FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Choosing the Right Lift Kit

What lift height do I need?

It depends on your use case:

40-50mm (Basic Gas) - $1,100-$1,280

  • Best for: Daily drivers who occasionally hit gravel roads
  • Light off-road use, better ground clearance
  • Minimal impact on ride quality
  • Usually doesn't require LVV certification

75mm (IMS) - $4,350+

  • Best for: Weekend warriors, regular off-road adventures
  • Good balance of capability and comfort
  • Suits larger tyres (31-32")
  • Requires LVV certification

75mm (MG - Monotube Gas) - $4,380+

  • Best for: Serious off-roading, heavy loads, towing
  • Premium ride quality and adjustability
  • Built for punishment
  • Requires LVV certification

Not sure? Call us: 021 086 43056 - we'll help you pick the right setup.

What's the difference between Basic Gas, IMS, and MG kits?

Basic Gas Kit:

  • Single gas shock absorbers
  • Fixed damping (no adjustment)
  • Best value for light use
  • Good for highway and light gravel

IMS (Ironman Medium Suspension):

  • Twin-tube design
  • Better heat dissipation
  • Handles rough terrain better
  • Good for mixed on/off-road use

MG (Monotube Gas):

  • Premium monotube design
  • Height adjustable
  • Superior damping and control
  • Best for heavy loads and serious off-road

Will this kit fit my vehicle?

Every product page lists the exact models and years it fits.

Still unsure? Send us your:

  • Vehicle make and model
  • Year
  • Engine size
  • Current modifications (if any)

Email: Hamish@southernperformance.co.nz or call 021 086 43056

We'll confirm fitment before you buy.

Can I fit bigger tyres after installing a lift kit?

Generally:

  • 40-50mm lift: Up to 31" tyres
  • 75mm lift: Up to 32-33" tyres

Check your specific vehicle's clearances. Larger tyres may require:

  • Diff gears (to maintain power)
  • Speedo recalibration
  • Guard trimming

We can advise on the full setup when you call.

Installation

Can I install this myself?

Basic Gas Kits: DIY-friendly if you're mechanically inclined. Basic tools, jack stands, torque wrench needed.

IMS and MG Kits: Professional installation strongly recommended. These require:

  • Specialist tools
  • Proper alignment
  • Torque specifications
  • Safety considerations

Christchurch customers: We offer professional installation. Call 021 086 43056 for pricing.

How long does installation take?

  • Basic Gas Kit: 3-4 hours (DIY), 2-3 hours (professional)
  • Full IMS/MG Kit: 6-8 hours (professional)

Do I need a wheel alignment after installation?

Yes, absolutely. Any suspension work requires a wheel alignment to:

  • Prevent uneven tyre wear
  • Maintain safe handling
  • Ensure proper steering

Budget $100-150 for alignment.

Will I need any additional parts?

Most kits are complete, but depending on your vehicle you might need:

  • Extended brake lines (often included)
  • Diff drop kit (sometimes needed for 75mm lifts)
  • U-bolts (usually included)
  • Castor correction bushes

We'll let you know what's needed when you order.

LVV Certification

Do I need LVV certification?

In New Zealand:

  • Under 50mm lift: Usually no certification required
  • 50-75mm lift: LVV certification required
  • Over 75mm: Special approval needed

Important: This is a legal requirement. Uncertified modifications can result in:

  • Failed WOF
  • Insurance issues
  • Fines

How do I get LVV certified?

  1. Install the lift kit
  2. Take your vehicle to an LVV certifier
  3. They'll inspect and issue a certification
  4. Take the cert to VTNZ for WOF update

LVV certification costs: Usually $400-800 depending on certifier and modifications.

Can you help with LVV certification?

We can guide you through the process and recommend certifiers in your area.

For Christchurch customers using our installation service, we can coordinate with local LVV certifiers.

Shipping & Delivery

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and items. You'll see the exact cost before you pay.

How long until my order arrives?

Christchurch: 2-3 business days
South Island: 3-5 business days
North Island: 4-7 business days

Most orders ship within 1-2 business days.

Can I pick up in Christchurch?

Yes! Free pickup available by arrangement. Call 021 086 43056 to schedule.

Do you ship to rural addresses?

Yes, but add 1-2 extra days for rural delivery.

Warranty & Returns

What warranty do products have?

  • Profender: 2-year warranty
  • Dobinsons: 2-year warranty
  • MCC 4x4: 3-year steel, 1-year powder coating
  • Other brands: Varies - contact us for details

Can I return something if I change my mind?

Yes - unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a full refund.

See our full returns policy: [link to returns page]

What if I get the wrong item?

Contact us immediately: 021 086 43056

We'll arrange return shipping (at our cost) and send the correct item or refund you.

Payment

What payment methods do you accept?

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Bank transfer (contact us)

Do you offer payment plans?

Not currently, but we're looking into Afterpay/Laybuy. Stay tuned!

Is checkout secure?

Yes - we use Shopify's secure checkout. Your payment details are encrypted and never stored on our servers.

Products & Brands

Why should I choose Profender or Dobinsons?

Both are premium Australian brands with decades of experience in off-road suspension:

Profender:

  • Gas and oil shock options
  • Great value for money
  • Proven on Aussie and NZ terrain
  • 2-year warranty

Dobinsons:

  • Specialist in 4WD suspension
  • IMS technology for better damping
  • Extensive testing and development
  • 2-year warranty

We stock both because they're the best in the business. Not sure which? Call us - we'll help you decide.

Are these products genuine?

100% genuine products from authorized suppliers. We don't sell knockoffs or grey imports.

Do you stock other brands?

We focus on Profender, Dobinsons, and MCC 4x4 because they're proven performers.

Need something else? Contact us - we may be able to source it.

Technical Questions

Will a lift kit affect my ride quality?

Basic Gas: Minimal change - might be slightly firmer
IMS: Similar or better than stock when properly installed
MG: Superior ride quality, especially under load

Quality kits from Profender and Dobinsons are designed to maintain or improve ride quality.

Can I tow with a lifted vehicle?

Yes! In fact, many people install lift kits specifically for towing because:

  • Better load capacity
  • Level ride height when loaded
  • Improved stability

MG kits are particularly good for towing.

Will my speedo be accurate after a lift?

If you keep the same tyre size, yes.

If you upgrade to larger tyres, your speedo will read slightly slow. You'll need recalibration or a speedo corrector.

How much does a lift kit weigh?

Shipping weight:

  • Basic Gas Kit: 40-50kg
  • Full IMS/MG Kit: 80-120kg

(Important for calculating shipping costs)

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help!

Phone: 021 086 43056
Email: Hamish@southernperformance.co.nz

Business Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm NZST

Or use our contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.