Rav 4 clearance

Others may disagree, but I have to say that a lift kit for a Rav4 would seem like a total waste of money.

While they a great little car - they are NOT a full on 4 wheel drive - no low range means that you have to live with some limitations. If you go places they are not designed for you will get bogged - or the car will break.

When you were bogged - what sorts of tyre pressures were you running?

Knowing the capabities of your vehicle and driver and appropriate driving methods for particular situations is far more valuable that bolt on lift kits and bigger tyres.. IMHO.

I hope I do not sound too negative - I just think if you drive a soft roader style 4x4 you need to understand it's limitations - for your own safety and that of others.

The Rav should do most of what you want to do on the beach.
Although the ruts at the cuttings up there can be bad at times, clearance is only a small part of it (if at all).
Next time you go to DI just let your tyres down to about 18PSI or so.
It sometimes helps to put some extra weight in the back if you are still having trouble eg. a really full esky or an esky full of sand. (I know of guys who put sandbags in the back and use their 2wd's quite effectively.)

If you are running low profiles ... don't bother.

The keys to sand driving are quite simple ... momentum, tyre pressure and, in some circumstances, weight distribution.

In between 4wd's a number of years ago I drove all around DI and Rainbow etc (yes, in the ruts and the soft sand) in a standard 2wd Toyota Tarago without getting bogged just following those three principles.

Have fun
Cheers
Oskar

The trouble with bigger tyres is you will lose more of your low gears for anything even a little difficult, and with no low range ..... big trouble.. If you want to build something radical for the street,, hey,, could look great!!! Michael

A guy over on Overlander has a Rav 4 and he has had it lifted (about 70mm) and put some bigger BFG rubber under it too. Goes like a cut cat on sand and has shown up some more capable vehicles too. Even snatched me out of a bogg once but we try not to mention that.

Have a look at page 3 for the before and after pictures Rav link

Hello - did hear of a 2" lift kit for Rav (old model) available from one of the major players but cant remeber who (TJM, ORE or OL??) - a few phone calls may help.
Have Fun --I do
Cheers
Greg