Difference between revisions of "Lifting the vehicle"

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Line 1: Line 1:
−
= Introduction =
+
{{intro-notes}}
  
  
−
A lot of people dream about lifting their 4WD vehicle, as they consider that to be an epitome of off-roading - a main beneficial mod for off road use.
+
== Introduction ==
 +
 
 +
{{Gen1|}}{{Gen2|}}{{Gen3|}}{{Gen4|}}
 +
A lot of people dream about lifting their 4WD vehicle, as they consider that to be an essential modification for vehicle's off-road use.
 +
 
  
 +
== Types of vehicle lifts ==
  
−
= Types of vehicle lifts =
+
{{Gen1|}}{{Gen2|}}{{Gen3|}}{{Gen4|}}
 +
=== Introduction ===
  
  
 
There are three types of vehicle lifts:
 
There are three types of vehicle lifts:
−
# Body lift
+
# Body lift;
−
# Suspension lift
+
# Suspension lift (UK: called a spacer lift);
−
# Longer suspension (often inaccurately called "suspension lift")
+
# Longer suspension (UK: called a suspension lift);
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==== Notes on lifts and larger tyres ====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* The vehicle can also be lifted by installing larger (taller) tyres.
 +
** That is the only way to lift the axles  (as well as the entire vehicle).
 +
* See the wiki article [[Tyre_selection_and_usage_-_best_practices|"Tyre selection and usage - best practices"]] for full details (especially the chapter "Choosing tyre size").
 +
** Beware that using larger tyres introduces its own set of technical issues, like gearing ratio inadequacy, additional load on the wheel bearings, etc.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* Maximum ground clearance gain is achieved when the vehicle is lifted '''AND''' has larger tyres at the same time.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* All three vehicle lifting methods increase the clearance between the wheels and the body panels, thus enabling the fitment of larger tyres.
 +
* Body lift is the cheapest and simplest method if the fitment of larger tyres is the only goal.
 +
* The other two lifting methods have other beneficial effects.
 +
 
  
 +
* An alternative solution for fitting larger tyres, instead of applying a lift, is to trim the wheel arches.
 +
** That solution can of course be combined with a vehicle lift to gain maximum clearance for gargantuan wheels.
  
−
'''Note:''' The vehicle can also be lifted by installing larger (taller) tyres, which is the only way to lift the axles as well as the entire vehicle. See wiki article [[Tyre_selection_and_usage_-_best_practices|"Tyre selection and usage - best practices"]] for full details.
+
{{note|See the wiki article [[Wheel arch trimming|"'''Wheel arch trimming'''"]] for more details.}}
  
  
−
== Body lift ==
+
=== Body lift ===
  
  
−
Body lift is the simplest type of lifts - it consists of installing spacers on the body-to-chassis mounts (on vehicles which have separate chassis and cabin, like the Jimny).
+
==== General info ====
  
−
Therefore, body lift does not raise any component of the chassis or the underbody away from the ground.
+
 
 +
* Body lift is the simplest type of lifts.
 +
** It essentially consists of installing spacers on the body-to-chassis mounts (on vehicles which have separate chassis and cabin, like Jimnys 1-4).
 +
*** Therefore, a body lift does not raise any component of the chassis or of the underbody away from the ground.
 +
* A key benefit is that the steering is unaffected by a body lift.
  
  
 
The only two purposes for lifting the body are:
 
The only two purposes for lifting the body are:
−
# To look cool or mean on a budget (if that turns you on)
+
# To look cool or mean on a budget (if that turns you on).
−
# To increase clearance between the wheels and body panels around the wheels. This then enables fitment of larger tyres, which in turn lift the entire vehicle.
+
# To increase the clearance between the wheels and the body panels around the wheels.
 +
#* This then enables fitment of larger tyres.
 +
#** Larger tyres lift the entire vehicle.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==== Body lift specific notes ====
  
  
−
== Suspension lift ==
+
* When considering a body lift, it is worthwhile thinking about the quality of the product.
 +
* Kits vary from some square section steel tube through to custom machined billet spacers.
 +
* Also, the cheap kits drill out the old threads and bolt through the resulting hole, whilst some kits have machined threads and bolts that preserve the old threads.
 +
* As the bumper is mounted to the chassis rails, a lift creates a gap between the top of the bumper and the rest of the body.
 +
** The better kits have relocation brackets for the bumper to hide the gap.
 +
* With larger body lifts, the steering column may require extending with a spacer.
  
