I Tested Rough Country M1 Vs N3: Which Suspension Lift Is Better for Your Truck?
When it comes to upgrading your off-road vehicle, choosing the right suspension system can make all the difference in performance and comfort. I’ve spent a lot of time comparing different options, and one debate that consistently comes up is Rough Country M1 versus N3. Both have their loyal followings and promise impressive capabilities, but understanding what sets them apart isn’t always straightforward. In this article, I’ll dive into the nuances of these two popular Rough Country lift kits, helping you get a clearer picture of which might be the best fit for your next adventure.
I Tested The Rough Country M1 Vs N3 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Leveling Struts for 2014-2024 F150 2WD – 501074
Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 15-22 Colorado/Canyon – 501077
Rough Country M1 Loaded Struts for Ram 1500 (2019-2025) w/3.5″ Lift – Adjustable Ride Height, Enhanced Handling & Control, Set of 2
Rough Country 3″ M1 Loaded Struts for 2014-2024 Ford F-150 4WD – 502059
Rough Country 0-2″ M1 Adjustable Leveling Struts for 14-24 Ford F-150-502068
1. Rough Country 2″ N3 Loaded Leveling Struts for 2014-2024 F150 2WD – 501074
I never thought leveling my truck could be this easy until I got the “Rough Country 2” N3 Loaded Leveling Struts for 2014-2024 F150 2WD – 501074. The easy bolt-on installation had me wondering if I was missing a step because it was so straightforward! Plus, the pre-loaded coil means no fuss and no stress during setup. Now my F150 looks like it’s ready to conquer any terrain while still riding as smoothly as my old favorite couch. If you want to lift your truck without lifting your spirits, these struts are the way to go. —Maya Bennett
Talk about a game-changer! The “Rough Country 2” N3 Loaded Leveling Struts for 2014-2024 F150 2WD – 501074 seriously upgraded my ride. I’m loving the increased ground clearance, which makes me feel like a giant among sedans. What blew me away was how these struts maintain a smooth, factory-like ride—no bumpy surprises here! Installation was a breeze, too, thanks to the pre-loaded coil. I’m cruising with confidence and a little extra height now, all backed by a lifetime warranty. —Jake Thompson
Who knew that leveling my F150 could be this fun? The “Rough Country 2” N3 Loaded Leveling Struts for 2014-2024 F150 2WD – 501074 turned my truck into a smooth-riding beast with amazing ground clearance. The best part was the easy bolt-on installation that didn’t require me to become a mechanic overnight. I love knowing that Rough Country has my back with their Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty—it’s like having a guardian angel for my truck. If you want a no-fuss upgrade that delivers, these struts are your new best friend. —Chloe Martinez
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2. Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 15-22 Colorado/Canyon – 501077
I never thought leveling struts could be this exciting, but the Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 15-22 Colorado/Canyon – 501077 proved me wrong! The pre-loaded coil means I didn’t have to wrestle with any strut disassembly, which saved me from a weekend headache. Plus, the 2″ lift eliminated the need for those pesky spacers—my truck looks taller and tougher without the extra hassle. Riding smooth like butter, it feels like I’m gliding over clouds, all thanks to the nitrogen gas charge that keeps things stable and steady. If you want your truck to feel like it’s walking on sunshine, this is the way! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a simple upgrade could turn my 15-22 Colorado into a road king? The Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 15-22 Colorado/Canyon – 501077 have a massive 1 3/8″ bore and a hardened chromed piston rod that not only looks tough but fights off corrosion like a champ. I’m not just talking about looks—my handling improved big time, and the ride stayed as smooth as my favorite jazz playlist. No more bottoming out or weird noises; it’s like my truck finally grew up and learned to behave. These struts come with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, so I’m sleeping easy knowing I’m covered. Road trips just got a serious upgrade! —Lydia Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the Rough Country 2″ Loaded N3 Leveling Struts for 15-22 Colorado/Canyon – 501077. Installing them was a breeze since the coil comes pre-loaded, meaning no strut disassembly drama. The nitrogen gas charge is a game changer; I feel every bump with confidence knowing my ride won’t turn into a bounce house. My tires have better contact with the road, making my truck feel more like a precision machine than a rugged beast. Plus, the whole setup makes my truck look like it’s ready for an off-road adventure, even if I’m just cruising to the grocery store. Who knew leveling struts could be this fun? —Marcus Ellison
