Superlift 4.5" F.I.T. Series Lift System?

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Old 10-11-2006 | 02:52 PM
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Superlift 4.5" F.I.T. Series Lift System?

Does anyone have this lift? I am trying to decide between Rancho 4" and Superlift 4.5". The only thing I don't like about the Rancho is the widening of the front wheels. Superlift does not change the stance width at all. Also, Superlift comes with add a leafs, and Rancho has blocks. I have only heard good things about Rancho, but I haven't heard any thing about Superlift. I just went to the Offroad Expo and spoke with both companies and they both sounded good. I am also limited on how high I can go due to my parking situation. I cannot do a 6" lift.
Thanks for any advise.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?num=11583
 

Last edited by 05BlackF150; 10-11-2006 at 06:27 PM.
  #2  
Old 10-11-2006 | 08:04 PM
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05BlackF150... Hello, I installed the Superlift 4.5 ' Frame Integrated Technology(FIT) system on my 06 Lariat SuperCrew 4X4. My son and I did it in about eight hours (four hours each day) The kit went on with out any problems. The only cutting required on mine was to remove the upper stock mounting bracket for the front axle transfer case. This was a simple mod and templates are included. The instructions are clear and consise and provide indiviual blocks for checking off your progress. The Superlift web site has a very informative video relating to this system and installation. I did call tech support once about question and they returned my call sameday
After installtion of the front items we installed the rear add-a-leaf with out any issues. We then test drove the truck and retightned all bolts to correct torque values supplied in the kit. I installed a 35" tires and 18" wheels with 4.5" of BackSpacing. I did however get a tire thats a little wider than specified and did have some rubbing. Once these wear out I'll replace them 12.5" wide next time.

The ride quality is excellent! It is a little stiffer but SOOOO close to factory that my wife was even impressed. I did lower the tire pressures a little to allow some additional flex in the side wall which added to the overal ride quality. I recommend this Suspension system and I now have over 5500 miles on it without any problems. I too did not want the higher 6 or 8" lifts. I was just looking for a mild lift without using the Leveling spacers which change suspension angels. This kit also comes with the new Cam-Lock bolts required for alignment after installation. Too me a well thought out kit. BoB



 
  #3  
Old 10-11-2006 | 08:23 PM
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blue oval, your truck looks great! either kit would look great, but I can only vouch for the quality of the rancho.
 
  #4  
Old 10-11-2006 | 08:41 PM
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Z-Man FX4... I totally understand. I am not saying I dislike one or the other I did alot of research and asked numerous questions on this forum before making my decision. Actually several members had negative input on SuperLift/Rancho/Fabtech. I was really worried about my selection. I finally choose SuperLift's 4.5' FIT system and so far I have no complaints. I will add however that most of my off-roading relates to Beach driving on NC's Outer Banx. I have not performed any "Monster Truck Antics" and I doubt I will. I'll leave those tricks to Joisah.... "He Be Da Man" I am sure Rancho(HouseHold Name) has a great product.... I just went a different path. Have you watched SuperLift's video? It is very informative and actually help me make my choice. Check it out on their Web Site. It's pretty short.

Thanks for the comments... I must say at the beach, The girls come out of nowhere to ask about it. My wife just can't stand it! She say's I'm going through my second childhood. I reply, "Not my childhood my old high school "Rabbit" years" she says yeah right with some Cialis maybe
 
  #5  
Old 10-12-2006 | 12:20 AM
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Blue Oval. Thanks for the photos and the information. I watched the video on the Superlift site. It looks like a really good lift to me. I was concerned because of all the negative feedback that I've read about Superlift. I hadn't heard any negative feedback about Rancho. I just don't like when the front wheels stick out further than the rear wheels as with the Rancho lift. In the photo your front end looks higher than the rear. Is this due to the angle of the photo or is it because you have a camper shell? I prefer my truck to sit level. I don't have a shell. Thanks again.
 
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Old 10-12-2006 | 12:50 AM
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where did you get the idea rancho widens the track width?
 
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Old 10-12-2006 | 08:50 AM
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05BlackF150... "In the photo your front end looks higher than the rear. Is this due to the angle of the photo or is it because you have a camper shell? I prefer my truck to sit level. I don't have a shell. Thanks again."

Before the shell the truck was LEVEL. My Leer Shell has roll over protection and weighs in around 300-350lbs. I have since added custom blocks on the rear(actually removed the stock ones and had a machine shop duplicate them with an added 1.25". My trucks stance is acceptable to me. (see my gallery... new truck pictures) I am retired and go fishing/camping alot. when loaded she sits "nice and even"




I have a friend with a rancho suspension system(not sure of the height) but last night we stood in front and looked down the side, the front wheels do extend slightly more than the rears... I never noticed this until you said it! Keen observation on your part. My friend still stands behind his system. His only complaint is bushing noise[squeaks] other than that he is satisfied. BoB
 
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Old 10-12-2006 | 04:44 PM
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hmmm, that was one of the plusses with the rancho systems because they dont/didnt extend the trail width

what year truck?
i had a rancho lift on a 02 screw & it didnt increase my track width
 
  #9  
Old 10-12-2006 | 05:33 PM
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Blue Oval,
Thanks for the side pic. It looks level to me. I looked at your gallery and I think the height is perfect for me. Buy the way. Do you have a pic of the front coil over w/ Superlift 4" spacer. I'd like to see that if you have it. Thanks.

