The popularity of 4WD vehicles in Australia is justified, since the nation has such varied and wild environments. With many off-roading clubs and communities built around the idea of camping and exploring the vast wilderness in the Australian mainland. This is one of the reasons the Toyota Hilux is so popular. It's versatility for traveling, and it can also it can tackle dirt roads like a champion, which is why many enthusiasts are uncertain on weather or not it needs an aftermarket lift kit or suspension system.
It boils down to what kind of areas you will be driving it in, because the suspension that is good for rock crawling will definitely be more inefficient on the desert than a lift kit optimized for sand dunes, which won't do well on rocks. So deciding just what you need in your lift kit for Hilux or any other vehicle is the key factor when you want to go off-road. However before you decide on weather or not your vehicle needs a body lift there are some things to consider.
Firstly you should always consult a professional mechanic on the installation and legality of the lift kit you want to install, because there are some body lift modifications that are illegal in Australia.
You should also consider exactly how much height the lift kit for Hilux will add to the vehicle. This is because the weight distribution of the vehicle dictates its abilities to handle curves and a taller car is much more likely to roll over than a vehicle with a lower suspension. The tyres also play a role in this since some lifts are meant to add more space for larger aftermarket tyres, which could potentially inhibit the vehicle's abilities on the road.
So understanding what the downsides and benefits of lift kits is crucial information before you decide on adding a few inches to it's height. The heights are outlined by the Australian government, the maximum you can add to your vehicle is 75mm, which is optimal for off road driving.
But when it comes down to it a lift kit for Hilux or any other 4WD vehicle is a boon when going off-road, the added suspension (softer for bumpy roads or firmer for deserts) is a must have for every off-road enthusiast. And if you frequently drive to the Australian wilderness it can save your vehicle from the damage it would sustain without it on the rougher terrains.
