Talk to a Wrangler Sales Tech
1-877-870-8556
M-F 8:30A-11P, Sat-Sun 8:30A-9P
Logo Image
$20K Sweeps! 10 Chances to Win! Enter Daily >

How to Install SuperLift 1.5 in. Suspension Lift Kit w/ Superide Shocks (87-95 Wrangler YJ) on your Jeep Wrangler

Installation Time

4 hours

Extreme Terrain
Shop Parts in this Guide

INTRODUCTION

Installation requires a professional mechanic. Prior to beginning, inspect the vehicles steering, driveline, and brake systems, paying close attention to the suspension link arms and bushings, anti-sway bars and bushings, tie rod ends, pitman arm, ball joints and wheel bearings. Also check the steering sector-to-frame and all suspension-to-frame attaching points for stress cracks. The overall vehicle must be in excellent working condition; repair or replace all worn parts. 

Read instructions several times before starting. Be sure you have all needed parts and know where they install. Read each step completely as you go. 

NOTES:

• Front / rear springs and shock absorbers (purchased separately) are also required.
• On diagrams, an arrow symbol indicates which direction is towards 'front of vehicle".
• A foot pound torque reading ( ) is given after each appropriate fastener.
• Do not add or fabricate any components to gain additional suspension height.
• After drilling, file smooth any burrs or sharp edges or stress cracks may develop.
• Paint or undercoat all exposed metal surfaces.
• Prior to attaching components, be sure mating surfaces are free of grit, grease, undercoating, etc.

PARTS LIST … The part number is stamped into each part or printed on an adhesive label. Identify each part and place the appropriate mounting hardware with it. 



FRONT PROCEDURE

1) PREPARE VEHICLE...

 Prior to placing the front of vehicle on jack stands (performed in next step), remove the stock sway bar drop links. The links (one per side) connect the anti-sway bar body to the U-bolt plates.

3) FRONT SPRINGS…

 Remove the four front spring-to-axle U-bolts.

NOTE: The remainder of spring removal and installation is performed one side at a time:

 On the driver's side, position a floor jack beneath the axle tube, just inboard of the leaf spring. Raise the jack until the axle just separates from the spring. Now, detach the spring from its hangers.

 Prior to installation, thoroughly lubricate the new spring eye bushings and sleeves with a water resistant, Lithium based grease. Loosely attach the spring to its hangers; snug-up but do not completely tighten the mounting bolts yet. Note that the large diameter eye takes the larger diameter sleeve and installs at the stationary mount, opposite the pivoting shackle end.

NOTE: The Superlift springs are equipped with shims to correct caster. Some Wranglers are equipped with loose spring shims with the factory springs. If so equipped, do not use the factory shims with Superlift springs.

 Repeat the spring removal and installation procedure on the passenger's side.

4) U-BOLTS…

 Make sure the the spring perches and the the springs are clean and free of any debris.

 Position the front axle onto the springs being sure the tie bolt heads align and seat into the spring perch holes.

 Position the U-bolt plates under the springs and install the #10102 and #10302 U-bolts. Tighten the U-bolts (100) in an “X” pattern.

REAR PROCEDURE

8) PREPARE VEHICLE…

 Raise rear of vehicle and place jack stands beneath frame rails, directly in front of rear springs' front hangers. Lower the frame onto the stands, then chock front tires. Remove rear tires / wheels and shocks.

11) SPRING REMOVAL / INSTALLATION...

 Remove rear U-bolts.

NOTE: The remainder of spring removal and installation is performed one side at a time:

 On the driver's side, position a floor jack beneath the axle tube, just inboard of the leaf spring. Raise the jack until the axle just separates from the spring. Now, detach the spring from its hangers.

 Prior to installation, thoroughly lubricate the new spring eye bushings and sleeves with a water resistant, Lithium based grease. Loosely attach the spring to its hangers; snug-up but do not completely tighten the mounting bolts yet. Note that the large diameter eye takes the larger diameter sleeve and installs at the stationary mount, opposite the pivoting shackle end. Also note that the springs are not equipped with degree shims; driveline correction is addressed by another method.

 Repeat the spring removal and installation procedure on the passenger's side.

 Lubricate and install the spring eye bushings and then the springs using the same procedures used at front of vehicle. Again, do not fully tighten spring eye bolts yet. This is performed in a later step.

 Position the U-bolt plates under the springs and install the #10082 U-bolts. Tighten the U-bolts (100) in an “X” pattern.

13) SHOCKS…

 Install shocks, torquing upper and lower mounts (45).

NOTE: Some models may exhibit light contact between the shock body and axle tube. Because the contact is light, it does not affect the performance of the suspension or the shock. If this is unacceptable, your options are: (A) use a smaller body shock (B) relocate shock brackets.

14) TIRES / WHEELS...

 [DIAGRAM 1] Tighten the lug nuts (80-110) in the sequence shown.

WARNING: When the tires / wheels are installed, always check for and remove any corrosion, dirt, or foreign material on the wheel mounting surface, or anything that contacts the wheel mounting surface (hub, rotor, etc.). Installing wheels without the proper metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the lug nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion.


WARNING: Retighten lug nuts at 500 miles after any wheel change, or anytime the lug nuts are loosened. Failure to do so could cause wheels to come off while vehicle is in motion.

