[Qthefun]

Ok want a 40mm lift (just easier and less parts than 50mm or 60mm)
brand?
Need a mild stiffness due to front and rear bar being 30 kg+ each and winch (still not decided)

Can shocks/springs increase gmv legally?

has anyone put air bags inside Jimny springs? or similar types/size springs? and if so would I need brake line extension?

Cheers in advance

[pete_79]

I went with the 40mm Dobinsons kit, though it measured 50mm lift once installed.

No complaints from me, sat level all round (I've read/heard a lot of stories from ebay and OME kits raising the rear heaps more then the front).

I was that close to putting airbags in the rear. But decided to run the lift first and see if I needed the bags.
After a lot of touring with 2 adults and 2 kids in the Jimny plus about 30kg on the roof and towing the trailer with ~50kg on the tow ball, I never felt I needed the airbags.

Even though all the advice is that you don't need castor correction for the smaller lifts, mine did have a very minor shimmy after fitting the lift.

I kidded myself for ages that it was the mud tyres (they where noisy and did vibrate) but the shimmy was most defiantly a castor issue.

*edit;
That's a negative for increasing gmv AFAIK.
You'll need to confirm with an engineer, but I expect it will be a firm no.

I did a little test before and after fitting my lift. All my camping gear and 40L of water compressed the rear about 30mm with the standard springs.
Exactly the same load compressed the lifted springs about 15mm (so it was still sitting 35mm higher then the normal unloaded height with standard springs).

[Qthefun]

Thanks pete!! That helps heaps!!!

[shep]

Gvm can only be increased on a new car prior to first rego. You can still bolt in the stuff that increases gvm but won't get the second manufacturing compliance plate

[Qthefun]

so heavy duty springs and such will hold more but main roads won't care and still fine me? in that case how often do they stick 4x4's on scales/check these things? I have been driving MR trucks for years never once been inspected! so I would guess just do what I want?

[Marko_SJ]

Qthefun wrote:

so heavy duty springs and such will hold more but main roads won't care and still fine me? in that case how often do they stick 4x4's on scales/check these things? I have been driving MR trucks for years never once been inspected! so I would guess just do what I want?

As far as I'm aware its a "if something happens and you get caught overloading the car" thing.

[Gwagensteve]

The GVM of the a Jimny isn't determined by its springs.

[Marko_SJ]

Gwagensteve wrote:

The GVM of the a Jimny isn't determined by its springs.

Hence why I said "overloading". Unless that wasn't directed at me.

[Qthefun]

Marko_SJ wrote:

Gwagensteve wrote:

The GVM of the a Jimny isn't determined by its springs.

Hence why I said "overloading". Unless that wasn't directed at me.

nope Steve giving me the "10-4" to not rely on springs and shocks to hold more kilos.

In most safety specs for Australia there is usually a 20% ish margin you can go over that (not legally).

I have run everything I need for camping and myself and the (guess at the wifes weight) and come in at 281.4kgs and have just upgraded tent and mattress so saved 8kgs!!!
So not as worried as I was about kilos as I was but when I put a front and rear bar on with a winch (last up grades) I might be in a tiny bit of trouble but can shed a bit more gear weight if need be!

Thanks for advice guys, trying to keep it legal and safe