Before: A basic plain-Jane 1999 Z71 on 245/75R16s.
STANDARD ISSUE
Superlift’s Standard Series System is an Affordable 6”Lift for IFS Chevy 4x4sCHEVY/GMC IFS LIFT KITS ARE BEST-SELLERS FOR MOST SUSPENSION MANUFACTURERS. COMPETITION CAUSES THESE COMPANIES TO DEVISE BETTER WAYS TO LIFT 1/2-TON CHEVYS WHILE MAKING THEM RIDE AND HANDLE AS PREDICTABLY AS POSSIBLE.
Superlift has R&D’d Chevy IFS suspension systems for years, dating back to the late-80s with its first-generation “bracket” kits. Not the easiest kit to install, this system holds its alignment well and is durable. In 2004, Superlift launched its F.I.T. (Frame Integrated Technology) kit, a computer-designed system that uses replacement steering knuckles and an interlocking bellypan/ subframe assembly to simplify installation and optimize steering and handling.
Superlift recently introduced a third system for IFS Chevys. This GM Standard Series 6” kit for current-generation 1/2-ton 4x4 pickups and SUVs combines the earlier system’s brackets with the F.I.T.’s knuckles to create a modern kit at a value-leading price from 4 Wheel Parts. The system’s name comes from its “industry standard” diff skidplate (which ties together the kit’s crossmembers) and kicker braces.
Features & Benefits
The replacement knuckles work with the OE control arms and steering linkage. They also keep alignment within spec, allowing zero degrees’ additional camber and toe changes throughout suspension cycling.
Aluminum axle spacers keep the front shafts intact during suspension travel, and the stock front driveshaft is retained. The kit’s two full-width/high-clearance crossmembers are made from .25”-thick steel and serve as mounts for the diff and lower A-arms. Kicker braces further reinforce the crossmember cradle to the vehicle’s frame.
Pickup rear-lifting options are blocks, add-a-leafs with blocks, or replacement leaf springs; SUV applications include replacement coils and single Superlift Superide shocks. Alternately, one can chose Superide Select (SS) monotubes by Bilstein or Select monotubes with remote reservoir (SSR). (Dual and triple front shock mounts are optional.) Available relocation brackets accommodate factory Autoride electronic shocks or Air-Ride shocks.
After: Van Nuys 4WPW service manager Robert Faussett (left) and Jesse “The Body” Smith “pimp” this ride with Superlift’s new 6” Standard kit and 35” Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrains on 17x8 Series 8089 Xtreme Alloys.
Superlift offers many other options. These include a steering stabilizer, a front brushed-stainless skidplate, Torque Max Traction Bars, which are highly recommended with rear lift blocks, Rail Wraps frame dress-up panels, eXtreme Ring rear differential protector and TruSpeed speed sensor recalibrator. Further, Superlift now has brackets that easily return the truck to stock height later if desired. Incidentally, all Superlift components are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Tires & Wheels
Superlift’s test fitment used LT315/75R16s (roughly 35x12.50s) on 8-inch-wide wheels with a maximum 4.625” backspacing for upper A-arm clearance. This backspacing allows the stock spare tire/wheel to be used. Structurally, the factory balljoints and steering linkage are the limiting factors, and Superlift recommends a maximum tire diameter of 37”.
Unlike the old “bracket” kit, Superlift’s Standard and F.I.T. systems require aftermarket wheels when running larger- than-stock tires to clear the knuckles’ necks. Since many late-model trucks double as commuters, we investigated “plus size” options: Off-roaders might want to stick with 16s to allow a little more sidewall flex, although Pro Comp Tire president Scott Ward points out that most competitive rock-crawlers are now running 17s or larger.
Pro Comp has a wide range of plussized tire and wheel options, and we opted for 35x12.50R17s Pro Comp Xtreme All Terrains on 17x8 Pro Comp Xtreme Alloy Series 8089 wheels. The Xtreme All Terrains feature a 4-rib directional design and are made in popular 16, 17, 18 and 20-inch wheel fitments up to 38.5” tall. The 35x12.50R17s are a “full” 35, having a 34.9” diameter, so slight fenderwell trimming was necessary here.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW:
Highlights of the basic Superlift Standard Series 6” kit with optional SS shocks are shown on the following pages as installed by Jesse Smith at the 4 Wheel Parts, Van Nuys, CA store. Service manager Robert Faussett spent an additional hour professionally aligning the truck and clearancing the front fenderwells. Although the kit is engineered to be installer-friendly, Superlift recommends that a pro handle the job since a specialized torsion-bar tool and cutting/welding are required.
Superlift’s 6” Standard Series System is a modern knuckle-style kit. Front components include replacement knuckles, axle spacers, crossmembers and kicker braces.
(left:) Superlift uses two full-width crossmembers to stoutly mount the lower A-arms and cradle the diff 4” lower than stock, reducing CV wear. (right:) The kit includes aluminum spacers to keep the CV axles intact during full suspension cycling.
(left:) The Superlift knuckle (right) is cast from ductile iron for strength. Front lift is partly achieved by spacing the lower A-arms down six inches. (right:) Once the lower A-arms are attached to the Superlift crossmembers, the new knuckles install in the reverse order that the stock ones were removed.
(left) The kit’s diff skidplate ties the two crossmembers together for extra strength. Jesse waits until all components are in place before final fastener torquing, some of which happens on the alignment rack. (right:) Kicker braces provide extra rigidity between the rear Superlift crossmember and the factory t-case crossmember.
(left:) Rear lift is achieved by combining the kit’s 4” block with the factory block. Here, the optional Torque Max Traction Bar’s rear bracket is installed on the U-bolt plate. (right:) Robert Faussett aligned the truck and also trimmed the airdam and rear of the front wheelwells to make extra clearance for the 35x12.50R17 Xtreme All Terrains — which we learned have a 36.7” diameter.