 Lower vehicle to the floor.

15) REAR FASTENER TIGHTENING SEQUENCE…

 Manually bounce the front and rear suspension several times to “seat” the springs.

 Tighten the rear springs’ shackle (95) and stationary (105) ends.

17) LOWERING THE TRANSFER CASE…

 [Diagram 2] There are two or three bolts, towards the skid plate's center, that tie the transfer case to the plate. Loosen, but do not remove these bolts.

 Position a floor jack beneath the skid plate and slightly load the jack. On each side, remove the 3 skid plate-to-frame bolts and lower the assembly enough to insert the #55-16-5040 drop brackets.

 Note that the spacers' concave surface mates against the plate. Install the supplied 1/2” x 3” allen-head bolts. Now tighten the skid plate (30) and transfer case mount bolts (33).

NOTE: Lowering the skid plate assembly can affect transmission shifting functions. Refer to the appropriate MANUAL or AUTOMATIC instructions:

MANUAL TRANSMISSION - When shifting into Reverse, check for clearance between the stick and floor pan. If there is interference, trim away the pan as required. Normally, no more that 1/4" of material must be removed. Also, it may be necessary to move the center console rearward slightly. If so, the stock self-tapping screws can be reused.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - The engine should crank only if the vehicle is in Park or Neutral. The transmission's shift linkage must be readjusted if the vehicle cranks in one but not both positions, or if it will crank in any other position. If adjustment is required, it must be performed by a qualified Jeep technician.

18) FINAL PROCEDURES AND TORQUE CHECK…

 With the front tires pointing perfectly straight ahead, the steering wheel cross bars will be misaligned. To center the steering wheel, loosen the two clamp bolts on the drag link adjustment sleeve and rotate the sleeve until the desired steering wheel position is achieved. Then tighten the clamp bolts (33).

 Cycle steering lock-to-lock and inspect steering, suspension and driveline systems for proper operation, tightness, and adequate clearance. If brake hose fittings were touched, recheck them for leaks. Be sure all hoses / wiring are of adequate length. Now, raise vehicle again and reposition jack stands. With the suspension unloaded and "hanging", repeat the above inspection procedures.

NOTE: With some vehicles, engine torque, while under heavy loads, can cause the transfer case to make contact with the rear lip of the skid plate. If this occurs, space the rear of the plate down further by adding one or two washers per side to the top of the rear spacers.

19) Activate four wheel drive system and check front hubs for engagement

20) HEADLIGHTS...

 Readjust headlights to proper setting.

21) SUPERLIFT NAME BADGE AND WARNING DECAL...
The system includes one 2” x 5” name badge (#0034). Additional and / or larger badges are available from Superlift or a Superlift dealer. We suggest putting the badges on the front fenders, tailgate, or rear window. The badge mounts by means of factory applied, double-backed tape. Follow these instructions to ensure that badge sticks properly:

 Clean designated area with warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry with a soft, lint free towel.

 Thoroughly prep the area with the furnished alcohol wipe pad and wipe dry with a soft, lint free towel. Do not touch the surface again with your hands; they transfer body oils.

 Remove mounting tape backing, line up badge, and press in place. Do not touch mounting tape or allow tape to get dirty.

 Press firmly on the badge face and hold a few seconds to seat mounting tape. A superior adhesive bond forms over time. We recommend allowing 24 hours of cure time before washing and waxing. The emblem itself can be cleaned with any glass cleaner.

 Install the WARNING TO DRIVER decal on the inside of the windshield, or on the dash, within driver’s view. Refer to the “NOTICE TO DEALER AND VEHICLE OWNER” section below.

22) ALIGNMENT...

 Front end alignment has not been affected by this system, but we suggest that alignment be checked to improve tire wear characteristics and driveability.

As a general rule, the taller a vehicle is, the easier it will roll over. Offset, as much as possible, what is lost in roll over resistance by increasing tire track width. In other words, go “wide” as you go “tall”. Many sportsmen remove their mud tires after winter / hunting season and install ones more appropriate for street driving; always use as wide a tire and wheel combination as possible to enhance vehicle stability.

We strongly recommend, because of roll over possibility, that the vehicle be equipped with a functional roll bar and cage system. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be worn at all times. Avoid situations where a side rollover may occur.

Generally, braking performances and capabilities are decreased when significantly larger / heavier tires and wheels are used. Take this into consideration while driving.

Do not add, alter, or fabricate any factory or aftermarket parts to increase vehicle height over the intended height of the Superlift product purchased. Mixing component brands is not recommended.

Most states have some type of law limiting vehicle height. The amount of lift allowed, and how the lift may be achieved, varies greatly. Several states offer exemptions for farm or commercially registered vehicles. It is the owner’s responsibility to check state and local laws to ensure that their vehicle will be in compliance.

Superlift makes no claims regarding lifting devices and excludes any and all implied claims. Superlift will not be responsible for any altered product or any improper installation or use of our products.

We will be happy to answer any questions concerning the design, function, and correct use of our products.


IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

It is the ultimate buyer’s responsibility to have all bolts / nuts checked for tightness after the first 100 miles and then every 1000 miles. The steering, suspension and driveline systems, along with wheel alignment should be inspected by a qualified professional mechanic at least every 3000 miles.