Body Lift Cert NZ

Body Lift Cert NZ – How to Get a 4WD LVV Certified

If you're fitting a body lift to a 4WD in New Zealand, you'll need to have the modification LVV certified.

But what actually happens when you get a body lift cert in NZ? What does the certifier look at, and what should you check before presenting your 4WD for certification?

This guide covers the body lift certification process and some of the common things to consider before getting your vehicle inspected.

If you're mainly wondering whether body lifts are legal, read our separate guide: Are Body Lift Kits Legal in New Zealand?

Does a Body Lift Need LVV Certification in NZ?

Yes.

A body lift fitted to a body/chassis vehicle such as a 4WD requires LVV certification in New Zealand.

Unlike some vehicle modifications that can fall below LVV certification thresholds, a body lift requires certification regardless of whether it is a small lift or a typical 50mm / 2 inch body lift.

The important part isn't just getting a certificate after the job is finished. The body lift itself, the mounting system and any parts of the vehicle affected by the lift need to meet the applicable requirements.

How Do I Get a Body Lift Certified in NZ?

The best approach is to think about certification before installing the body lift.

A straightforward process looks something like this:

1. Find an LVV Certifier

Before starting your build, find an LVV Certifier who can inspect the modifications you're planning.

LVVTA recommends discussing a body lift with your certifier before starting, particularly if the vehicle has other modifications.

You can find an LVV Certifier through LVVTA.

This is particularly worthwhile if your 4WD has a few modifications like:

• Body lift
• Suspension lift
• Larger tyres
• Modified steering
• Wheel spacers or different-offset wheels
• Engine modifications
• Brake modifications
• Other significant changes

The certifier assesses the vehicle as a whole, not simply the body lift kit by itself.

2. Use a Body Lift Kit Suitable for Certification

The components used in the body lift matter.

According to LVVTA guidance, body lift blocks need to be suitable in their size, design and quantity.

In general, this means:

• There must be at least the same number of lift blocks as the vehicle originally had body mounts
• The blocks must be at least the same diameter as the original mounting area
• The blocks must be manufactured from a suitable non-compressible material
• Longer mounting fasteners must meet the applicable LVV attachment requirements

This is one of the reasons buying a body lift based purely on price can cause problems later.

A universal or poorly designed kit may physically lift the body, but that doesn't necessarily mean its components are suitable for LVV certification.

Flatout Offroad supplies vehicle-specific 4WD body lift kits designed with New Zealand LVV certification requirements in mind.

What Does a Body Lift Certifier Check?

The lift blocks and bolts are only part of the inspection.

Raising the body away from the chassis can affect several other systems on a vehicle.

LVVTA specifically notes that body lifts can require consideration of:

• Body lift blocks and mounting points
• Mounting fasteners
• Steering
• Brakes
• Vehicle handling
• Static rollover threshold and vehicle stability
• Other modifications fitted to the vehicle

Exactly what is affected depends heavily on the vehicle.

Steering and Body Lift Certification

Steering is an important consideration when installing a body lift.

The steering box or steering rack is generally attached to the chassis, while the steering column moves upwards with the body.

On some vehicles there is enough factory adjustment or movement in the steering shaft to accommodate the body lift. On others, an extension is required to maintain the correct steering shaft position and engagement.

Flatout Offroad supplies machined steering shaft extensions for body lifts for many popular 4WD models.

Our steering extensions are machined from solid steel rather than being made by cutting and welding steering components together.

Whether an extension is required depends on the particular vehicle and body lift height.

What Should I Do Before Going for a Body Lift Cert?

A little preparation can make the certification process much easier.

LVVTA recommends providing the certifier with a complete list of all modifications fitted to the vehicle, not just the body lift.

That can include modifications that might seem unrelated, such as wheels, flares, bullbars, sidesteps, suspension components or drivetrain changes.

Before presenting the 4WD for certification, it is also worth having:

• Details or invoices for aftermarket components fitted to the vehicle
• Invoices for components that have been professionally modified
• A recent WoF check sheet
• A wheel alignment report if steering or suspension has been modified
• The vehicle in good mechanical condition
• All body lift hardware correctly installed and secured

Don't assume the certifier only wants to see the body lift because that's the modification you're currently working on.

LVV certification records the applicable modifications to the vehicle, so making the certifier aware of everything from the start can help prevent delays later.

What Happens During the LVV Inspection?

The certifier will inspect the vehicle and determine whether the modifications meet the applicable LVV requirements.

If something isn't suitable, you may be given a list of items that need to be corrected before certification can be completed.

Once any required changes have been made and the vehicle meets the applicable requirements, the certifier completes the certification paperwork and the certification is processed through the LVV system.

The vehicle's certified modifications can then be recorded through the LVV Electronic Data Plate system.

Can a 50mm / 2 Inch Body Lift Be Certified?

Yes, a 50mm body lift can be LVV certified when the vehicle and installation meet the applicable requirements.

One point worth knowing is that LVVTA treats lifts greater than 50mm by any one lifting method differently for stability assessment purposes.

If the body lift itself exceeds 50mm, or another individual lifting method such as suspension or tyre height exceeds 50mm, the certifier may need to involve LVVTA for additional static rollover calculations.

A commonly described 2 inch Flatout Offroad body lift is 50mm, rather than being greater than 50mm.

For a more detailed explanation of body lift height and legality, see our guide to body lift laws and LVV certification in New Zealand.

Why Do Some Body Lifts Have Problems at Certification?

Problems often occur when certification hasn't been considered until after the vehicle has already been modified.

Potential issues can include:

• Incorrectly sized body lift blocks
• Unsuitable block materials
• Incorrect mounting hardware
• Insufficient or unsuitable fasteners
• Steering issues after the body has been raised
• Poorly designed steering modifications
• Other vehicle modifications that don't meet the applicable requirements
• Installation quality

Buying suitable components at the beginning is usually considerably easier than modifying or replacing parts later to satisfy certification requirements.

Flatout Offroad Body Lift Kits

Flatout Offroad has supplied body lift kits for 4WD vehicles for more than 10 years.

Our range of body lift kits includes applications for Toyota Hilux, Toyota Surf, Land Cruiser, Nissan Navara, Nissan Terrano, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Pajero, Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Land Rover and many other vehicles.

Depending on the vehicle, our kits can include or have available:

• Body lift blocks
• High-tensile mounting hardware
• Steering shaft extensions
• Radiator drop brackets
• Intake extensions
• Gear or transfer-case shifter extensions
• Other model-specific components

Using a vehicle-specific kit also means you're starting with components intended for the particular mounting arrangement of your 4WD rather than trying to adapt a generic kit.

Need Help Choosing a Body Lift Kit?

If you're unsure which body lift kit fits your vehicle or whether you need a steering extension or other additional parts, contact Flatout Offroad.

Let us know the make, model, year and body style of your 4WD and we can help identify the correct kit.

For questions about whether a particular vehicle or combination of modifications will pass LVV certification, your LVV Certifier should always have the final say.