Does a GVM Upgrade Lift a Hilux?

Most GVM upgrades lift a Hilux, and every Formula 4x4 Hilux kit does. Our GVM kits give the N80 and N90 Hilux a 40mm to 50mm lift when loaded, with extra height when empty, and our F4R kits are pre-set to 40mm with preload adjustment. The lift height is part of the approved package, so it can’t be raised freely afterwards.

Plenty of Hilux owners shopping for a lift kit find out they really need more payload, and plenty shopping for payload want to know if they’ll get some extra clearance too. The good news is a Formula 4x4 GVM upgrade does both. Here’s how much lift you can expect, why it happens, and what to keep in mind once your Hilux sits higher. Our full range of GVM upgrade kits covers the N80 and N90 Hilux.

How Much Does a GVM Upgrade Lift a Hilux?

The F4R kits are pre-set at 40mm based on a vehicle fitted with a steel bull bar. Your dealer sets the final height to suit your accessories during fitting.

Why a GVM Upgrade Raises Ride Height

A GVM upgrade has to carry more weight without sagging onto the bump stops. To do that, the springs are stiffer and sit taller than standard, which raises Hilux ride height and means that when the Hilux is loaded to its new rating it still has suspension travel left to absorb bumps.

Running empty, those stronger springs push the Hilux higher still. That’s why our standard kits quote 40mm to 50mm with a load on board and more height when the tray is empty.

The extra height is a real benefit off-road. You get more ground clearance over ruts, rocks and washouts, better approach and departure angles, and room for slightly larger tyres, provided their load rating suits the upgraded axle loads.

GVM Upgrade vs Lift Kit: What’s the Difference?

If your Hilux is well inside its factory GVM and you only want clearance and better off-road control, one of our 4x4 lift kits does the job. If you’re near or over GVM, a Hilux GVM lift kit gives you both the lift and the legal payload in one engineered package.

Can You Change the Lift After a GVM Upgrade?

You can adjust it, but only within the limits of the approved package. The ride height is part of what’s engineered and certified, so lifting the Hilux further, adding spacers or swapping in different springs can invalidate the GVM approval and drop you back to the factory rating.

Our F4R kits have preload adjustable springs, which lets your dealer fine tune height for accessories like a heavy bull bar and winch. Adjusting a lift kit to 3 inches isn’t road legal unless the vehicle is mod plated, and that setting should only be used off-road. Talk to your dealer before making any change to an upgraded Hilux.

What Else Changes When a GVM Upgrade Lifts Your Hilux?

Lifting a Hilux changes its front end geometry, so our kits include the hardware to keep it right.

•             Upper control arms: Both N90 kits include an upper control arm kit to restore alignment and steering geometry at the new height. On the N80, an upper control arm kit is an approved option and recommended for post-registration vehicles.

•             Brake line spacers: Included to give the rear brake line room for the extra suspension travel.

•             Sway bar hardware: The N80 F4R kit includes a sway bar link kit and the N90 F4R kit includes a sway bar relocation kit, keeping vehicle sway control effective at the higher stance.

•             Wheel alignment: Every fitted kit includes a full alignment to get tyre wear and steering back in spec.

Does the Lift Affect Ride Quality?

A well matched GVM kit should ride better loaded than a standard Hilux that’s sagging at the rear. Because the springs are stiffer, an empty Hilux will feel firmer, which is normal for any GVM upgrade.

Our F4R kits address that with 3 way adjustable front and 2 way adjustable rear remote reservoir dampers. Open up the clickers for a softer unladen ride, then firm them up when you load the Hilux for work or a trip.

Toyota Hilux GVM Upgrade Lift and Ride Height FAQs

Looking for more information about how much lift a Toyota Hilux GVM upgrade gives and what it means for tyres and ride height? Below we answer the most commonly asked questions.

Get legal payload and real clearance in one package with our certified GVM upgrade kits, backed by a 5 year / unlimited km warranty.