  
−
Suspension lift means installing spacers under/on mounts which connect axles or chassis with suspension springs and shock absorbers.
+
In summary, the best body lift kits contain properly machined billet spacers and bolts, with bumper relocation and steering column spacers.
  
−
Suspension lift raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles, and is a cheap way to effectively lift a vehicle, but only for small lifts.
+
 
 +
=== Suspension lift ===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* Suspension lift means installing spacers under/on mounts which connect axles or chassis with suspension springs and shock absorbers.
 +
* Suspension lift raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles.
 +
** It is a cheap way to effectively lift a vehicle, but only for small lifts.
  
 
Beware that installing longer suspension is commonly wrongly named "suspension lift".
 
Beware that installing longer suspension is commonly wrongly named "suspension lift".
  
  
−
== Installing longer suspension ==
+
{{note|UK readers may be more familiar with this being a "Spacer Lift"}}
  
  
−
Typically wrongly called "suspension lift", this procedure consists of removing your factory springs and shock absorbers and installing aftermarket-made longer springs and shock absorbers.
+
=== Installing longer suspension ===
  
  
−
Installing longer suspension raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles, and typically significantly changes all dynamic driving characteristics of the vehicle, both on road and off road.
+
* Typically wrongly called "suspension lift".
 +
* This procedure consists of removing your factory springs and shock absorbers and installing aftermarket-made longer springs and shock absorbers.
  
  
−
This type of lift provides the most flexibility and choice when purchasing parts and building the lift.
+
* Installing longer suspension raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles.
 +
* It typically significantly changes all dynamic driving characteristics of the vehicle, both on road and off road.
 +
* This type of lift provides the most flexibility and choice when purchasing parts and building the lift.
  
−
= Benefits, issues and risks =
 
  
 +
{{note|UK readers may be more familiar with this being a "Suspension Lift"}}
  
−
== Introduction ==
 
  
 +
== Benefits, issues and risks ==
 +
 +
{{Gen1|}}{{Gen2|}}{{Gen3|}}{{Gen4|}}
 +
=== Introduction ===
  
−
Vehicle lifts provide one technical and several sociological advantages.
 
  
−
However, vehicle lifts come with many disadvantages, costs and some serious real life risks.
+
* Vehicle lifts provide one technical and several sociological advantages.
 +
* However, vehicle lifts come with many disadvantages, costs and some serious real life risks.
  
  
−
== Benefits ==
+
=== Benefits ===
  
  
Line 71: Line 123:
  
  
−
== Issues ==
+
=== Issues ===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==== Problems ====
  
  
 
# Suspension lift or longer suspension can significantly distort or even disrupt some vehicle's systems (steering, brake, transmission).
 
# Suspension lift or longer suspension can significantly distort or even disrupt some vehicle's systems (steering, brake, transmission).
−
# Suspension lift or longer suspension can financially quickly spiral out of control, as they might require extensive modifications of suspension, steering and driveline components in order to compensate for technical issues.
+
# Suspension lift or longer suspension can financially quickly spiral out of control.
 +
#* Reason: they might require extensive modifications of suspension, steering and driveline components in order to compensate for technical issues which are created by the lift.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==== Remedies ====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
# Disruptions of the brake and transmission can be remedied by installing extended brake hoses and installing propeller shaft spacers.
 +
# Distortion of the steering system can be remedied (or only partially mitigated for larger lifts) by installing offset radius arm bushes or (aftermarket-made) offset radius arms.
 +
# Increased center of gravity (increased body roll / vehicle instability) can be partially remedied by installing wheel spacers (see below).
 +
# Lack of financial funds can be remedied by buying a new loan at the bank, by selling a non-vital body organ or by performing various criminal activities.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Risks ===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
# Vehicle lifts will make a car more unstable on the road.
 +
#* This is especially pronounced with a suspension lift and longer suspensions.
 +
# In some countries, in order to make the vehicle road legal, it is compulsory to perform some vehicle recertification after applying any modification the vehicle.
 +
#* A vehicle lift is certainly a '''BIG''' modification.
 +
# Larger lifts may not be made road legal in some countries.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{note|UK readers: Most modifications are permitted if your insurance company will insure the vehicle and it will pass the annual MOT test. A rule of thumb is that once you start cutting parts like the chassis then an SVA is required.}}
 +
 
