

Photo 26

Install upper control arm.

Install the strut in the upper mount.

35.Attach the lower strut mount to the lower control arm using the supplied 10mm x 65mm, washers, and nylock nuts. Bolts will go in from the top. See Photo 28.
36.Attach the upper ball joint using the factory hardware. Tighten using an 18mm wrench. See Photo 29. 37.Install the swaybar drop bracket in the factory location with the factory hardware. Install the swaybar to the bottom of the

Photo 27

Photo 28

Install the strut into lower arm.

Attach strut to LCA.

bracket using the supplied 10mm-1.5x35mm bolts, nuts, and washers. Attach the sway link to the lower control arm using the factory hardware. Tighten using a 16mm and an 18mm socket. See Photo 30. 38.Install the ABS sensor wire bracket onto the upper control arm using the OE bolt. Tighten using a 10mm socket.
See Photo 31.

Photo 29

Driver Side Frame

Photo 30

Welded Nuts

Factory Hardware

Tighten upper ball joint.

Supplied Hardware
Install swaybar drop bracket and swaybar.

39.Attach the ABS sensor to the knuckle using the factory hardware. Tighten using a 10mm socket. See Photo 32. 40.Install the brake caliper onto the rotor and secure using the retained bolts. Torque the caliper bolts to 130 ft-lbs. using an
18mm socket. Install brake line onto the knuckle using the retained bolt. Tighten using a 10mm wrench. See Photo 33.

Photo 31

Photo 32

Install ABS wire bracket onto the upper arm.

Install ABS sensor in knuckle.

41.Attach brake line to the knuckle using the factory hardware. Tighten using a 10mm socket. See Photo 34. 42.Plug up the brake pad wear sensor. See Photo 35. 43.Attach the tie rod end to the knuckle using factory hardware. Tighten using a 21mm wrench. See Photo 36.

Photo 33

Photo 34

Install the brake caliper.

Install the brake line onto the knuckle.

44.Repeat steps 6-44 on the opposite side of the vehicle. 45.Reconnect the plugs to the rack and pinion and the differential actuator. See Photo 37.
Photo 35

Photo 36

Connect the brake pad sensor plug.

Install tie rod end into knuckle.

46.Install the factory skid plates using the retained hardware, using a 13mm socket. Torque to 32 ft-lbs. See Photo 38. 47.Install the wheels and tires. 48.Jack up the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground.

Photo 37

Photo 38

Plug in rack and pinion and diff actuator. 49.Connect the battery cables to the battery.
Take caution when installing the wheels, making sure they completely clear the brake caliper. Any pressure on the brake caliper from the wheel will cause an error in the brake system. The braking system will not function properly. The vehicle will have to be reset by a GM dealership.

REAR INSTALLATION
1. Chock the front tires. 2. Jack up the rear of the truck and place jack stands under the frame rails, lower the truck onto the jack stands allowing
the rear suspension to hang. Place a jack under the rear differential. 3. Using a 21mm wrench, remove the upper rear shock hardware. Retain hardware. See Photo 1. 4. Using a 21mm wrench and socket, remove the rear shock from the axle. Retain hardware. See Photo 2.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Remove upper shock hardware.

Remove lower shock hardware.

5. Using a 13mm wrench, remove the 3 bolts from the AbS/brake line bracket on the rear differential. See Photo 3. 6. Using a 21mm deep well socket, remove the rear u-bolts. See Photo 4.

Photo 3

Photo 4

Remove rear brake line bracket.

Remove u-bolts.

7. Lower the rear axle and remove the factory blocks. 8. Install the supplied rear blocks (larger end of the block to the rear) and u-bolts. Tighten the u-bolts using a 22mm sock-
et. Torque to 90ft/lbs See Photos 5 & 6. 9. Install the supplied shocks (660739) using the factory hardware. Torque to factory specs using a 21mm wrench and

Photo 5

Photo 6

Install supplied blocks.

Install supplied u-bolts.

socket. See Photo 7. 10. Re-install tires and wheels.

Take caution when installing the wheels, making sure they completely clear the brake caliper. Any

pressure on the brake caliper from the wheel will cause

an error in the brake system. The braking system will not function properly. The vehicle will have to be reset

Photo 7

by a GM dealership.

11. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground.

12. Place shock decals on shock absorbers and window decal

on vehicle.

Install supplied shocks.

POST INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Check all fasteners for proper torque. Check to ensure for adequate clearance between all rotating, mobile, fixed, and

heated members. Verify clearance between exhaust and brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tank, floor boards and wiring har-

ness. Check steering gear for clearance. Test and inspect brake system.

2. Perform steering sweep to ensure front brake hoses have adequate slack and do not contact any rotating, mobile or

heated members. Inspect rear brake hoses at full extension for adequate slack. Failure to perform hose check/ replace-

ment may result in component failure.

3. On some vehicles the front lower skirting will need to be trimmed if using certain wheel /tire combinations and with

heavy offset wheels. Trim only as needed.

4. Activate four wheel drive system and check front hubs for engagement.

5. Have a qualified alignment center align the vehicle immediately. Realign to factory specifications. The following are the

recommended specifications:

Caster in degrees

4.0 +-1.0

Camber in degrees -.4 +-.8

Toe In in degrees

0.1 +-.2

6. Perform head light check and adjustment to proper settings.

7. Check and retighten wheels at 50 miles and again at 500 miles.

8. All kit components must be retightened at 500 miles and then every three thousand miles after installation. Periodically

check all hardware for tightness.

9. Install “Warning to Driver” decal on sun visor

Note: Installation of larger tires will require speedometer recalibration.

Thank you for choosing Rough Country for all of your suspension needs.
By purchasing any item sold by Rough Country, LLC, the buyer expressly warrants that he/she is in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations regarding the purchase, ownership, and use of the item. It shall be the buyers responsibility to comply with all Federal, State and Local laws governing the sales of any items listed, illustrated or sold. The buyer expressly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Rough Country, LLC for all claims resulting directly or indirectly from the purchase, ownership, or use of the items.