Super-High Super Duty

Newer Ford Super Dutys are prime candidates for serious lifting. Stock, they look somewhat rugged and industrial-strength, but raising them up and slapping on aggressive rubber makes Super Dutys truly outstanding.

To demonstrate that the competent do-it-yourselfer can still add a tall lift to a late-model truck, this article shows highlights of Superlift’s Superide Select 8” kit going on a 2001 F-250 4×4. (The system shown here fits leaf-sprung 1999-2004 F250/F350 4x4s.) Superlift offers its Superide Select kits ranging from 2”-10” (in 2” increments) for these trucks, and the 8” system was chosen to replace an existing 6” kit and 35s–the ultimate goal being 37” tires and decent highway manners. (Superlift sells its springs ala carte as well as in the complete systems.)

Features

The Superlift Super Duty kits offer several premium aspects. As mentioned already, ride quality is addressed with more, thinner leaves per pack: 9 or 10 in front (depending on lift level) compared to some other manufacturers’ 5 or 6. More leafs means a progressive, smoother ride, and less arch for each piece of steel minimizes shackle movement and inter-leaf friction. Anti-friction pads between the leafs allow the springs to flex easier, and full military wraps on the main leafs improve durability. Superlift also uses vehicle-specific spring rates: gas leafpacks are softer than the heavier diesel applications.

Other kit features and benefits:

2” – fits 34” tires: This kit includes replacement front springs and U-bolts, a heavy-duty track-bar bracket and front bumpstop lowering brackets.

4″ – fits 35” tires: Includes the 2” kit’s bracketry with taller front springs, longer front anti-sway bar links and rear add-a-leafs.

6″ – fits 36” tires: Above components but taller front springs and a dropped pitman arm; rear leveling combines 2.5″ rear lift blocks with add-a-leafs or optional replacement Superide Select springs.

8″ – fits 38” tires: Builds on the 6″ kit by adding rear bump-stop drop brackets, front brake-hose relocation hardware and either 4″ rear blocks for use with add-a-leafs or replacement Superide springs (shown here).

10″ – fits 40” tires: Adds new leafpacks at each corner with 2″ rear blocks for leveling; includes replacement front spring hangers, Bulletproof braided-steel brake hoses, an adjustable front track bar, extended front and rear swaybar links, and a rear-shock crossmember mount that has tabs for running optional dual shocks. Superlift even offers an 8″-10″ upgrade kit, allowing owners of the 8″ Super Duty system to buy only the components needed to step up to 10 inches of lift.

Options

All complete systems come standard with Superlift’s Superide shocks: gas-charged fronts and hydraulic rears. For this job, we upgraded to Superlift Select Series (SS) monotube shocks (Bilstein 5100s). Superlift SSR remote-reservoir shocks are also available for people who want the look and added cooling benefits.

We also opted for a few other Superlift upgrades. First, dual front shocks mounts and dual steering stabilizers really optimize ride and handling. For the front brakes, we chose Bulletproof hoses instead of rerouting the stock plumbing. These braided-steel Bulletproof units are DOT-compliant and feature Teflon linings and precision-bent, factory-style metal leaders for improved pedal feel and proper clearance. A final upgrade installed here is mostly aesthetic: Superlift’s brushed-stainless skidplate, which features a laser-cut flamed Superlift logo.

Super Duty owners who want to make an even greater statement will find additional ups and extras in the Superlift catalog. These include TorqueMax traction bars (complete with optional brushed-stainless panels), extreme Rings diff covers and Rail Wraps stainless frame panels.

Installation

Superlift recommends that these Super Duty kits be professionally installed. However, they’re straightforward compared to many IFS kits, so we relied on Richard Kale and Alfredo Valadez at Off Road Unlimited (ORU) to give curious do-it-yourselfers an idea of what’s involved. ORU’s meticulous job even included spacing down the carrier bearing to control potential rear-driveline vibration. Also, ORU recommended upgrading to a long-spline front driveshaft: The stock shaft fits, but slip-engagement is marginal during suspension droop. Finally, ORU rerouted the rear E-brake lines per Superlift’s instructions and re-aimed the headlights to complete the job. Professional alignment is also recommended.

A day at ORU accomplished the mission. Now the daily-driven truck rides on 37” Cepek Fun-Countrys, and the 8” Superide Select springs (backed by multiple SS shocks) are softer and more compliant than the ride from the previous 6” springs. Dual stabilizers help keep the Cepeks in line, and the brushed stainless-steel skidplate adds a little eye candy. Besides, should we ever get bored with this big-boy setup, the bigger-boy 10” upgrade kit is always available.