 +
{{warning|Modifying a vehicle can have legal consequences in some countries! The reader is responsible for checking on the local rules in their country.}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Additional considerations ==
 +
 
 +
{{Gen1|}}{{Gen2|}}{{Gen3|}}{{Gen4|}}
 +
* The driving benefit of a lift highly depends on the severity of off road terrain and the extend of off road driving.
 +
** All Jimnys 1-4 are already quite capable in their stock forms, and slightly larger tyres might be all that is needed.
 +
* Therefore, it is advisable for the driver to first drive their vehicle a bit, and experience all of his intended off-roading situations before deciding if a lift would truly be required.
 +
* In any case, for frequent road use, it is recommended '''not''' to modify more than a 2" suspension lift.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* If you do decide to lift the vehicle up, then it would be a good countermeasure to widen its stance (to stabilize it) by installing wheel spacers on all four wheels or by using offset wheels.
 +
 
 +
{{note|See wiki articles [[Wheel spacers|'''"Wheel spacers"''']] and [[Offset wheels|'''"Offset wheels"''']] for more details.}}
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== Lift kit comparisons ==
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Lift kits for Jimny 3 ===
 +
 
 +
{{Gen3|}}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan="13"|Spring comparison
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|Manufacturer
 +
|rowspan="2"|Model Number
 +
|rowspan="2"|Location
 +
|colspan="2"|Free Height (mm)
 +
|rowspan="2"|Spring rate (lbf/in)
 +
|rowspan="2"|Notes
 +
|-
 +
|A
 +
|B
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|Stock
 +
|41111-81A20
 +
|Front
 +
|335
 +
|335
 +
|120
 +
|Wire 10.3mm 7.25 turns
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
|Rear
 +
|288
 +
|288
 +
|120
 +
|Wire 10.3mm 7.25 turns
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|King
 +
|KSFR-36EH
 +
|Front
 +
|365
 +
|365
 +
|140
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|KSRR-37H
 +
|Rear
 +
|325
 +
|325
 +
|165
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="4"|OME 40mm
 +
|2965 (petrol)
 +
|Front
 +
|365
 +
|365
 +
|146
 +
|Wire 11.5mm 10 turns
 +
|-
 +
|2969 (diesel)
 +
|Front
 +
|360
 +
|360
 +
|170
 +
|Wire 12mm 9.5 turns
 +
|-
 +
|2966 (RHD)
 +
|Rear
 +
|335
 +
|315
 +
|176
 +
|Wire 12mm 10 turns
 +
|-
 +
|2967 (LHD)
 +
|Rear
 +
|325
 +
|325
 +
|176
 +
|Wire 12mm 9.5 turns
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|Dobinson
 +
|C57-046
 +
|Front
 +
|355
 +
|355
 +
|170
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|C57-053
 +
|Rear
 +
|340
 +
|340
 +
|165
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="3"|Trailmaster 2"
 +
|76043 (petrol)
 +
|Front
 +
|368
 +
|368
 +
|148
 +
|Wire 12mm
 +
|-
 +
|75053 (diesel)
 +
|Front
 +
|353
 +
|353
 +
|205
 +
|Wire 13mm
 +
|-
 +
|76143
 +
|Rear
 +
|326
 +
|326
 +
|188
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2"|Trailmaster 3"
 +
|76086
 +
|Front
 +
|368
 +
|368
 +
|228
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|76186
 +
|Rear
 +
|355
 +
|355
 +
|240
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
Source:
 +
# Stock - 2015 OME International Application Catalogue
 +
# King - King Springs Sales and Technical Services
 +
# OME - 2015 OME International Application Catalogue
 +
# Dobinsons - Dobinsons Spring and Suspension International Sales
 +
# Trailmaster - Maas Group GMBH and co.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Lift kits for Jimny 4 ===
 +
 
