Raising a 4×4 is a great way to make your beast more capable in the bush. A vehicle’s ride height can be increased in a number of ways. These include:
- Tyre diameter increase
- Raising a vehicle’s suspension
- Body blocks
Tyres are always my first preference when raising a 4×4. The reason being it is the only method of raising the height which also gives more diff clearance. The down side to putting bigger tyres on is that the ratios are changed and fuel economy is slightly impacted.
Australia vehicle regulations allow 50mm bigger diameter tyres (25mm lift) and 25mm suspension lift (1 inch) to give a total of 50mm lift for your 4×4. Some of the states have slight variations on this and I’ve tried to cover them below with reference to the source documentation so you can read for yourself. As always, I urge you to read up on your states laws before coughing up your hard earned cash. Make inquiries to your local road authority if you are not sure.
QLD
QLD allows up to 125mm with a maximum of 50mm from each suspension and body block lift with 25mm lift from tyres (50mm larger overall diameter)
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/Frequently-asked-questions-vehicle-standards-and-modifications.aspx#lower
It does however look like vehicles fitted with ESC are only allowed 50mm combined lift based on the information in the suspension page of this pdf:
VIC
There are two options offered to Victorians, the simpler and from my reading, more lenient, is option 1. You can have a read of option 2 as in some situations it might suit. Performing modifications outside of these parameters will mean you will need to consult with a VASS engineer and obtain a certificate.
Option 1 (Section 13.3.1 of the document below): Total lift of less than 75mm from factory this includes the increase of the diameter of the tyre and suspension. The maximum lift from either the tyre is 25mm (50mm diameter increase) or the suspension is 50mm and there are some rules about how/where the parts should be sourced from to do the lift. Check out the link below for more details:
Section 13.3.1 (Option 1: Simpler) Section 13.3.2 (more complicated and restrictive)
https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsinumber8guidetomodificationsformotorvehicles.pdf?la=en
NSW
Like Victoria, vehicles registered in NSW can now be lifted up to 75mm with a maximum of 50mm diameter (25mm lift) and 50mm from suspension.
Section 3.1 of the following:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/light-vehicle-modifications-manual-suspension-and-ride-height.pdf
South Australia
Overall you can increase by up to 50mm. For 4×4’s the tyres diameter can be increased by 50mm (25mm lift) – although it seems if you did this then your suspension modifications would be reduced to 25mm without a report from a Light Vehicle Engineering Signatory
Northern Territory
NT sounds like the place to be. Vehicles are allowed an overall lift up to 100mm that incorporates wheel/tyre, body and suspension modifications however you do require a satisfactory wheel
alignment report to ensure the steering geometry is within manufacturer’s specifications
https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/374345/light-vehicle-modifications.pdf
Western Australia
VSB 14 has been adopted which means overall you cannot increase your 4×4 by more than 50mm with up to 50mm diameter increase in tyres for 4x4s.
VSB (Section 1.1 and 4.2.4 for tyres)
ACT & Tasmania
I really struggled to find any information on these states however I’d assume they are like WA and pick up the default regulations.