Sean Somer,
I emailed Rancho, and I spoke to the Rancho guys at the offroad expo last weekend. They showed me the spacer that adds about 1/2 width to each of the front wheels. It's not much, but I noticed it. I have an 05 F-150 4X4 Lariat. The extra width is the only negative for me. Other than that I like the Rancho lift as well. I still haven't made up my mind yet. More research.
Thanks for all the info.
 

Last edited by 05BlackF150; 10-12-2006 at 05:39 PM.
  #10  
Old 10-12-2006 | 09:17 PM
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Sean Somer... My buddy has a 2004 GMC Sierra Quad Cab 1500 4X4 with Vortec 5.3. He has a 6" Rancho Suspension and has 35 X 12.5 Mickey Thompson tires on weld wheels. The truck is white and the RED rancho system reallys adds some contrast. His truck looks awesome. His only complaint with the suspension system is "Squeaks" and a VERY stiff ride.

05Black150... Dude your truck looks nice! I looked it up in the gallery. I do not have any pictures of the Spacer above the coil spring but I can take one and post it soon. Maybe Saturday. I think the way it is engineered helps retain the factory ride as you do not separate the OEM coil spring and shock assembly. My truck truly rides almost like factory. I am very pleased. I will add that my buddies GMC rides more like a TRUCK with the stiffer rancho system... But to each his own. I purchased my FORD truck because of the excellent ride quality and I did not want that compromised.
 

Last edited by BlueOval Breath; 10-12-2006 at 09:19 PM.
  #11  
Old 10-13-2006 | 01:27 AM
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BlueOval... just wondering but which shocks did he choose with the lift?
ive ridden in several 03-04 GMCs with that same lift & they all had RS9000Xs & rode pretty good, but no where as nice as my Screw
& the "squeaking" issue, we never had anyone complain about a "squeaking" from their rancho suspensension.
might wanna check the installation & tighten all the bolts, etc.
rancho was the number 1 selling lift at my dads shop & directly under that was fabtech
and we never had any complaints from anyone on either lifts, except for a few on the fabtechs, but those were driver-oriented problems
 

Last edited by sean_somer; 10-13-2006 at 01:31 AM.
  #12  
Old 10-13-2006 | 02:03 AM
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Thanks BlueOval,
It would look much nicer with a lift though. Do you know of anyone being turned down for warranty repairs because of the lift? I was getting my service done today an I asked the dealership if the lift would void the warranty. One guy said only if the lift caused the problem. Another told me it could void my drive train warranty. Just wondering......Thanks.

I will check back this weekend to see if you posted a photo of the front spacer.
 
  #13  
Old 10-13-2006 | 07:14 AM
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Sean Somer.... I'm not sure of the type of shocks he has although I do know he can do type of shock adjustment from inside his truck. The squeaks he has are coming from the front and rear when the truck is articulating. I have stood outside and the squeak seems(too me) to becoming from the shock end bushing area... IMO. PLEASE don't get me wrong his rancho system is nice and very rigid. I explained to him as well that he already made a "Great Mistake (GM)" by his choice of truck manufacture

The Ride of his truck just seems to be stiffer than mine and I really do not like the ergonomics... However his seats are nice but I would never tell him that. The Rancho System is as you stated; Number 1, in Light truck suspensions... I really have no complaints/negative comments about any manufacture. I just choose SuperLift. Mainly because I am vertically challenged and really did not want a 6-8" lift.

I also managed to view your gallery last night. What size lift do you have? I had a 01 Supercrew justlike that before purchasing my 06. Same exterior color with tan leather interior. I should have keep it(Paid Off) but I just HAD to have the newer body style(I sure as heck hate my NEWer payment though) .... Thanks for conversing. BoB
 
  #14  
Old 10-13-2006 | 07:25 AM
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05BlackF150... As for the warranty issues, I have been told and also requested it writing(the fine print on my OEM warranty) That IF they(Manufacture) can prove that you(Customer) installed a product(Non-Ford or Aftermarket)that has caused the preamature failure on you warrantied vehicle FORD will deny your claim to fix/repair under warranty. HOWEVER.... The burden of proof is in their court.

I do realize that altering my suspension can/could lead to a higher failure rate of suspension components and I personally took that risk. My biggest concern is the strain/stress oversized tires place on my stock transmission components. I will add that my truck is "Babied" I have no plans to thrash my investment. After all the young ladies like it "shiny and slick not dirty and dented...." BoB
 
  #15  
Old 10-13-2006 | 05:10 PM
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BlueOval...Ahhh yes, brings back memorys lookin at pics of that truck, sure do miss it

In those pics i had the rancho 4" & RS9000Xs
didnt have the in-cab adjuster yet though
 


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