When it comes to improving the off-road capability and ground clearance of a vehicle, choosing the right lift kit is crucial. For the Mercedes Vito/V-Class 447, TERRANGER offers a specially developed lift kit that is characterized by special advantages and is one of the company's most successful products. In this article, we compare the TERRANGER lift kit with a spring set from a competitor to highlight the differences and advantages.
TERRANGER lift kit - the advantages at a glance
• Raise by 45 mm: The TERRANGER lift kit enables an actual increase of 45 mm, which is particularly advantageous for challenging terrain. This additional ground clearance protects the vehicle from contact with obstacles and significantly improves off-road capability.
• Maximum off-road capability: The TERRANGER lift kit ensures excellent off-road capability thanks to an extremely large articulation. This articulation is achieved by the special arrangement of the lift kit on the front axle and by longer high-performance shock absorbers on the rear axle. This means that the vehicle remains stable even on difficult terrain and maintains maximum traction.
• Retention of the original driving comfort: A key advantage of the TERRANGER lift kit is that the original springs are used. This ensures that the vehicle's original driving comfort is retained, which is extremely pleasant, especially on longer journeys or in daily use.
• Worldwide spare parts availability: Since the original struts on the front axle and the springs on the rear axle are retained, spare parts availability is guaranteed worldwide. This is particularly advantageous when traveling to remote areas where special spare parts may be difficult to find.
• Shortened and reinforced coupling rods: The TERRANGER lift kit includes shortened and reinforced coupling rods for the front axle stabilizer. These ensure that the stabilizer linkage is not overloaded even at maximum rebound, which increases the longevity and reliability of the chassis parts.
Spring set from a competitor - limitations in comparison
• Raise of 20 to 35 mm: The spring set from a competitor offers a raise of only 20 to 35 mm, whereby the actual raise depends heavily on the springs originally installed in the vehicle. This can mean that the expected increase in ground clearance may not be achieved.
• Reduction in rebound travel: Unfortunately, the rebound travel is also shortened by the amount that the ground clearance is increased. This creates two disadvantages: Firstly, the reduced rebound travel also reduces traction, as the wheels make contact with the ground earlier on uneven terrain. Secondly, when the vehicle rebounds, a banging noise can occur as the shock absorbers hit their inner end stop.
• Limited availability of spare parts: Since accessory springs are used when installing the spring kit, a Mercedes workshop cannot access these spare parts directly. In the event of a spring break, quick availability may therefore be limited. This could be particularly problematic on longer trips or in remote areas if a replacement becomes necessary.
Conclusion: Why the TERRANGER lift kit is the better choice
The TERRANGER lift kit not only offers a greater increase in ground clearance, but also superior off-road capability and the preservation of driving comfort. The worldwide availability of spare parts gives additional security that the vehicle remains ready for use in every corner of the world. In comparison, the competitor's spring kit offers less ground clearance, limited off-road capability and potential difficulties in obtaining spare parts. For anyone who wants to optimally equip their Mercedes Vito/V-Class 447 for off-road adventures, the TERRANGER lift kit is the clear choice.
