Can you legally modify a 4WD?

In this video we speak with Ken O'Keefe from the Australian Ultimate Suspension and get his advice on 4wd modifications, and what is legal. We show the testing process too, of a GVM upgrade.

[@060racing8]

It's very hard to abide by the rules when they are absolutely stupid and make no sense

[@stcmedia]

I wouldn't say that, we have tested hundreds of vehicles and have seen some very dangerous examples. Some wouldn't stop in an acceptable distance, and some were sliding through the lane change at less than 80km/h. What rules, in particular, don't you like? for example.

[@060racing8]

@@stcmedia my father had to get his HK Monaro engineered for seat belts in the rear seems fairly stupid I also personally had a Subaru Brumby engineered that I built dodgy as hell because I didn't know what I was doing

[@stcmedia]

@@060racing8 We have fitted racing harnesses to many racecars builds and there are a lot of mistakes that can be made, seatbelt anchors in a vehicle that never had them originally need to be checked for structural integrity. Just because they don't have them originally doesn't mean fitting them doesn't require a proper fixing. I get your point, but you can imagine some of the stuff people have done. We were scrutineering a vehicle once at a race meeting, and the brake fluid was squirting out of one connection they had made themselves. They were upset we failed the car that day... they walk amongst us.

[@tomthumb2815]

Everything is about payola

[@stcmedia]

@@tomthumb2815 it's only a problem if you have a crash right...

[@Diabolous3x]

I’m curious about whether anyone has been able to utilise VSI-8/VSB 13.3.1 Option 1 for a 50mm sus lift and a 50mm tyre diameter lift to combine into a 75mm total lift. Anyone know?

[@jonovoudouris]

I would like to know if I can combine the 7% tyre diameter with 50mm suspension lift. In my case 7% is 55mm so more than the stated 50mm, it would be nice to get some clarity. I can get a tyre with 53mm over or 38mm over, obviously I would rather more but not sure if i will run into problems and not allowed to do suspension lift after that.

[@stcmedia]

@@jonovoudouris best thing to do is contact a certifier there are a number of things to consider when doing this, but talking to them first helps you to plan ahead.

[@aussierob3860]

Just like the gestapo cops out there, ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY.

[@stcmedia]

Actually, it's about road safety and liability. This is a big misunderstanding with regard to vehicle mods.

[@aussierob3860]

@@stcmedia Only a highway road revenue officer would say that.

[@stcmedia]

@@aussierob3860 no, only a mechanic/professional driver that tests these things for a living with 35 years of experience would tell you, without certification you would have absolute abominations on the roads putting the lives of our family members at risk. People who think Ebay is the best source of suspension parts and they have an idea of what they are doing. If you saw some of the vehicles we fail, you would change your opinion.....

[@danielbeau2991]

Fuck that, I drive my 5 inch lifted lux around unregistered. None of this bullshit in the country 👍

[@stcmedia]

Not all hero's wear capes.

[@bryanseidel4564]

I have a RAM 3500 with a 5 inch lift on it, I purchased it like this and need an LR license to drive in which I have. However it is annoying that no one else I need to drive can do so, unless they get their LR license. I've been told it was originally converted from the US and put on a standard license however the lift kit is what has pushed this vehicle into this LR classification. Is there a way to reverse this and who would even do such a job??

[@stcmedia]

Give Ken a call from the Ultimate Suspension, I am sure he has seen this before. ultimatesuspension.com.au/

[@jimbo4014]

She’ll be right just don’t drive it everyday my ln106 has a 5 inch and 35s and I just use it on sundays or when I go tracks, be smart

[@stcmedia]

The issue is, if you are involved in a serious crash that causes harm or death, you are in serious trouble without certification. This may not even be your fault, the coroners court is a brutal experience, as it should be.

[@shirleyferguson6727]

the worst part is seeing what the yanks do and think we can do the same

[@stcmedia]

Yes, sadly they get away with anything. Often doing stuff that is downright dangerous

[@joshsmith5232]

2:50 so i have to get a cert. for my luggage 😂

[@stcmedia]

Yeah no, that isn't what we are saying.. lol Every kilo you place on the roof adds 3 kilos of side force when cornering. This means if you don't balance the vehicle correctly with the right suspension and weight balance it will cause it to be dangerous. This is why new 4wds have weight limits on their roof rack capacities...

[@logik1677]

Do these restrictions change or get updated, or have they been the same for years and years?

[@stcmedia]

They do change, but they have been in place for many years now and it does vary from State to State slightly. But they all follow the ADR's and what's permissible to upgrade, like suspension and brakes for instance.

[@rosewood1]

Frankly lifting a vehicle is questionable. I had Pedders fit a heavy duty standard height suspension on my Landcruiser. This worked well for towing and interestingly it lifted the vehicle because the standard coils had sagged and were very soft. But everything depends on what you plan to do with the vehicle because everything is a compromise. If for example you want extreme articulation for adhesion then that has consequences. You may need a different vehicle.

[@stcmedia]

Annnnd, that is precisely why testing is imperative. Not all suspensions are created equal.

[@IanWatt-i4u]

Could someone tell me what section in the ARDs deals with 'certified' modification?

[@stcmedia]

The ADRs are a manufacturers obligation, and certification is a State by State procedure

[@sshoh9222]

Totally agree. However, NO ONE wants to review an older vehicle that has work done and certify it retrospectively if passes all the necessary tests. Everywhere I have enquired wants to sells me their product/s.

[@stcmedia]

We work with many engineers and perhaps we can help you. Shoot us an email with what you need, location, vehicle etc and we will see what we can do to help you. [e-mail]

[@sshoh9222]

@@stcmedia thanks. I need an engineer to be able to retrospectively review my older rig and advise if certification is "do-able' and what (if any) things need to be tidied up etc. Costs involved? will it be valid all States? Location will be Eastern suburbs of Victoria (Ringwood etc) It's a 94 TD42 GQ with mods ready as a tourer.

[@Echomanage]

4 inch lift on an n70 with 33 inch tires how much are you looking to get that engineered

[@stcmedia]

Are you in NSW? Send us an email [e-mail]

[@Echomanage]

from tassie@@stcmedia

[@gordontracy1014]

$3500 later money making machine

[@stcmedia]

Well, do you work for free?