If you enjoy off-roading, love overlanding, or simply want to give your pickup a rugged, all-terrain look, the topic of lift kits will inevitably come up. Vehicles like the VW Amarok, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, and Mercedes X-Class are particularly popular. With the right lift kits and accessories such as underbody protection, rock sliders, or additional roof racks, your pickup will be perfect for any adventure.
In this article, you will learn everything about lifting your VW Amarok or Nissan Navara, the benefits, costs, installation, and which accessories you can optimally combine.
Why a Lift Kit Makes Sense
Many overlanders ask themselves: "Do I really need a lift for my pickup?" The answer is simple: If you want to go off-roading or equip your vehicle for overlanding, more ground clearance is crucial.
Advantages of a Lift Kit
1. More Ground Clearance – Uneven terrain, rocks, roots, or deep sand become significantly easier to navigate.
2. Improved Off-Road Capability – Combined with larger tires or underbody protection, your pickup is almost unstoppable off-road.
3. Appearance – A lifted VW Amarok or Nissan Navara immediately looks more rugged and is a real eye-catcher.
4. Compatibility with Off-Road Accessories – Rock sliders, winches, underbody protection, roof racks, or roof top tents like the Alu-Cab roof top tent can be installed more easily.
5. Flexibility for Overlanding – More loading space, superstructures, or accessories like Rhino-Rack platforms or ARB roof racks can be mounted without restrictions.
Lifting the VW Amarok – Options and Tips
The VW Amarok is one of the most popular pickups for off-roading and overlanding. There are various ways to lift it:
- Spacer Kits: for a moderate lift without major changes to the suspension.
- Spring Kits and Lift Kits: Perfect if you want to utilize the full off-road potential.
- Body Lift Kits: Visually raise the vehicle without altering the suspension.
Combination with Accessories
Many Amarok drivers combine the lift with:
- VW Amarok underbody protection
- Ford Ranger or Amarok rock sliders
- ARB off-road accessories like drawer systems, awnings, or roof racks
- Overland roof top tents or Alu-Cab roof top tents
Tires and Driving Behavior
After lifting, tires up to 33 inches or more can often be fitted. Light kits hardly change the driving behavior, while extreme lift kits often require adjustments to shock absorbers or track.
Pro Tip: If you do a lot of off-roading, you should also consider Warn winches or the Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform to stay mobile in difficult situations.
Nissan Navara Lift Kit – Optimizing for Off-Road
The Nissan Navara is also a classic off-roader. Typical options:
- Spacer kits and spring kits
- Lift kits that optimize suspension, shock absorbers, and springs
- Body lift kits that raise the vehicle without chassis modifications
Advantages of a Navara Lift Kit
- Improved off-road capability
- More ground clearance for off-road trails
- Visually rugged look for overlanding
Many overlanders combine the Nissan Navara lift with accessories such as ARB drawer systems, Navara underbody protection, or Overland roof top tents for longer trips.
Lift Kits – Making the Right Choice
A good lift kit is crucial for the performance of your pickup. Pay attention to:
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Compatibility – Check model, year of manufacture, and equipment.
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Quality – Brands like Delta 4x4, ARB Offroad, Trailmaster, or OME suspensions are durable.
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Installation Effort – Some kits can be installed by yourself, others require a workshop and TÜV approval.
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Costs – Simple kits start from €100, complete kits between €500 and €2,500.
Extra Tip: If you are upgrading your vehicle for overlanding, combining lift kits, underbody protection, rock sliders, ARB roof racks, roof top tents, or Rhino-Rack accessories is worthwhile.
Installation – Do It Yourself or Workshop?
Installation depends on the kit:
- Spacer kits: often self-installable
- Complete lift kits: better to have them installed by a workshop
- Body lift kits: simpler, but requires checking wheels and axles
Checklist:
- Securely jack up the vehicle
- Check original parts
- Correctly install springs, shock absorbers, and spacers
- Adjust wheels/tires
- Test drive & alignment check
Overlanding Extras and Accessories
When you lift your Amarok or Navara, many possibilities open up:
- Underbody protection protects the underside of the vehicle
- Rock sliders protect sides and doors
- Roof racks like Rhino-Rack Pioneer or ARB roof racks
- Overland roof top tent or Alu-Cab roof top tent for camping
- Winches like Warn winches for difficult situations
- Drawer systems for tools and camping equipment
This combination makes your vehicle a true overlander all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does a lift kit for a VW Amarok or Nissan Navara cost?
Entry-level kits: €100–€500, complete lift kits: €500–€2,500, body lift kits: from €300.
2. Do I need TÜV approval for a lift kit?
Yes, above a certain height or for chassis modifications, a TÜV registration is required.
3. Which brands are recommended?
ARB Offroad, Delta 4x4, OME Suspensions, Trailmaster, Rhino-Rack.
4. Can I run larger tires?
Yes, after lifting, tires up to 33 inches or more will fit.
5. Is a body lift kit worth it?
Yes, for visual lifting without chassis modification, but with less off-road effect.
6. Can I install it myself?
Smaller kits yes, larger kits better installed in a workshop.
7. Which overlanding accessories go well together?
Underbody protection, rock sliders, roof racks, Warn winches, roof top tents, ARB drawer systems.