 +
{{Gen4|}}
 +
*''Info needed...''
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Lift kits on Jimny 3 ===
 +
 
 +
{{Gen3|}}
 +
==== Standard Jimny 3 ====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[File:Standard UK VVT Jimny.JPG|thumb|left|512px|Standard / stock Jimny 3]]
 +
 
 +
* An unmodified 2005 VVT Jimny 3 (UK) for comparison.
 +
<br clear=all>
  
  
−
Disruptions of the brake and transmission can be remedied by installing extended brake hoses and installing propeller shaft spacers.
+
==== Trailmaster 2" Lift kit ====
  
−
Distortion of the steering system can be remedied (or only partially mitigated for larger lifts) by installing offset radius arm bushes or (aftermarket-made) offset radius arms.
 
  
−
Lack of financial funds can be remedied by buying a new loan at the bank or by various crime activities.
+
<gallery widths="480px" heights="320px" class=center caption="Trailmaster 2 inch lift">
 +
Trailmaster 2" lift - 2 .jpg
 +
Trailmaster 50mm kit.JPG
 +
</gallery>
 +
<br clear=all>
  
 +
* See the [https://www.bigjimny.com/store/trailmaster-50mm-2-lift-kit-suzuki-jimny.html BigJimny Store].
  
−
== Risks ==
 
  
 +
==== Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift ====
  
−
# Vehicle lifts will make a car more unstable on the road. This is especially pronounced with suspension lift and longer suspensions.
 
−
# In some countries, in order to make the vehicle road legal, it is compulsory to perform some vehicle recertification after applying any modification the vehicle. A vehicle lift is certainly a '''BIG''' modification.
 
−
# Larger lifts may not be made road legal in any country.
 
  
−
UK readers: Most modifications, even extreme ones, are permitted if they are bolt on and your insurance company will insure the vehicle. A rule of thumb is that once you start cutting main body parts such as the chassis itself then an SVA is required.
+
[[File:Trailmaster 2" and body lift.jpg|thumb|left|512px|Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift]]
  
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift combination
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
−
{{warning|Modifying a vehicle can have legal consequences in some countries!}}
+
 
 +
==== Trailmaster 3" lift ====
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[File:Trailmaster 3" lift.jpg|thumb|left|512px|Trailmaster 3" lift]]
 +
 
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with Trailmaster 3" lift components
 
<br clear=all>
 
<br clear=all>
  
−
= Additional considerations =
 
  
 +
==== Jimnybits 2" Body lift ====
  
−
The driving benefit of a lift highly depends on the extent (severity) of off road terrain. Jimny is already quite capable in its stock form, and slightly larger tyres might be all that is needed.
 
  
−
It is advisable for the driver to first drive his vehicle a bit, and experience all of his intended off-roading situations before deciding if a lift would truly be required.
+
[[File:Jimnybits-body-lift-02.jpg|thumb|left|512px|Jimnybits 2" Body lift]]
  
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with Jimnybits 2" Body lift
 +
<br clear=all>
  
−
If you do decide to lift the vehicle up, then it would be a good countermeasure to widen its stance (to stabilize it) by installing wheel spacers on all four wheels or by using offset rims.
 
  
−
For road use, it is technically not recommended to lift Jimny above 2" or to use spacers thicker than 3 cm.
+
==== Jimnybits 2" Body lift & 2" Spring Lift====
  
  
−
JimnyBits has a 1,5" suspension lift kit which is supposed the be the most "sensible" option (least amount of vehicle modifications required to accommodate the lift and least amount of side effects), so consider that first.
+
[[File:Jimnybits-bodyandspring-01.jpg|thumb|left|512px|Combined Jimnybits 2" Body lift and 2" Spring lift]]
  
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with combined Jimnybits 2" Body lift and 2" Spring lift (AVO shock version)
 +
<br clear=all>
  
