Off-RoadWeb Homepage Off-Road
Facebook Newsletter

Grander Commanders

Superlift's 4-Inch Lift Improves New Grand Cherokees' and Commanders' Trail Ratings

Photography by Tom Morr

InstallationSpecialized tools and fabrication skills (4x4 system only) are required. Because of this, Superlift recommends that the job be performed by a qualified professional. The photos and captions here provide an overview of the process as performed on a 4x4 Grand Cherokee; the 4x2 kit deletes the front differential relocation parts and doesn't require the frame welding and exhaust clearancing.

Preparation involves applying pieces of tape to the steering wheel and column to mark their alignment. The steering wheel is recentered following the lift. It is also necessary to unbolt the rear track bar at the axle and disconnect the battery's negative cable before raising and securing the Jeep. Referring to a service manual while removing the OE skidplate, sway bars, brakes, knuckles, front axleshafts, struts, and other factory suspension components is a good idea. Superlift's comprehensive and well-illustrated instructions detail each step.

The end results: an even grander Grand and a Commander that might actually command some respect from crusty old off-roaders.

  • The Superlift 4-inch WK/XK system features replacement ductile-iron steering knuckles, front coilover preload spacers and towers, extended sway-bar links, a front crossmember and bellypan, differential and front driveshaft relocation/clearance pieces (4WD kit only; shown), longer rear coils, link arm and track bar relocation brackets, and all other necessary hardware.
    The Superlift 4-inch WK/XK system features replacement ductile-iron steering knuckles, fro
  • In the front, one of the final disassembly steps is to remove the diff. A trans jack helps immensely.
    In the front, one of the final disassembly steps is to remove the diff. A trans jack help
  • Here's the gutted front end awaiting the Superlift components.
  • The rear front-suspension crossmember must be notched for front driveshaft clearance. The instruction sheet includes a template, which is located over a factory skidplate mounting hole.
    The rear front-suspension crossmember must be notched for front driveshaft clearance. The
  • After the template is outlined, a plasma cutter or torch is used to remove the area inside the line.
    After the template is outlined, a plasma cutter or torch is used to remove the area inside
  • Here's the cut-out section.
  • We testfit the kit's reinforcement plate in the newly created notch then trimmed the crossmember to fine-tune the fit. We then snaked the crossmember with a magnet to remove any slag or shavings.
    We testfit the kit's reinforcement plate in the newly created notch then trimmed the cross
  • After verifying that the patch plate fit properly, it was welded into place.
  • The additional clearance is necessary because the front diff will be remounted a couple inches lower than stock. To inhibit rust, the bare metal should be painted after it cools.
    The additional clearance is necessary because the front diff will be remounted a couple in
  • The diff's lower mount was removed. It will be repositioned on a Superlift bracket.
  • We used the kit's diff bracket as a template for marking the lower mounting area.
  • Then we removed the Superlift bracket and cut off the diff's mounting ear (using a torch or plasma cutter will warp and irreparably damage the diff's housing).
    Then we removed the Superlift bracket and cut off the diff's mounting ear (using a torch o
Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!

*Please enter your username

*Please enter your password

*Please enter your comments
Comments:
Not Registered?Signup Here
(1024 character limit)
Off-Road