I have a new 3.5 rough country lift (529.00) installed on a 08 jku. Around 500 miles on it now. The ride was less than pleasant. Still is. I upgraded to forged trackbar and yeti drag drag link flip which helped a lot! Everything is within spec for alignment etc.. has anyone used this kit with different shocks with great or better success?

 

Those shocks aren't great, as you've seen. Common brands people will slap on their JK include Fox, Bilstein, Rancho, Old Man Emu, Teraflex Falcons, Metalcloak RockSport, and probably several others. I'd avoid thinks like Skyjacker, ProComp, Rubicon Express, Zone, and various others. Most people just look at what lift size certain shocks are for, but if you dig into the details, you'll see there are differences in extended/collapsed lengths. Much like measuring for proper bumpstops though.....nobody really wants to take the time to do it right, or at least it seems that way.

 

I’m looking to the falcon 2.2, rancho 9000. Bilstein 5100. Not sure which way to go. The falcons are a little more, but are they that much better.

 

Better is subjective on shock ride. Rough country coils are soft so you might want to get something with compression adjusters so you can tweak them to your liking. Of course this means more $$$ and with your initial purchase I would say your budget is lacking for some tunable shocks.
I would not spend the money teraflex wants for a 2" mono shock.

 

I am partial to the RS9000XL, won't break the bank and they really do work!
Good luck in your choice.