Simply because it allows a reasonable suspension of 50 mm – which almost all 4×4 vehicles will benefit from – in conjunction with a moderate increase (up to 50 mm) in the height or diameter of the tires. Both changes improve ground clearance for different parts of the vehicle and significantly improve off-road capabilities without – which is important and must be carefully considered when choosing tires and suspension – negatively affecting the vehicle`s handling. In fact, a quality suspension kit will give you the lift you want and bring noticeable improvements in ride and handling. Bodylifts and suspensions are also limited in height and vary from state to state. In WA, you can lift the roof of your vehicle as little as 50 mm in total, in a combination of spring lift, weight training and tires. This is because you are limited to a 50mm larger tire and a 25mm suspension stroke without technology. How many 4x4s do you think exceed that number? If you`re not sure if your 4×4 is legal or not, call your local transportation service and inquire. Don`t rely on information you`ve heard from others or read online. Much of it isn`t right, and it`s not something you want to mess up. You can go to most 4×4 stores and order a 5-inch lifting kit, have it installed and leave without questions asked. Your 4×4 would be completely illegal and you might not be smarter until the local police officer shoots you up.
There is a huge lack of knowledge about 4×4 modifications and people will be surprised. Pit inspections are often very painful as they look at every aspect of your 4×4 to make sure it`s 100% good, not just the reason you were pulled up in the first place. Oil leaks, other modifications that are not legal, and other damage can result in multiple trips to the garage to have your car recertified, with expensive repairs or changes in between. As with most vehicle modifications, there is always some degree of compromise in what is achieved. Increased suspension height can affect the life of chassis and powertrain components, and while larger diameter tires – especially construction tires for light commercial vehicles (LTs) – can have significant off-road benefits, they have a negative impact on low-end transmission and fuel efficiency to some extent. In addition to refining some nonsense in VSB14, the new Light-Duty Vehicle Modification Manual offers practical tips on how to correctly determine your vehicle`s ride height to ensure you have an accurate starting point when planning your suspension and tire changes. Minister Gay`s announcement on Facebook (see below this article) is a breath of fresh air, as it introduces, some would say, for the first time a clear and practical approach to legal change for light-duty vehicles. Nowadays, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to modifying a 4×4. Whether you want something custom or a standard item, you have more options than ever. However, there are many accessories available that can make your 4×4 illegal, so it`s important to shop around and do some smart research. In addition, laws will be introduced to limit tire sizes, wheel track modifications and suspension lifts to ensure people drive safe and roadworthy vehicles.
You are responsible for driving a safe and roadworthy vehicle. Some modifications, especially if not done correctly, have a serious impact on your vehicle`s ability to brake, steer and operate safely. Is it worth putting your passengers and environment at risk for a few modifications? Minister Gay`s announcement effectively aligns New South Wales with Victoria, which also allows 75mm lifts for light vehicles, although the two states differ to some extent, so it`s worth checking the fine print. However, New South Wales takes a different approach to Victoria, as it would be too difficult to expect our two most populous neighbours to be consistent. We asked whether the NSW 75mm lift would be subject to the same conditions as Victoria, and a Transport for NSW spokesperson told us that “unlike the Victorian exception, it is not limited to `4×4 vehicles`”. If you have changed the size of your tires, the height of the suspension or the path of the wheels, your vehicle could be considered illegal. It`s worth taking the time to make sure it`s within the limits as soon as possible. Duncan Gay, New South Wales Highways Secretary, has announced (via Facebook) changes to New South Wales` laws that will make a 75mm lift legal without technical certification.
The new 75mm racing rules allow a vehicle to be fitted with a 50mm suspension kit and 50mm tyres 50mm larger than standard parts (only half of the increase in tyre diameter affects vehicle height). In general, your average 4X4 Ute could legally use 50mm suspension and 32-inch tires, although this of course depends on the make/model of the vehicle and standard approved tire size(s). VSB 14, which regulates chassis modifications and in particular 4X4 suspension platforms, has recently been the subject of a workplace because they have been identified as “too expensive, restrictive, impracticable or simply dangerous”. It`s a shame that stores can install illegal hardware on your 4×4. However, not all will; Some will let you know, others will even refuse to do so. The advice given here is based on my own experience modifying my personal 4×4 in Western Australia. The current VSB14 requires certification for any lift larger than 50mm, meaning you can only mount standard tires with your 50mm stroke.