Here you go Tom, the other states differ slightly, but this is a true representation of the facts. Perhaps you should show your reps these facts from the Australian government. NSW lift regulations,
Suspension and ride height Gazettal November 2016 10 (35 pages)
3.0 Categories of modifications
3.1 Changes that do not require assessing or certification
1 Not classed as modifications:
The following are not considered to be modifications and do NOT require assessing or
certification:
a. Replacement of parts or components by identical or equivalent parts or components.
b. Replacement of parts or components with parts or components of equivalent functional
performance.
c. Optional parts or components as prescribed by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
2 Minor modifications:
In addition to the above, the following are not considered to be significant modifications and
do NOT require assessing or certification:
a. Except where specified below, modifications to the suspension that does not increase
or decrease the vehicle’s ride height by more than 50mm.
b. Changes in the diameter of the wheel and tyre combination of up to +/- 7% of the
largest size specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
c. Modifications to the ride height up to 75mm that incorporate a maximum change in the
suspension of 50mm, and/or an increase in the diameter of the wheel and tyre
combination of up to 50mm.
d. Restoring a vehicle to the original trim height as established by its manufacturer to
compensate –
i. for sag due to normal wear-and-tear; or
ii. as the result of permanent loading from fixed items, such as a bull bar, a winch or
a second spare wheel.
e. Changes in the vehicles ride height by up to 50mm by replacing the rear coil springs
with air springs fitted to un-modified, original mounting points when used with slow
speed air controls in accordance with Appendix B.6.1a.
f. Changes in the vehicles ride height by up to 50mm by replacing the rear shock
absorber assemblies with air adjustment, fitted to un-modified, original mounting points,
when used with slow speed air controls in accordance with Appendix B.6.1a.
g. Supplementary air springs that assist the original springs, and are fitted without other
modifications, such as holes drilled in structural sections of a chassis.
Note: Items d, e and f above should comply with section LS 1.1 & 2.7 of VSB 14 and associated
ADR’s, including ensuring that the spring and damping systems are suitable for the category of
vehicle.
The allowances provided above for modifications to ride height before certification is required
exceed those given in VSB 14 and the previous requirements in NSW stipulated in Code of
Practice for Light Vehicle Modifications. VSB 14 requires that any change in ride height
above 50mm must be certified regardless how it is achieved, and includes aggregate
increases from suspension lifts and changes to the wheel and tyre combination. VSB 14 also
requires that available suspension travel must remain at least equivalent to two thirds of the
original. Similarly, the NSW Code limited changes to ride height to one third of the working
travel of the suspension travel from kerb mass height to metal to bump or rebound positions
as specified by the manufacturer.
The 50mm limit before certification is required is consistent with the Australasian New Car
Assessment Program’s variants policy, which states that an ANCAP safety rating given to a
vehicle cannot apply to a variant of the same model if its ride height is more than 50mm
3.2 Modifications that require assessing and certification
The significant modifications below require a vehicle to be assessed. The vehicle may be
subject to a single modification or a combination of modifications. If the vehicle has been
subject to a number of modifications, the assessment must ensure that the cumulative effect
of all the modifications are considered.
a. A change in the vehicle’s suspension –
i. that increases the vehicle’s ride height between 50mm and 125mm; or
ii. of up to 125mm that combined with an increase in the diameter of the wheel and
tyre combination of up to 50mm increases the vehicle’s ride height between
75mm and 150mm.
b. Except for items under (e), (f) and (g) above, installation of a variable ride height
system.
c. Any increase in the ride height using a body lift.
d. A change in the diameter of the wheel and tyre combination in excess of +/- 7% of the
largest size specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
e. Modifications that produce no change to the vehicle’s ride height involving –
i. conversion from coil to leaf springs;
ii. changes to the suspension configuration;
iii. fitting a suspension of a different design eg from a different make and model (eg
from coil springs to leaf springs);
iv. fabricating suspension mounting points; or
v. any alteration of structural components.
The modification categories listed above are not exhaustive. Further categories may be
added over time.
3.3 Modifications not covered by this Manual
The following modifications are not covered by this Manual:
1. Modifications that increase the ride height by more than 150mm. This modification
The facts are the facts.