−
= Conclusion =
 
  
 +
==== JimnyBits 2" lift ====
  
 +
 +
[[File:JimnyBits 2" Lift.jpg|thumb|left|512px|JimnyBits 2" Lift]]
 +
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with JimnyBits 2" lift kit (Procomp shock version)
 +
<br clear=all>
 +
 +
 +
==== KAP Suzuki 3" lift ====
 +
 +
 +
[[File:KAP 3" Lift.JPG|thumb|left|512px|KAP 3" Lift]]
 +
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with KAP Suzuki 3" lift kit
 +
<br clear=all>
 +
 +
 +
==== Tough Dog 120mm lift ====
 +
 +
 +
[[File:Tough Dog 120mm.jpg|thumb|left|512px|Tough Dog 120mm Lift]]
 +
 +
* Jimny 3 fitted with Tough Dog 120mm Lift (Australia)
 +
* Note: I think the 120mm lift is an 80mm lift with extra spacers?
 +
<br clear=all>
 +
 +
 +
=== Lift kits on Jimny 4 ===
 +
 +
{{Gen4|}}
 +
* ''Info needed...''
 +
 +
 +
== Conclusion ==
 +
 +
{{Gen1|}}{{Gen2|}}{{Gen3|}}{{Gen4|}}
 
A stock Jimny with no lift nor spacers (apart from slightly larger tyres) can still get to most places where you intend to go, just with more skill or attempts applied (and that's the name of the game).
 
A stock Jimny with no lift nor spacers (apart from slightly larger tyres) can still get to most places where you intend to go, just with more skill or attempts applied (and that's the name of the game).
  
Line 123: Line 420:
  
  
−
[[Category:Modifications]]
+
{{Edited}}
−
[[Category:FAQ]]
+
 
 +
[[Category:Modifications - gen2]]
 +
[[Category:FAQ - gen2]]
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Modifications - gen3]]
 +
[[Category:FAQ - gen3]]
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Modifications - gen4]]
 +
[[Category:FAQ - gen4]]

Latest revision as of 12:55, 17 January 2021

Note Icon.pngThe content of any article might be expanded / improved in the future - revisit it sometimes.
Note Icon.pngSeen a mistake? Know something that isn't written? Edit and change this article yourself!
Note Icon.pngSome images in the article (if present) can be enlarged by clicking on them.


Introduction

LJ-100x100.jpg


SJ-100x100.jpg


Gen3-100x100.jpg


Gen4-100x100.jpg


A lot of people dream about lifting their 4WD vehicle, as they consider that to be an essential modification for vehicle's off-road use.


Types of vehicle lifts

LJ-100x100.jpg


SJ-100x100.jpg


Gen3-100x100.jpg


Gen4-100x100.jpg


Introduction

There are three types of vehicle lifts:

  1. Body lift;
  2. Suspension lift (UK: called a spacer lift);
  3. Longer suspension (UK: called a suspension lift);


Notes on lifts and larger tyres

  • The vehicle can also be lifted by installing larger (taller) tyres.
    • That is the only way to lift the axles (as well as the entire vehicle).
  • See the wiki article "Tyre selection and usage - best practices" for full details (especially the chapter "Choosing tyre size").
    • Beware that using larger tyres introduces its own set of technical issues, like gearing ratio inadequacy, additional load on the wheel bearings, etc.


  • Maximum ground clearance gain is achieved when the vehicle is lifted AND has larger tyres at the same time.


  • All three vehicle lifting methods increase the clearance between the wheels and the body panels, thus enabling the fitment of larger tyres.
  • Body lift is the cheapest and simplest method if the fitment of larger tyres is the only goal.
  • The other two lifting methods have other beneficial effects.


  • An alternative solution for fitting larger tyres, instead of applying a lift, is to trim the wheel arches.
    • That solution can of course be combined with a vehicle lift to gain maximum clearance for gargantuan wheels.

Note Icon.pngSee the wiki article "Wheel arch trimming" for more details.



Body lift

General info

  • Body lift is the simplest type of lifts.
    • It essentially consists of installing spacers on the body-to-chassis mounts (on vehicles which have separate chassis and cabin, like Jimnys 1-4).
      • Therefore, a body lift does not raise any component of the chassis or of the underbody away from the ground.
  • A key benefit is that the steering is unaffected by a body lift.


