Formula 4×4 Lift Kits explained: Which kit is right for your 4WD?

Choosing the right 4WD lift kit doesn't have to be complicated. This guide explains Formula 4x4's Core, Height Adjustable and Remote Reservoir Lift Kits to help you select the right suspension upgrade for your vehicle.

Whether you’re looking to improve ground clearance, fit larger tyres or better prepare your vehicle for touring and off-road adventures, choosing the right 4WD lift kit is an important decision.

Formula 4×4 offers a range of 4×4 lift kits engineered and assembled in Australia to suit different vehicles, budgets and driving styles. Available exclusively through Fulcrum Suspensions, the range includes 2-inch lift kits and 3-inch lift kits, with three suspension options designed for everyone from weekend adventurers to serious off-road tourers.

In this guide, we’ll explain the Formula 4×4 range, the differences between each lift kit, and how to choose the right suspension setup for your 4WD.

Quick comparison

Lift kitBest forLift heightKey features
Core Lift KitEveryday 4WDs and weekend touring2 inch (50mm)Factory springs retained, pre-assembled front struts, value-focused upgrade
Height Adjustable Lift KitVehicles fitted with accessoriesUp to 2 or 3 inches (vehicle dependent)Adjustable ride height to suit varying front-end loads
Remote Reservoir Lift KitHeavy touring, towing and demanding off-road drivingUp to 2 or 3 inches (vehicle dependent)Remote Reservoir shock absorbers for improved heat management and consistent damping
4x4 lift kits
ยฉ Fulcrum

Why install a 4×4 lift kit?

A quality 4×4 lift kit offers more than just extra ride height.

By raising the vehicle and improving suspension performance, lift kits can increase ground clearance, improve approach and departure angles, allow fitment of larger tyres and provide greater suspension travel and articulation. They can also improve stability when carrying accessories, towing or travelling with a heavily loaded touring setup.

Formula 4×4 engineers each lift kit around the maximum safe lift for the specific vehicle.

2-inch vs 3-inch lift kits: What’s the difference?

One of the first decisions when choosing 4WD lift kits is whether a 2-inch lift kit or a 3-inch lift kit is the better option.

For many touring vehicles and daily drivers, a 2-inch lift provides an excellent balance between improved capability and everyday drivability. 2-inch lift kits can increase ground clearance, improve approach and departure angles and often allow the fitment of slightly larger tyres without dramatically changing the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

A 3-inch lift kit is generally chosen by owners building dedicated touring or off-road vehicles that require additional ground clearance and suspension travel. However, modification laws vary between states and territories, and a 3-inch lift may require engineering approval or certification depending on where the vehicle is registered. Before fitting any suspension upgrade, it’s important to check the regulations that apply in your state or territory.

Whether you’re considering 2-inch suspension or 3-inch suspension, the best choice depends on how your vehicle is used, the accessories fitted and the type of terrain you regularly drive.

4x4 lift kits
Core Lift Kit ยฉ Fulcrum

The Formula 4×4 Lift Kit range

Formula 4×4 offers three different lift kits, each designed to suit a particular style of driving and vehicle setup.

Core Lift Kits

Core Lift Kits are the entry point into the Formula 4×4 range and are ideal for drivers wanting improved off-road capability without replacing every suspension component.

Designed for independent front suspension (IFS) vehicles, these kits retain the vehicle’s original springs while upgrading key suspension components. Each kit includes pre-assembled front struts matched to the vehicle’s front-end load, longer rear shock absorbers, leaf spring spacer blocks, new U-bolts and brake line spacers where required.

For many owners who enjoy camping, touring and occasional off-road trips, Core Lift Kits provide a practical and cost-effective suspension upgrade.

Height Adjustable Lift Kits

Not every 4WD carries the same amount of weight. Bull bars, winches, dual batteries and other accessories all affect ride height and handling.

