There’s no denying that a lifted rig looks the part. But adding a lift kit isn’t just about towering over traffic at the servo or turning heads on the tracks. Once you touch your ride height, you’re shifting the whole dynamic of your vehicle. So before you start bolting in coil spacers or eyeing off a full-blown long-travel setup, it’s worth having a yarn with yourself about what you’re trying to achieve.
The right lift can transform your 4WD, but the wrong one can turn it into a headache on wheels. And by ‘right,’ that means the perfect fit for the specific make and model of your vehicle. Do you drive an Isuzu Hilux? Then you should be looking for a Hilux lift kit.
1. Purpose First: Know Why You’re Lifting
Start with the why. Not all lift kits are created equal, and not every vehicle needs the same lift. Are you tackling gnarlier tracks on weekends? Touring with a rooftop tent and drawers in the back? Or just after a bit more tyre clearance to run 33s?
Each of those goals points you to a different solution. Overlanders, for example, might prioritise load-rated suspension to deal with extra weight, while a rock crawler might lean towards more articulation. On the flip side, if your rig’s doing school runs five days a week and dirt roads two days a year, you’ll want a setup that still rides nice on the tarmac. Figure out the mission, and the gear will follow.
2. Legal Height Limits and Compliance Matters
It doesn’t take much to end up on the wrong side of the law when it comes to lift heights. A couple of centimetres over the legal limit, and you might find your rig defected, uninsured, or worse, unsafe.
Lift laws vary, but generally, once you pass a certain threshold, you’ll need engineering sign-off. Improper height changes affect headlights, steering angles, and even braking stability. So before you get carried away chasing clearance, make sure you know what’s actually allowed. It’ll save you time, cash, and the odd roadside chat.
3. Suspension vs Body Lift: They’re Not the Same
A suspension lift and a body lift are two very different beasts. You’ll often hear them lumped together, but they serve different purposes and come with their own sets of pros and cons.
- Suspension lift – Raises the entire vehicle—chassis, drivetrain, everything. Improves ground clearance, suspension travel, and overall off-road ability.
- Body lift – Simply lifts the body off the chassis using spacers. It gives you more tyre clearance without touching your suspension geometry.
Now, a body lift can be a handy budget solution, but it doesn’t do much for performance. Suspension lifts, while pricier and more complex, actually enhance the way your rig moves off-road. Pick the one that suits your goals, not just your wallet.
4. Ride Quality Will Change
This one catches a few people off guard. Once you lift your rig, don’t expect it to drive like it did straight off the lot. Depending on the components, you might notice the ride gets firmer or a touch more bouncy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it’s just different.
With the right shocks and spring rates, you can still have a ride that’s comfortable on-road and capable off it. But factory dampers and coils? They’re just not designed for the extra height and leverage. So, be ready for a new feel behind the wheel.
5. Bigger Lift, Bigger Tyres? Not Always.
It’s tempting to think a lift equals room for massive tyres, but it’s not always that simple. Sure, a few extra inches might give you vertical clearance, but tyre fitment’s about more than height. You’ll often need to tweak things like:
- Inner guard liners
- Bump stops
- Wheel offsets or backspacing
6. Your Drivetrain Might Need Upgrades Too
Once you start changing ride height and tyre diameter, your drivetrain gets a workout. Driveshaft angles shift, CV joints reach further, and your diff gears might start to feel sluggish, especially on bigger rubber. Some of the most common mods needed alongside a lift kit include:
- Longer brake lines (to match suspension travel)
- Adjusted differential ratios (to bring power delivery back in line)
- Extended bump stops or drop brackets
- Speedo recalibration (because those 35s will throw it out)
7. Steering and Handling: Be Ready to Relearn Your Vehicle
The first time you drive your newly lifted 4WD, it’ll feel different. Steering can become lighter, a bit more floaty, and you might notice more body roll in corners.
Lifting raises your centre of gravity, which impacts handling. To counter it, you may need to upgrade your steering damper, tweak alignment specs, or adjust sway bars. If you tow a trailer, that extra height changes your weight distribution, so it’s something you definitely want dialled in before heading off with a camper in tow.
8. Warranty and Insurance
Before spanners start turning, it’s worth ringing your insurer or dealer. Some lift kits, especially larger ones, can affect warranty coverage or insurance policies. You don’t want to find out during a claim that your mods weren’t listed. Many insurers are lift-friendly, but they often want the install documented, and in some cases, need engineering certification.
Installing Lift Kits: Build Smart, Drive Smarter
A lift kit can do wonders for your 4WD, not just in looks, but in capability. But the key is doing it right. Plan your build, match it to your purpose, and don’t rush the process. When done properly, a lifted rig is tougher, more capable, and ready for anything.