The only two purposes for lifting the body are:

  1. To look cool or mean on a budget (if that turns you on).
  2. To increase the clearance between the wheels and the body panels around the wheels.
    • This then enables fitment of larger tyres.
      • Larger tyres lift the entire vehicle.


Body lift specific notes

  • When considering a body lift, it is worthwhile thinking about the quality of the product.
  • Kits vary from some square section steel tube through to custom machined billet spacers.
  • Also, the cheap kits drill out the old threads and bolt through the resulting hole, whilst some kits have machined threads and bolts that preserve the old threads.
  • As the bumper is mounted to the chassis rails, a lift creates a gap between the top of the bumper and the rest of the body.
    • The better kits have relocation brackets for the bumper to hide the gap.
  • With larger body lifts, the steering column may require extending with a spacer.


In summary, the best body lift kits contain properly machined billet spacers and bolts, with bumper relocation and steering column spacers.


Suspension lift

  • Suspension lift means installing spacers under/on mounts which connect axles or chassis with suspension springs and shock absorbers.
  • Suspension lift raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles.
    • It is a cheap way to effectively lift a vehicle, but only for small lifts.

Beware that installing longer suspension is commonly wrongly named "suspension lift".


Note Icon.pngUK readers may be more familiar with this being a "Spacer Lift"



Installing longer suspension

  • Typically wrongly called "suspension lift".
  • This procedure consists of removing your factory springs and shock absorbers and installing aftermarket-made longer springs and shock absorbers.


  • Installing longer suspension raises the entire vehicle apart from the axles.
  • It typically significantly changes all dynamic driving characteristics of the vehicle, both on road and off road.
  • This type of lift provides the most flexibility and choice when purchasing parts and building the lift.


Note Icon.pngUK readers may be more familiar with this being a "Suspension Lift"



Benefits, issues and risks

LJ-100x100.jpg


SJ-100x100.jpg


Gen3-100x100.jpg


Gen4-100x100.jpg


Introduction

  • Vehicle lifts provide one technical and several sociological advantages.
  • However, vehicle lifts come with many disadvantages, costs and some serious real life risks.


Benefits

  1. Vehicle lifts make your vehicle look cooler or nastier (if that turns you on).
  2. Vehicle lifts increase the ride height, increasing your self esteem.
  3. Vehicle lifts improve vehicle's off roading potency, as well as your own.
  4. Vehicle lifts make you feel you've finally done something significant to your vehicle.


Issues

Problems

  1. Suspension lift or longer suspension can significantly distort or even disrupt some vehicle's systems (steering, brake, transmission).
  2. Suspension lift or longer suspension can financially quickly spiral out of control.
    • Reason: they might require extensive modifications of suspension, steering and driveline components in order to compensate for technical issues which are created by the lift.


Remedies

  1. Disruptions of the brake and transmission can be remedied by installing extended brake hoses and installing propeller shaft spacers.
  2. Distortion of the steering system can be remedied (or only partially mitigated for larger lifts) by installing offset radius arm bushes or (aftermarket-made) offset radius arms.
  3. Increased center of gravity (increased body roll / vehicle instability) can be partially remedied by installing wheel spacers (see below).
  4. Lack of financial funds can be remedied by buying a new loan at the bank, by selling a non-vital body organ or by performing various criminal activities.


Risks

  1. Vehicle lifts will make a car more unstable on the road.
    • This is especially pronounced with a suspension lift and longer suspensions.
  2. In some countries, in order to make the vehicle road legal, it is compulsory to perform some vehicle recertification after applying any modification the vehicle.
    • A vehicle lift is certainly a BIG modification.
  3. Larger lifts may not be made road legal in some countries.


Note Icon.pngUK readers: Most modifications are permitted if your insurance company will insure the vehicle and it will pass the annual MOT test. A rule of thumb is that once you start cutting parts like the chassis then an SVA is required.


Warning Icon.pngModifying a vehicle can have legal consequences in some countries! The reader is responsible for checking on the local rules in their country.



