It seems like anyone who owns a four-wheel-drive car these days insists on getting a lifter and wheels on it.
Some brands even offer lift kits as an accessory item for brand new utes and SUVs so you don’t have to guess when asking someone else to modify the vehicle.
- You are legally allowed to lift your vehicle – to some extent
- The size of the elevator you desire can require certification
- Raising your vehicle height may allow for better off-road capability, but it can feel very different when driving
Factory-made lifting kits mean you don’t need to read the detailed printout in your warranty document, as otherwise you could find yourself voiding your warranty if you make changes to your warranty. with the car’s suspension through a business that is not an official channel of the manufacturer.
That shouldn’t matter if you’re lifting an older vehicle, though, but there are still plenty of rules and regulations surrounding what you can and can’t do when lifting your vehicle.
First, what does it mean to lift your 4×4, car, car or SUV? You’re essentially trying to raise the body of the vehicle to allow for more ground clearance and therefore more potential off-road capability.
The Australian Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Vehicles publishes the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Building and Modification (NCOP), which incorporates sets of direct, actionable instructions. change to modify the medium.
According to the department’s website: “The National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Building and Modification (VSB 14) has been prepared by members of the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board Working Group in consultation with the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board. industry, user groups, government agencies and individuals with an interest in light vehicle modification and/or individually built light vehicle (ICV) construction.”
According to VSB 14, vehicle lift modifications that increase vehicle height by more than 50 mm will require certification: “VSB 14 requires any change in vehicle height over 50 mm to be certified regardless of how it is achieved. .”
Furthermore, the following “significant amendments” require evaluation:
- A change in the car’s suspension:
- I. helps to increase the ride height of the vehicle from 50 mm to 125 mm;
- or ii. up to 125mm combined with an increase in the diameter of the wheel and tire combination up to 50mm helps to increase the travel height of the vehicle from 75mm to 150mm.
- Installation of variable ride height system
- Any increase in ride height using body lift
- Diameter variation of wheel and tire combinations exceeding +/- 7% of the maximum size specified by the vehicle manufacturer
You can choose to use a body lifter, for ladder chassis vehicles, the monocoque body has an extra buffer between the chassis and the body, thereby lifting the body to any degree. command distance block.
They are generally simpler and cheaper to purchase than other lift options, but do not offer adjustable height changes, unlike many suspension lift options.
Furthermore, although the list of “important modifications” cited above states that the body lifter requires certification, VSB 14 Part LS – Suspension and Steering clearly states that “lifting is required.” vehicle with a body lifter provided that the initial vehicle height does not increase by more than 50 mm (refer to subsection 4.11 for conditions and limitations)” certification is not required.
If you choose a raised suspension – whereby you replace the standard OEM suspension with heavier springs and shocks with longer travel and therefore more ground clearance – you will have the ability to adjust Change the height to suit the pose you want.
And furthermore, keep in mind that if you install larger, more aggressive off-road or mud tires, they will also raise the vehicle’s height. So you need to calculate if you don’t want to go through the certification process.
As such, you can only lift a certain amount before you may need certification for the job, or else you could be fired for driving an unsuitable vehicle.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
