Afternoon all.
Well, the Rangie has finally been given the boot, and a 1 year old Patrol has taken it's place (yes, shock horror, I've taken the risk on a 3.0 TD auto). First thing I noticed offroad? Clearance - or lack thereof. Approach and departure angles are fine, but ramp-over with such a long wheelbase is less than ideal (side steps have already taken a hammering). So, it's straight on the blower to Vicroads with regards to the legalities of
suspension & tyres (bigger in both obviously), and the following information was forthcoming :
1. Tyre width does not go more than 25mm wider (e.g. going from 265/70 to 285/75 is ok because you have only gone 20mm wider, but 315/75 is a no-no).
2. The bump stops are not altered by more than 1/3 of their specification.
3. The rolling diameter of the tyre does not gain more than 15mm. For example, going from a 265/70x16 (overall diameter 777.4mm) to a 265/75 (overall diameter 803.9mm) is illegal, because diameter has increased 26.5mm.
Points 1 & 3 I understand, but point 2? Does it mean that at full compression, the change in axle angle isn't sufficient for you to miss more than 2/3 of the original bump stops? Assuming this, I can get a 3 inch
suspension lift and bigger tyres if :
1. The bump stops are still aligned when on full compression.
2. The larger tyres clear the body at full extension and compression.
3. I get a speedo recalibration kit fitted.
4. I get all of the above verified by an engineer's certificate.
Some help on the bumpstop issue would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has gone through this process, any tips & experiences would be great too. I've considered the option of just ignoring the legality (like I did with the Rangie - it had a 2 inch lift & 2 inch larger diameter tyres), but part of the finance deal is that the Patrol must be insured (and therefore legal)...
T-Bone.