For Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s off-road capabilities and aggressive stance, lifting the suspension is a popular modification. This guide explores different lift heights for your Mercedes Benz G Wagon, outlining what each level entails and the components you’ll need.
2-Inch Lift: The Easy Upgrade for 35s
A 2-inch lift is often considered the sweet spot for G-Wagon owners seeking a noticeable improvement without extensive modifications. Achieving this lift is straightforward, typically done with spacers while retaining the stock springs and shocks. This lift height comfortably accommodates 35-inch tires, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s ground clearance and off-road presence. To prevent tire rubbing at full steering lock with this setup, wheel spacers are essential. Many find a 2-inch lift with 33-inch tires to be an excellent balance of aesthetics and functionality, but 35s are easily manageable with this modest lift.
4-Inch Lift: Stepping Up in Capability and Complexity
Moving up to a 4-inch lift on your Mercedes Benz G Wagon introduces a new level of off-road prowess, but also increased complexity. While achievable with springs and spacers, this lift height necessitates addressing caster angles. Solutions include trialing arm drop brackets, caster adjustable bushings, or revised trailing arms. Furthermore, upgrading to longer shocks or shocks with increased travel becomes highly recommended to avoid prematurely hitting the bump stops with the factory units. Extended brake lines are a prudent addition for a 4-inch lift, although not always strictly necessary due to the G-Wagon’s limited articulation, which is further reduced with spacers. Like the 2-inch lift, 35-inch tires are a visually and functionally appropriate match for a 4-inch lifted G-Wagon.
4.5-5 Inch Lift and Beyond: Entering Expert Territory
For those seeking maximum lift and extreme off-road performance from their Mercedes Benz Lifted G Wagon, lifts in the 4.5-5 inch range and higher represent a significant undertaking. These substantial lifts push the boundaries of the G-Wagon’s original design and require comprehensive modifications. Achieving this level often involves mil-spec trailing arm brackets, caster adjustable bushings, ORC extended brake and locker lines, Thor springs, spring spacers, and high-performance shocks like King external reservoir shocks. Even with these extensive upgrades, fine-tuning and adjustments are often necessary. Tire sizes around 35 inches on 20×10 wheels are common, with some enthusiasts opting for even more specialized setups with beadlocks and smaller diameter, taller tires for demanding terrain. For aggressively spaced wheels on heavily lifted G-Wagons, G63 fenders are highly recommended to maintain proper coverage and aesthetics.
In conclusion, lifting your Mercedes Benz G Wagon offers a spectrum of options to enhance its look and off-road abilities. From the straightforward 2-inch lift to the more complex higher lifts, each level presents its own set of modifications and considerations. Choosing the right lift height depends on your desired balance of aesthetics, off-road use, and budget.
