GVM Upgrade

[Briar]

Just curious.

Can you do an Axle-Sum GVM upgrade on a D4?

Standard GVM = 3240

Front axle = 1450
Rear Axle = 1855

Axle-Sum = 3305.

Yes, yes, I understand about zero flexibility but was just wondering is such a thing was possible. I realise it only gives you 65kg increase of GVM if allowed so probably barely worth it, if it could be done. Just wondering.

[loanrangie]

Can't see how it would be possible since you can't upgrade the air springs or shocks.

[cripesamighty]

Maybe try these guys (link below). They provide suspension components for the up-armoured Land Rovers used by security and bodyguard type organisations, so should be able to give you an idea of what's possible at any rate.

Parts for Land Rover, Range Rover, Mini, Jaguar & Tesla

[Briar]

I wasn't thinking of upgrading any components. It's just that yesterday I came across some Youtube clips of people that upgraded their GVM to an "Axle-Sum" upgrade. There are also a few websites that discuss this. Whilst I'm aware that it has limited application for a D4 as you would only get 65kg upgraded GVM, because OEM GVM is only marginally below the axle sum.

With other vehicles such as Patrols and LC they have 200-300kg upgrade possible with an Axle Sum upgrade as in their cases the OEM GVM is well below the axle sum. I was just wondering if anyone had heard about it or done this on a D4? Because their is no actual vehicle modification taking place I was curious as to what might be required. Clearly if it's simply a brake test and getting a certifier to do a Mod Plate it might cost a few hundred dollars. Perhaps hardly worth it for only 65kg, but just wondering. I will enquire at at VSCCS Certifier out of interest. Just thought someone on here may have already done so.

[cripesamighty]

Gotcha - no mods! The protection detail vehicles are much heavier than standard so need upgraded components, which aren't cheap.

[Briar]

Gotcha - no mods! The protection detail vehicles are much heavier than standard so need upgraded components, which aren't cheap.

I spoke to an VCSSC Certifier today to find out what was the go. Nice guy and explained situation. Firstly, an Axle-Sum GVM upgrade is available to any vehicle, HOWEVER, there has to be some form of modification to the vehicle that can justify it. With a LC for instance all they might need is upgraded springs or shocks or add airbags to justify a axle-sum GVM increase. Obviously, with a LC if enough stuff is changed they might be able to get a GVM increase that also increases each axles load rating.

With the D4 the options of making any change to the suspension are limited to non-existent, so there is little that you could do to get an axle-sum GVM upgrade. There might be something that you could do but not worth it for only 65kg increase in GVM.

[cripesamighty]

FWIW, the armoured D4 version has a GVM of 4050kg straight from the factory. If it was affordable (and legal), I would love to do the upgrades to be able to carry the extra weight (~800kg), but leave out the ballistic protection of course. It might drive like a pig though...

Land Rover Introduces Powerful New Discovery 4 Armoured Vehicle | Land Rover Media Newsroom

[kelvo]

I spoke to an VCSSC Certifier today to find out what was the go. Nice guy and explained situation. Firstly, an Axle-Sum GVM upgrade is available to any vehicle, HOWEVER, there has to be some form of modification to the vehicle that can justify it. With a LC for instance all they might need is upgraded springs or shocks or add airbags to justify a axle-sum GVM increase. Obviously, with a LC if enough stuff is changed they might be able to get a GVM increase that also increases each axles load rating.

With the D4 the options of making any change to the suspension are limited to non-existent, so there is little that you could do to get an axle-sum GVM upgrade. There might be something that you could do but not worth it for only 65kg increase in GVM.

As the vehicle will be able to carry more weight, better brakes would be needed. So fit a set of updated rotors (Which makes sense when you need to replace the rotors as general maintenance), there is your modification to justify the axle-sum increase.

Bear in mind I am not qualified to backup my theory on this being a way to qualify for the increase.

[josh.huber]

As the vehicle will be able to carry more weight, better brakes would be needed. So fit a set of updated rotors (Which makes sense when you need to replace the rotors as general maintenance), there is your modification to justify the axle-sum increase.

Bear in mind I am not qualified to backup my theory on this being a way to qualify for the increase.

Great idea! Maybe add braided steel brake lines aswell? Cheap and easy.

I wonder if you could fit the armoured shock only inside the standard bag?

[Briar]

Next time I'm in Orange I will visit the certifier to find out what changes to brakes and or shocks (for example) might be enough to justify a GVM increase. I'm not sure how long the shocks last for but I'm sure after a couple of hundred thousand they might get spongy? I have no idea what exact modifications are done on suspension for the "Heavy Duty" D4, However, if all they have for the suspension is different shocks for example you might be able to get more than an axle-sum GVM upgrade. I'm not after anything ridiculous, but if you could get 200kg upgrade in GVM with simply upgrading a few components at regular maintenance time, it might be viable?