Body lift 4x4, is it legal
Are Body Lift Kits Legal in New Zealand?
There is a lot of confusing and misleading information around body lifts and whether they are legal in New Zealand.
One of the questions we regularly get asked at Flatout Offroad is:
“Is a 2 inch body lift legal in NZ?”
The short answer is yes, a body lift can be legally used on New Zealand roads, but the vehicle must go through LVV certification after the body lift is installed.
This applies whether you install a 25mm, 50mm or other-height body lift.
Does a Body Lift Need LVV Certification in NZ?
Yes.
NZTA's current vehicle inspection requirements state that a body lift on a body/chassis vehicle, commonly a 4WD, always requires LVV certification.
This means fitting a body lift is different from some minor vehicle modifications that can remain below the threshold for LVV certification.
Once a body lift has been installed, the vehicle needs to be inspected and approved by an LVV Certifier before the modification can be considered certified for normal road use.
You can read more about the process through the NZTA vehicle modification information.
Is a 2 Inch Body Lift Legal in NZ?
Yes, a 2 inch / 50mm body lift can be certified in New Zealand when the components, installation and vehicle meet the applicable LVV requirements.
There isn't a rule that simply says a 2 inch body lift is illegal.
This misconception probably comes from vehicles being presented for certification with poorly designed body lift kits, unsuitable lift blocks, incorrect bolts, unsafe steering modifications or other problems.
The fact that a particular body lift fails certification does not mean that body lifts themselves are illegal.
It means that particular kits components or installation did not meet the requirements for certification.
What Does an LVV Certifier Look at With a Body Lift?
Certification isn't based only on the height of the lift.
The LVV Certifier assesses the vehicle and the modification as a complete system.
According to LVVTA guidance, the lift blocks need to be correctly designed for the vehicle. This includes factors such as:
- Using at least the same number of body lift blocks as the vehicle originally had body mounts
- Lift blocks being at least the same diameter as the original mounting area
- Lift blocks being manufactured from a suitable non-compressible material
- Suitable body mounting bolts and hardware
- Correct and secure installation
- Steering remaining safe after the body has been raised
- Any other components affected by the body lift being correctly modified or relocated
Other modifications already fitted to the vehicle can also form part of the certification inspection.
This is why it is important to think about certification before choosing a body lift kit, rather than finding out after installation that the parts purchased aren't suitable.
What About the 50mm Lift Limit?
This is another area where there is often confusion.
There isn't simply a blanket rule saying that a 4WD cannot be lifted more than 50mm.
LVVTA explains that when any single method of raising the vehicle exceeds 50mm — through suspension, tyres or body lift — additional raised-vehicle stability assessment may be required through LVVTA.
Flatout Offroad's commonly described 2 inch body lift kits are 50mm lifts, rather than being designed as a lift greater than 50mm.
The certifier will still assess the complete vehicle, particularly where suspension lifts, larger tyres and a body lift are being used together.
Steering Is Important After a Body Lift
Raising the body away from the chassis can affect the steering shaft on many 4WDs.
Depending on the vehicle, the original steering shaft may no longer have sufficient engagement or may operate outside its intended position after the lift.
For vehicles where an extension is required, Flatout Offroad supplies steering shaft extensions for body lifts designed specifically for body-lift applications.
Our steering extensions are machined rather than fabricated from welded sections and are designed with New Zealand LVV certification requirements in mind.
Whether an extension is required depends on the make, model and lift height.
Why Do Some Body Lift Kits Fail Certification?
Not every body lift kit available online has been designed with New Zealand certification requirements in mind.
Common problems can include unsuitable lift-block dimensions or material, incorrect mounting hardware and poorly designed steering modifications.
A cheap universal body lift might appear to achieve exactly the same result as a vehicle-specific kit, but the way the body is supported and secured is extremely important.
Poorly designed blocks can concentrate loads into an area smaller than the original body mount. LVVTA has specifically highlighted that body lift blocks that are too small in diameter can contribute to fatigue cracking around the vehicle floor and mounting area.
For a road-going 4WD in New Zealand, it makes sense to use parts designed with certification in mind from the beginning.
Flatout Offroad Body Lift Kits
Flatout Offroad has been supplying body lift kits to New Zealand 4WD owners for more than 10 years.
Our 4WD body lift kits cover Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Suzuki, Daihatsu, Land Rover and many other popular four-wheel drives.
Our kits are designed and manufactured with New Zealand LVV certification requirements in mind and include vehicle-specific components where required.
Depending on the vehicle, this can include:
- Body lift blocks
- High-tensile mounting hardware
- Steering shaft extensions
- Radiator drop brackets
- Intake extensions
- Gear and transfer-case shifter extensions
- Other vehicle-specific components
If you're new to body lifts, you can also read our guide explaining how a body lift works.
Should I Talk to an LVV Certifier Before Installing a Body Lift?
If you're planning a straightforward 25mm or 50mm body lift using a proven kit, the certification process is generally reasonably straightforward when everything is installed correctly.
However, if your vehicle also has a significant suspension lift, oversized tyres, steering modifications or other major modifications, it is a good idea to speak with an LVV Certifier before starting the build.
This can save considerable time and money if something needs to be changed.
You can find an LVV Certifier through the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association.
So, Are Body Lifts Road Legal in New Zealand?
Yes. Body lifts are not banned or automatically illegal in New Zealand.
However, a body lift fitted to a body/chassis 4WD requires LVV certification.
A correctly designed body lift kit, suitable components and a proper installation can be certified for New Zealand road use, subject to the complete vehicle meeting the applicable LVV requirements.
If you're looking at lifting your Hilux, Surf, Land Cruiser, Ranger, Navara, Pajero, Triton, D-Max or another 4WD and aren't sure which kit you need, contact Flatout Offroad.
We can help you work out the correct body lift kit and any steering or vehicle-specific components required.
