Latest 3ltr Hilux, ground clearance.

Twinkles - I found I had to go 3" with my Rodeo that suffered poor of the shelf road clearance.

They obviously do no test them in a lot of Australian conditions.

50mm will get you to nearly everywhere you could take a 4x4, but in some of the softer sands I found I needed 4" all up from standard.

Thus a 3" lift kit and 1" with tyres and no more hassles on Cape Flattery silica sand on a hot day.

Cheers Tony

I would check your state laws first before doing anything and also insurance company, some like the NRMA will not insure anything with more then a 2 inch suspension lift, NRMA do allow 2 inch for body lift as well, BUT body lifts are not allowed with any vehicle with air bag/s. I think you will find a 2 inch lift will make a big difference, 3 will obviously give you more but remember your cv's up front. Regards Steve

If you have a look at 'www.Newhilux.net' you will find plenty of information on a suitable suspension mod. In answer to your question a 50mm lift with some bigger rubber is sufficient for most users, there are a few members there that have done bodylifts as well but this is the more exteme end of the mods.

G'day twinkles
Check to see if your daughters Hilux has sagged. I just got a new Hilux single cab & it was on the lower end of the specs. One TJM bull bar later I put springs in that bought the front up 65mm & put it back within spec. Have to do the rear leaves now as it sits dead level with an aluminium tray & no load. 3000 k 0n the clock.
Try taking the sidesteps off too. They give a low look to the car.
I went from a 2.7 Navara to a Patrol wagon to a Hilux. The hilux is nowhere near the Patrol in off-road capability & is not as good as the Navara. It is definitely let down in approach angle & wheel travel. The Navara (being about 96 model) had much better approach angle than the Hilux.
The newer IFS cars are poking the front out further & further & sacrificing the approach angle.

G'Day Twinkles,
My 2006 SR5 DC Hilux has had a 50mm lift via an ARB medium-lift kit. This allows me to undertake medium-difficulty offroad travel with confidence. Since the modification I've been to Cape York, Boggy Hole, across the Simpson Desert and done some great tracks in The Flinders Ranges.

I've replaced the original side steps with ARB side protection bars; the aluminium steps were too low and too flimsy.

Following the lift, the Hilux sits with a slight nose-down attitude when unladen and it is quite level and a pleasure to drive when laden. I keep some weight in the tub most of the time to improve its around-town driveability.

I'm tall and getting in and out of the vehicle is fine for me. A shorter person would find a high-lift suspension mod very challenging for day-to-day activities. I know this as the original suspension mod done by ARB included heavy-duty leaf springs. The rear of the vehicle was jacked up to such a level that it felt unstable when driven in an unladen state.

I consulted my insurer before having the suspension modified. A basic lift of the vehicle was fine.

Finally, do as I did and ambush other Hilux owners who've had their vehicle's suspension altered. I've found that they love to talk about their vehicles. They'll give you a range of advice - hopefully good - before you eventually consult a suspension mod retailer.

Cheers,
Netnut