Many manufacturers provide the ground clearance and the running clearance as the ‘ ground clearance ’ and seem to interchange the two depending on the one that has more marketing appeal . Independent tests on specific 4WD vehicles ( refer to references ) have proven that actual measurements don ’ t match the values in manufacturer vehicle specifications . So it seems like the only way to be certain , is to go beneath the vehicle and take measurements ( not a practical task !)
Can suspension lifts increase ground clearance ?
The answer to this can be a Yes / No ? Depending on the suspension type . If the vehicle has fully independent suspension ( like the Pajero ), then lifting the suspension will lift all of the body , chassis and suspension components , increasing the ground clearance . So it ’ s a Yes . However , on vehicles with fixed axles , lifting the suspension will lift the body and chassis but will not lift the fixed axles . The ground clearance will not increase so it ’ s a No . This leads to another topic of static and dynamic ground clearance . A lifted fixed axle vehicle ( which can be lifted a fair bit ) will have its advantages off road , but here we are strictly focused on ground clearance which will not change .
Practicality of good ground clearance .
The practical definition of ground clearance is ‘ running clearance ’ and manufacturers should adopt this definition in the vehicle specification . Ground clearance is not the only element to consider in the overall scheme of off road capability . Other factors to consider are ;
� � � � � �
Approach angle Departure angle Ramp over Suspension flexibility Weight distribution Electronic controls – Traction Control , Lockers etc
In summary , the ground clearance value of a vehicle should verified independently to be sure . The ground clearance can be increased on vehicles with independent suspension . However , this may be limited to prevent driveshaft and excessive CV ( Constant Velocity ) joint wear or failure . The ground clearance of vehicles with fixed axles cannot be increased .
On that note , think of the definition of a ‘ High Clearance 4WD ’ which is a common sign found in many State and National parks throughout the country !!
References :
BUSTED ! THE TRUTH ABOUT 4X4 GROUND CLEARANCES AND MANUFACTURER CLAIMS – Robert Pepper https :// www . unsealed4x4 . com . au / busted-the-truth-about-4x4-ground-clearances-and-manufacturer-claims /
WHY IS GROUND CLEARANCE IMPORTANT FOR A 4WD SUV ? https :// practicalmotoring . com . au / car-advice / why-is-ground-clearance-important-for-a-4wdsuv /#:~: text = Ground % 20clearance % 20is % 20important % 20especially % 20if % 20you % 20take , that % 20and % 20the % 20lowest % 20part % 20of % 20your % 2 0vehicle .
Ford Motor Company , commonly known as Ford , is an American multinational automaker https :// www . ford . com . au /
4WD OFF _ ROAD ADVENTURE IN CONDAMINE GORGE , QUEENSLAND https :// www . carsguide . com . au / adventure / tripstrails / go-with-the-flow-68464