Formula 4×4’s Height-Adjustable Lift Kits use pre-assembled ReadyStruts that allow the front ride height to be adjusted to suit varying front-end loads. This makes installation simpler and also allows the suspension to be fine-tuned later if additional accessories are fitted.

For touring vehicles that continue to evolve over time, this flexibility helps maintain ride height and suspension performance.

Height-Adjustable Lift Kit ยฉ Fulcrum

Remote Reservoir Lift Kits

Drivers who regularly tackle corrugated roads, tow caravans or camper trailers, or spend extended periods off-road place significant demands on their suspension.

Formula 4×4’s premium Remote-Reservoir Lift Kits use Remote-Reservoir shock absorbers that increase oil capacity and improve heat dissipation during prolonged use. By managing heat more effectively, the shocks are able to deliver more consistent damping performance across demanding terrain.

These lift kits are aimed at serious tourers and off-road enthusiasts looking for maximum suspension performance.

Which Formula 4×4 Lift Kit is right for you?

If you…Consider…
Mainly drive on-road with occasional camping tripsCore Lift Kit
Have fitted a bull bar, winch or other front accessoriesHeight-Adjustable Lift Kit
Regularly tow a caravan, camper trailer or boatHeight-Adjustable or Remote Reservoir Lift Kit
Frequently travel corrugated outback roadsRemote Reservoir Lift Kit

Formula 4×4 4WD Lift Kits are available for many of Australia’s most popular vehicles, including the Toyota Hilux, LandCruiser and Prado, Ford Ranger and Everest, Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero, Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X, Holden Colorado, Nissan Patrol and Navara, and the Volkswagen Amarok.

Remote Reservoir Lift Kit ยฉ Fulcrum

Australian engineered for Australian conditions

Formula 4×4 suspension is engineered and assembled in Brisbane and developed specifically for Australian conditions.

According to Fulcrum Suspensions, every shock absorber is tested under simulated touring loads before release. Vehicles are loaded to reflect real-world accessory and cargo weights before being assessed for ride height, braking performance, lane-change behaviour and overall handling.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is also used during development to evaluate component strength and durability before production.

The result is a suspension system designed to perform across Australia’s diverse driving environments, from beach driving and rainforest tracks through to desert touring and remote outback roads.

Professional installation through Fulcrum Suspensions

Formula 4×4 Lift Kits are available exclusively through Fulcrum Suspensions and can be purchased online or in-store.

Installation is available nationally through Fulcrum’s network of 16 company-owned stores and more than 200 approved Click & Fit installers.

Every installation includes:

  • Pre-fitting vehicle inspection and weight assessment
  • Professional installation by qualified suspension technicians
  • 4WD wheel alignment
  • Complimentary suspension safety check after approximately 1,000km

The kits are designed as bolt-on upgrades using factory mounting points, with no cutting or welding required for most applications.

4x4 lift kits
ยฉ Fulcrum

Warranty and nationwide support

Formula 4×4 Lift Kits are backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty when purchased and installed through the Fulcrum Suspensions network.

Installed pricing varies depending on the vehicle and suspension package selected, with Core Lift Kits generally starting from around $2,000 and Remote Reservoir Lift Kits reaching approximately $6,000, including professional installation and wheel alignment.

Fulcrum also offers free metro delivery across Australia.

Choosing the right Formula 4×4 Lift Kit

The best suspension upgrade isn’t necessarily the highest one – it’s the one that’s matched to your vehicle, the accessories you carry and the way you use your 4WD.

Whether you’re looking for a 2-inch lift kit for weekend touring or a premium 3-inch lift kit for demanding off-road adventures, Formula 4×4 offers a range of Australian-engineered suspension solutions backed by professional installation and nationwide support through Fulcrum Suspensions.


Unsealed 4x4

Unsealed 4x4

Unsealed 4X4 delivers honest 4WD advice, gear reviews, and travel guides crafted from real Australian adventures. Since 2014, we've tested the gear, driven the tracks, and learned what works - so you can hit the tracks safely.

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