GVM Upgrade vs Suspension Lift: What’s Right for Your 4WD?

GVM upgrade vs suspension lift? If you’re building a 4WD and you’ve proaly wondered "What's the difference?" and "Which one do I need?". At BAW, we help customers in Brisbane and beyond figure this out every single day. Some 4x4 owners just want better clearance. Others are towing 3.5T vans to Birdsville.

Here’s how to tell what’s right for your 4x4 - and what’ll actually keep you legal and safe on the road. Because not all suspension is created equal!

Lovells GVM upgrade on a Ford Ranger – certified and legal for increased payload

What’s a Suspension Lift?

A suspension lift does exactly what it says on the tin. It lifts your 4WD by replacing your springs, shocks, or both.

Why do people get them?

• To fit bigger tyres

• For better off-road clearance

• For looks (be honest)

• To improve ride quality

Suspension lifts are great for:

• Weekend warriors

• Beach trips and fire trails

• Utes without canopy setups

But here’s the catch: Suspension lifts do not legally increase how much weight your 4x4 or ute can carry. That’s where most people get caught out.

Superior Engineering lift kit on a Ranger – all about looks and clearance.

What’s a GVM Upgrade?

A GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade increases your vehicle’s legal carrying capacity. It’s a certified suspension system that’s tested and approved to carry more weight.

Why do you need one?

Yes, if you’re constantly running heavy. Most people don’t realise how close they are to the limit. A full canopy setup, tools, drawers with a fridge, long-range fuel tank… it all adds up.

A GVM upgrade is only necessary when you’re pushing your 4WD beyond what the factory allows.. If you’re touring full-time, towing a big van, or running loaded every day, you’re the kind of owner who needs it. Suspension alone won’t make you legal. GVM is what keeps you compliant, safe, and covered by insurance.

GVM upgrades are for:

• Towing heavy 3500kg caravans or boats

• Tradies with full tool setups

• Anyone carrying constant loads

Tough Dog GVM upgrade in a D-MAX – engineered for load-carrying and towing with peace of mind, while still improving ride and handling.

GVM UPGRADE vs SUSPENSION LIFT: Which is right for you?

Let’s break it down.

Feature	Suspension Lift	GVM Upgrade
Lifts your 4WD?	✅	✅
Increases load capacity?	❌	✅
Helps fit bigger tyres?	✅	✅
Legal for heavy towing?	❌	✅
Requires certification?	❌(unless over 2")	✅
Weekend flexing?	✅	❌
Full-time towing setup?	❌	✅

Our Suspension & GVM Setup Advice

We’ll help you pick the right kit based on:

• Your current load

• Future upgrades (even if promised the wife there won't be)

• Towing setup

• Legal compliance

• Ride comfort

We install lift kits and certified GVM upgrades from many brands. But our favourites are:

• Lovells

• Tough Dog

• Superior Engineering

• BDS Suspension

And we’ll always ask the big questions first: what are you carrying, where are you going, and how often are you towing?

Ford F-250 with a 5-inch lift – because big isn't bigger enough.

Let’s Build it Right

GVM upgrade vs suspension lift? Which is right for you?

Whether you're chasing better clearance, a legal GVM, or just trying to figure out what the hell your 4WD actually weighs—we’ve got you.

👉 Check out our Suspension & GVM Services

👉 Ask the BAW Team

👉 See our latest builds