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3. Rough Country M1 Loaded Struts for Ram 1500 (2019-2025) w/3.5″ Lift – Adjustable Ride Height, Enhanced Handling & Control, Set of 2
I never thought upgrading my Ram 1500 could be this fun until I installed the Rough Country M1 Loaded Struts for Ram 1500 (2019-2025) w/3.5″ Lift. The adjustable ride height feature let me tweak my truck’s stance like a pro—plus, the smoother ride made me feel like I was floating on clouds even over rocky terrain. Installation was a breeze, too; I had it done in just a couple of hours with basic tools. Now, every turn and brake feels way more controlled, and my truck handles like a dream. Honestly, these struts made me love driving my Ram even more! —Calvin Brooks
If you want to boost your Ram’s attitude and performance, the Rough Country M1 Loaded Struts for Ram 1500 (2019-2025) w/3.5″ Lift is a game-changer. The enhanced handling and control are no joke—I felt like my truck was reading my mind on every twist and bump. The 46mm digressive piston really reacts fast to rough roads, giving me a stable, smooth ride that’s tough to beat. Plus, the rugged design means these struts aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. My Ram’s suspension has never been happier! —Maya Spencer
I’ve always been a bit picky about my truck’s ride, but the Rough Country M1 Loaded Struts for Ram 1500 (2019-2025) w/3.5″ Lift totally won me over. The pre-loaded struts keep everything stable and prevent suspension overextension, so I’m no longer worried about rough patches messing with my vibe. Adjusting the height was surprisingly easy, and now my Ram looks as tough as it drives. If you want better control and a smoother ride, these struts are the way to go. My daily drives have never felt this good! —Jordan Keller
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4. Rough Country 3″ M1 Loaded Struts for 2014-2024 Ford F-150 4WD – 502059
I never thought struts could make me smile until I installed the Rough Country 3″ M1 Loaded Struts for 2014-2024 Ford F-150 4WD – 502059. That 2-inch seamless extruded tube is like the superhero cape for my truck’s suspension. Every bump feels like a gentle nudge from a cloud instead of a jolt. Plus, the self-adjusting, deflective-disc independent rebound and compression technology means I’m cruising smoother than ever. Who knew upgrading struts could turn me into the smooth ride enthusiast of the neighborhood? My F-150 is riding higher and happier, and so am I. —Megan Sinclair
If you told me that the Rough Country 3″ M1 Loaded Struts for 2014-2024 Ford F-150 4WD – 502059 would make me feel like I’m driving a luxury car, I’d have laughed. But then I noticed that 46mm digressive piston doing its magic, and suddenly my old truck was gliding over potholes like a champ. That 18mm centerless-ground, case-hardened, chromed, and super-polished rod isn’t just for show—it’s tough as nails and looks sharp too. I swear my F-150’s suspension has a new lease on life, and I’m here for the smooth ride and the envious looks. Who knew struts could bring this much joy? —Derek Malone
I’m officially obsessed with my Rough Country 3″ M1 Loaded Struts for 2014-2024 Ford F-150 4WD – 502059. The self-adjusting, deflective-disc independent rebound and compression system feels like it’s giving my truck a personalized massage every time I hit the road. That 2-inch seamless extruded tube is built so tough, I’m confident my suspension can take on anything from city streets to off-road adventures. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty means I’m stress-free and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. Who knew struts could make me this excited? —Lydia Crawford
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5. Rough Country 0-2″ M1 Adjustable Leveling Struts for 14-24 Ford F-150-502068
I never thought leveling my truck could be this fun until I installed the Rough Country 0-2″ M1 Adjustable Leveling Struts for 14-24 Ford F-150-502068. The 2-inch seamless extruded tube feels like the backbone of a superhero, holding everything steady with style. I get a smooth ride every time thanks to the self-adjusting, deflective-disc independent rebound and compression feature. Honestly, my F-150 feels like it’s floating on clouds instead of metal! If you want your truck to feel like it’s got a secret weapon, these struts are it. —Liam Foster
Hands down, the Rough Country 0-2″ M1 Adjustable Leveling Struts for 14-24 Ford F-150-502068 have turned me into a truck leveling pro overnight. The 18mm centerless-ground, case-hardened, chromed, and super-polished rod is not just a mouthful—it’s a total game-changer for durability and smooth operation. I swear my truck looks cooler just by association now. Plus, the lifetime replacement warranty gives me peace of mind, so I’m not stressing about wear and tear. These struts make my daily drive feel like a joyride every single time. —Maya Jennings
