Superlift, tires, wheels, spares - $6K

 

The lift kit was a choice of either the RCD or Superlift 6 inch system, both being equally strong and well designed.

The Superlift was chosen due to its availability and pervasiveness of installation over the RCD, at least by the local installers. Superlift also has two options for the rear: Blocks with an add-a-leaf or a new set of leaf springs. Eventually a new set of Superlift leafs will be changed in as they limit axle wrap, have less strain of the rear suspension, and generally provide better off road handling.

California Concepts had installed many of these Superlift systems for various GM dealers in the area, and worked out the installation issues long before this Suburban met with their cutting torches and grinders. The installation is nontrivial so a seasoned shop with a lot of experience is the best bet. Other shops in the area were able to do the work, but did not have the experience CA Concepts had, and did not provide a price difference to make up for allowing them to cut their teeth on this vehicle. Your mileage may vary.

The work to be done was to install the Superlift 6 inch kit, front skid plate, Centerline extreme duty rotary forged aluminum wheels, BGF 35x12.50x16.5 MTs (33's were eventually swapped in), and a pair of SuperSwampers on the factory wheels to provide full sized spares. Additional parts and work required are a new front drive shaft (these are not cheap) to make up for the longer distance to the front diff from the transfer case, and adding a new crossover section of exhaust pipe up front to clear the added hardware required for the lift.

Front end fender work was handled expertly to provide clearance for the new 35's. California Concepts completed this work with high marks, showing their expertise and experience with the Superlift lift kit. Both the fender and exhaust work were included as part of the installation price.

There are several little things (included in the installation price) that need to be done after the work is complete, so be sure the shop takes care of these. These include a post install alignment check, configuring the internal computer to match (as best as possible) the new tire size, and adjusting the headlights to match the new front end height.

Only one problem cropped up with regard to this lift: For off road use, 35 inch tires will not fit under this 2001 Suburban without major wheel well enlarging or a 2 inch body lift. For average asphalt driving, 35's will work, but only by the skin of their treds. As this truck is to take the place of the old '89 Suburban, off road ability is a must. After 600 miles on the 35's, a trip back to CA Concepts was made and for the cost of installation ($60), a new set of 33's were swapped in.

email:SubRider

10/16/01