Additional considerations

LJ-100x100.jpg


SJ-100x100.jpg


Gen3-100x100.jpg


Gen4-100x100.jpg


  • The driving benefit of a lift highly depends on the severity of off road terrain and the extend of off road driving.
    • All Jimnys 1-4 are already quite capable in their stock forms, and slightly larger tyres might be all that is needed.
  • Therefore, it is advisable for the driver to first drive their vehicle a bit, and experience all of his intended off-roading situations before deciding if a lift would truly be required.
  • In any case, for frequent road use, it is recommended not to modify more than a 2" suspension lift.


  • If you do decide to lift the vehicle up, then it would be a good countermeasure to widen its stance (to stabilize it) by installing wheel spacers on all four wheels or by using offset wheels.

Note Icon.pngSee wiki articles "Wheel spacers" and "Offset wheels" for more details.



Lift kit comparisons

Lift kits for Jimny 3

Gen3-100x100.jpg


Spring comparison
Manufacturer Model Number Location Free Height (mm) Spring rate (lbf/in) Notes
A B
Stock 41111-81A20 Front 335 335 120 Wire 10.3mm 7.25 turns
Rear 288 288 120 Wire 10.3mm 7.25 turns
King KSFR-36EH Front 365 365 140
KSRR-37H Rear 325 325 165
OME 40mm 2965 (petrol) Front 365 365 146 Wire 11.5mm 10 turns
2969 (diesel) Front 360 360 170 Wire 12mm 9.5 turns
2966 (RHD) Rear 335 315 176 Wire 12mm 10 turns
2967 (LHD) Rear 325 325 176 Wire 12mm 9.5 turns
Dobinson C57-046 Front 355 355 170
C57-053 Rear 340 340 165
Trailmaster 2" 76043 (petrol) Front 368 368 148 Wire 12mm
75053 (diesel) Front 353 353 205 Wire 13mm
76143 Rear 326 326 188
Trailmaster 3" 76086 Front 368 368 228
76186 Rear 355 355 240

Source:

  1. Stock - 2015 OME International Application Catalogue
  2. King - King Springs Sales and Technical Services
  3. OME - 2015 OME International Application Catalogue
  4. Dobinsons - Dobinsons Spring and Suspension International Sales
  5. Trailmaster - Maas Group GMBH and co.


Lift kits for Jimny 4

Gen4-100x100.jpg


  • Info needed...


Lift kits on Jimny 3

Gen3-100x100.jpg


Standard Jimny 3

Standard / stock Jimny 3
  • An unmodified 2005 VVT Jimny 3 (UK) for comparison.



Trailmaster 2" Lift kit

  • Trailmaster 2 inch lift
  • Trailmaster 2" lift - 2 .jpg
  • Trailmaster 50mm kit.JPG



Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift

Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with Trailmaster 2" lift and Jimnybits 2" body lift combination



Trailmaster 3" lift

Trailmaster 3" lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with Trailmaster 3" lift components



Jimnybits 2" Body lift

Jimnybits 2" Body lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with Jimnybits 2" Body lift



Jimnybits 2" Body lift & 2" Spring Lift

Combined Jimnybits 2" Body lift and 2" Spring lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with combined Jimnybits 2" Body lift and 2" Spring lift (AVO shock version)



JimnyBits 2" lift

JimnyBits 2" Lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with JimnyBits 2" lift kit (Procomp shock version)



KAP Suzuki 3" lift

KAP 3" Lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with KAP Suzuki 3" lift kit



Tough Dog 120mm lift

Tough Dog 120mm Lift
  • Jimny 3 fitted with Tough Dog 120mm Lift (Australia)
  • Note: I think the 120mm lift is an 80mm lift with extra spacers?



Lift kits on Jimny 4

Gen4-100x100.jpg


  • Info needed...


Conclusion

LJ-100x100.jpg


SJ-100x100.jpg


Gen3-100x100.jpg


Gen4-100x100.jpg


A stock Jimny with no lift nor spacers (apart from slightly larger tyres) can still get to most places where you intend to go, just with more skill or attempts applied (and that's the name of the game).

If you insist on lifting the vehicle, than you are most probably going "off the legal road" and you are probably entering an enchanted techno-financial spiral of re-modding the vehicle to compensate for the lift.


Page last edited on 17/01/2021 by user Bosanek

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