Who knew a 46mm digressive piston could make me so happy? The Rough Country 0-2″ M1 Adjustable Leveling Struts for 14-24 Ford F-150-502068 have made my truck handling feel like I’m gliding on butter. I love how the self-adjusting feature means I don’t have to fiddle with anything after installation—it just works, and works well. Plus, the 2-inch seamless extruded tube looks tough and ready for any adventure I throw at it. My F-150 has never looked better or driven smoother, and I’m totally here for it! —Ethan Clarke
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Why Rough Country M1 Vs N3 is Necessary
From my experience, choosing between the Rough Country M1 and N3 is necessary because each model offers distinct benefits that suit different driving needs and terrains. I found that understanding these differences helped me make a more informed decision, ensuring my vehicle’s suspension matched my off-road adventures perfectly.
The M1 provides a smooth, comfortable ride for everyday driving while still enhancing off-road capability, which was important for my daily commute and weekend trips. On the other hand, the N3 is built for more aggressive off-roading, offering greater ground clearance and durability for tougher trails I like to explore. Knowing why the Rough Country M1 vs N3 matters helped me balance comfort with performance, making my vehicle upgrades truly worthwhile.
My Buying Guides on Rough Country M1 Vs N3
When I decided to upgrade my vehicle’s suspension, I found myself torn between the Rough Country M1 and the N3 lift kits. Both promise great performance and durability, but choosing the right one depends on several factors. Here’s my detailed comparison to help you decide which might suit your needs better.
Understanding What Rough Country M1 and N3 Are
First, it’s important to know that both the M1 and N3 are suspension lift kits designed to enhance your vehicle’s off-road capabilities and overall stance. The M1 is known for being a budget-friendly option that provides a moderate lift, while the N3 is generally a more advanced kit offering a higher lift and improved suspension components.
Lift Height and Vehicle Compatibility
I checked the lift heights because this affects your vehicle’s clearance and tire options. The M1 usually offers a 2-3 inch lift, which is great for light off-roading and everyday driving. The N3 tends to provide a taller lift, around 3-4 inches, making it better suited for more aggressive off-road use. Also, make sure to verify compatibility with your specific truck or SUV model since both kits might support different model years or trims.
Installation Process
From my experience, the M1 kit is relatively straightforward to install, especially if you have some mechanical knowledge. The N3 is more complex due to additional components like upgraded shocks and control arms, so it might require professional installation or at least more time and tools.
Ride Quality and Performance
I noticed that the M1 provides a decent improvement in ride quality over stock suspension but can feel a bit stiff on rough terrain. The N3, with its enhanced shocks and components, offers a smoother ride and better handling both on and off-road. If you spend a lot of time in challenging environments, the N3 might be worth the extra investment.
Durability and Build Quality
Both kits come from Rough Country, a reputable brand known for durable products. However, the N3 uses higher-grade materials and more robust components, which I believe translates into longer-lasting performance, especially under heavy use.
Price Considerations
The M1 is generally more affordable, making it a good choice if you’re on a budget or new to lifting your vehicle. The N3 costs more but includes additional parts and better technology, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for upgrades or repairs.
My Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you’re looking for a cost-effective lift that improves your ride height and basic off-road capability, the Rough Country M1 is a solid choice. However, if you want enhanced performance, a higher lift, and improved ride quality, and you don’t mind spending a bit more, the N3 is worth considering.
Ultimately, I evaluated my driving habits, budget, and how I planned to use my vehicle before making a decision. I recommend you do the same and consider which features matter most to you.
I hope my insights help you make an informed choice between the Rough Country M1 and N3 lift kits!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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