Suspension Lifts .. OK for some JGC models but apparently not for 2015 onward

[Tahlee]

Came across this interesting article ....
https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car...-in-australia/

They say that because JGC are now classified as as MA (passenger vehicles), previously MC (offroad) like Toyota , etc. there are possible issues with insurance, tyres and suspension lifts.

The difference between MA and MC categories

The official definitions of MA and MC are:

4.3.1 PASSENGER CAR (MA) A passenger vehicle, not being an off-road passenger vehicle or a forward-control passenger vehicle, having up to 9 seating positions, including that of the driver.

4.3.3. OFF-ROAD PASSENGER VEHICLE (MC)


HavMC and MA categorised 4X4 vehicles in Australia (October 2016)

Note that the list is subject to change without notice, and that there may be older or newer variants of the same vehicle that are rated differently. You can look up the latest on this link:

http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/pls/w....Notify_Search

MC categorised vehicles

Audi Q5
Bentley Bentayga
BMW X3
Holden Trailblazer
Infiniti QX80
Isuzu MU-X (also available in 2WD which is MA)
Jeep Wrangler
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Lexus LX570
Mazda CX-9 (also available in 2WD which is MA)
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Nissan Dualis
Nissan Y62 Patrol
Mitsubishi Pajero
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Porsche Cayenne
Range Rover Sport
Range Rover
Ssangyong Rexton
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Grand Vitara (also available in 2WD)
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Prado
Toyota LC200
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC70
Volvo XC90
VW Touraeg

Some surprises there. Lovely that Mazda made the CX-9 an MC, but it didn’t really need to be. Same deal for Volvos. But pat on the back to Nissan and Subaru for their good work.

Notable MA vehicles

These vehicles are categorised MA but arguably should be MC because all have low range, for example, so are clearly offroad-focused (again, this is based off the most current certifications for the vehicles. Older models may have different categorisations):

Jeep Grand Cherokee (also available in 2WD)
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk (versions also available in 2WD, full offroad test here)
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (versions also available in 2WD)
Ford Everest (also available in 2WD, test here)
HAVAL H9 (full offroad test here)

Note: as we said above, this is for current versions only. For example, the Grand Cherokee used to be MC, but vehicles after January 2015 are MA. The old classification number for the Grand Cherokee MC was 34419 and that has been surrendered by Jeep.

Here is what the article says about lifts


3.3 Raising of Four Wheel Drive Vehicles – Alternative to VSB 14 Modification Code LS

In the case of raising the height of an offroad type 4WD of ADR Categor NA, NB1, MC or MD, and only in this case, the following two options apply as alternatives to meeting the requirements of Section LS of VSB 14.

(the options are 75mm total lift, tyres and suspension, or 1/3 of suspenction travel and restrictions on tyre diameter)

[ Source: VSI 8 Guide to Modifications for Motor Vehicles ]

UPDATE 15/11/16: To draw attention to this clause – this is of particular note as it clearly states MC vehicles may be lifted 75mm in Victoria. It does not say MA vehicles may be so lifted, so you cannot lift a MA vehicle as you would an MC.


So seems like if you lift a 2015 approved JGC you may find that the insurance companies and coppers may not like it.

Regards

Rob

[Sterling Sal]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for that - yeah I read something about this on the Caravan Forum.

Glad that the Pajero has the lift and the Jeep GC has the Q/L standard!

Insurance companies will do anything to get out of a claim but in this case, I can't see how they could if folk had the suspension lifts done before when in the correct class and in good faith. I'd be fighting them if they denied mine!

Not fair at all to change things mid production as such!

Cheers,
Sally

[Benn0]

Yep, Jeep (FCA Australia) have really dropped the ball here. I can't see how they can continue to sell a 4wd advertised as an offroad vehicle, but then classify it as MA (not for offroad use).

Everest and Haval have both reclassified theirs, Ford even arranged with state authorities to recognise the cars they sold with MA compliance as MC. Jeep are doing nothing.....

[Clarky]

Need to check local state rules & regs, NSW rules don't discriminate between MA & MC they both fall under "light vehicle modifications" so in NSW you can legally lift a MA WK.
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/...ide-height.pdf

In any case what this means is some states will require engineer certification to lift/modify a MA class vehicle not that you can't lift/modify one.

[Benn0]

There is still a question mark over insurance and warranty claims. I'd be nervous that a certain party could get out of legal obligations based on its compliance. Who knows why FCA don't just do what every other 4wd importer does (even the ones that aren't marketing their product as offroad vehicles) and compliance them as MC.

[Wanderer]

Where does this put the QuadraLift Air Suspension with it's OR1 & OR2 raised heights if you can't raise an MA classified vehicle and those Ads of "Don't hold back" ie go anywhere in a Jeep??..False misleading advertisement maybe.

[Troutman]

It is a dickhead ADR that you could easily argue is irrelevant and hopelessly out of date. It also seems the ADR is open to lobbying by the manufacturer for inclusion in one category or the other. Excellent example of new age nanny state f...wits writing technical rules they have NFI about.