What is a lifted vehicle????? a little bit long

I have found the discussion on suspension upgrades quite interesting over the time that I have visited this great forum.

I have read with interest the insurance issues, the police issues, various state transport issues and the issues surrounding the type, brand or mixture of components that one would use to gain some form of advantage over the original equipment.

My question is this - what is a lifted vehicle??

Granted, when body lift blocks or spring spacers are used, then that can definitely be called a lift. however, when springs and shocks are utilised on their own, what would constitute a "lift' in the eyes of the variuos bodies mentioned above.

For example, I own an 11/96 80 Series and I like it, but I did not like the original worn suspension. The solution for me was to use the OME brand. I thought "gee am I getting myself into trouble??"

As I was installing the 864/851 springs and the N 73/74 shocks, I measured the springs with a tape. They were exactly the same height unloaded - but the key to this is that the spring rate is different through more coils and different materials .

The result is that my vehicle does not sag under its own weight and has the appearance of a "lift" as it sits higher than the sagging 7 year old 115,000km components.

Have I lifted my vehicle or have I just merely altered the spring rates for the vehicle considering that the components are the same length??

What is a 50mm spring lift??

Are spring rates set for a vehicle type ina similar fashion to tyre placards??

Thanks for any comments,

Regards,

Seanny