A lift kit is a suspension upgrade that raises the height of your 4WD. It increases the distance between your chassis and the ground, often by 40–50mm (around 2 inches), depending on your setup and the laws in your state or territory.
Lift kits typically include better than factory components like:
- Longer coil springs or leaf springs
- Upgraded shock absorbers
- Extended brake lines
- Spacer blocks (in some budget kits)
They're designed to improve ground clearance and allow for larger tyres—key advantages if you're heading off-road or adding a lot of accessories.
Why People Install Lift Kits
Lift kits are one of the most popular upgrades for 4x4's in Australia. Here's why:
- Better off-road clearance: A lift gives you more room to tackle rocks, ruts, and uneven terrain without damaging the underbody.
- Room for bigger tyres: Lifting your 4WD often makes space for larger tyres, which can improve traction off-road.
- Improved approach and departure angles: You’ll scrape less on steep inclines and exits—especially with bullbars or rear bars fitted.
- More load support (when paired with suspension upgrades): Some lift kits include heavy-duty springs that better handle touring gear, tools, or towing loads.
- It just looks tougher: Let’s be honest—there’s also a visual appeal. A lifted rig just looks ready for adventure.
But Do You Need One?
Not necessarily. A lift kit can be overkill if:
- You’re mostly driving around town or on sealed roads.
- Your 4WD isn’t carrying much weight or going off-road.
- You’re not planning to upgrade your tyres.
In fact, lifting your vehicle changes its centre of gravity and can affect handling, braking, and even legality if not done correctly. Go too high, and you might need additional engineering certification.
When a Lift Kit Makes Sense
You should seriously consider a lift kit if:
- You’re doing regular off-road driving (beaches, bush tracks, rock hopping).
- You’re planning a touring setup with drawers, roof racks, fridges, and recovery gear.
- You need better clearance for towing or handling rough terrain with a van or trailer.
- You’re already hitting your bump stops or your suspension feels maxed out.
What About Legal Limits?
Each Australian state and territory has its own rules, but in general:
- A 50mm suspension lift is the maximum allowed without engineering certification.
- Adding larger tyres can increase your lift even more, so be careful about combined height.
- Always check with your local road authority or speak to a certified installer.
Need Advice? Let’s Chat.
If you're unsure whether a lift kit is right for your 4x4 or what kind of kit would suit your setup best—our team can help. We’ll walk you through your options based on how you use your vehicle, what you’re carrying, and where you’re going.
A lift kit can completely change the way your 4WD performs off-road, but only if it's done right.