Toyota HiAce LH Series 2” Lift Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Lifting a Leaf Spring HiAce
Bigger Tires, Better Ground Clearance, and Why HiYota Parts Works With ARB to Bring You the Best Suspension
The Toyota HiAce has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable vans ever built. From commercial workhorses to 4WD camper conversions, these vehicles have travelled millions of kilometres across some of the world’s most demanding terrain.
But there’s one modification that many HiAce owners eventually consider: a suspension lift.
Whether you’re looking to fit larger tires, improve ground clearance, or give your van a more capable stance, a properly designed 2-inch suspension lift can make a significant difference.
At HiYota Parts, we’ve spent years working with Toyota HiAce vans, developing suspension components and helping owners get more out of their vehicles.
We’ve also been working directly with ARB, the company behind Old Man Emu (OME) suspension, to select what we believe are the best suspension components for our HiAce lift kits.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at lifting the Toyota HiAce LH Series with rear leaf spring suspension, explaining how the suspension works, what makes these vans challenging to lift, and why we’ve chosen Old Man Emu for our suspension packages.
Understanding the Toyota HiAce LH Series Suspension
Before lifting your HiAce, it’s important to understand which suspension configuration your vehicle has.
The Toyota HiAce H100 generation was introduced in 1989 and continued through 2004 in many markets. Earlier LH-series HiAce vehicles also existed, which is why identifying your exact chassis code is essential.
Depending on the model, Toyota used different suspension configurations.
Many LH-series vans feature:
- Front Suspension: Independent suspension with torsion bars.
- Rear Suspension: Solid rear axle supported by leaf springs.
- Shock Absorbers: Front and rear hydraulic dampers.
- Rear Ride Height: Controlled primarily by the leaf spring geometry and mounting arrangement.
This combination provides durability and load-carrying capability, making these vans popular for commercial use and camper conversions.
However, the original suspension was designed around factory tire sizes, vehicle weight, and ride height.
When you start adding camping equipment, roof racks, auxiliary batteries, water tanks, or larger tires, the original suspension may no longer provide the clearance or handling characteristics you’re looking for.
That’s where a properly designed lift kit comes in.
Why Lift Your Toyota HiAce?
There are several reasons owners choose to lift their LH-series HiAce.
1. Improved Ground Clearance
A 2-inch suspension lift raises the vehicle’s body and chassis relative to the axles.
This provides additional clearance around components such as the underbody, bumpers, and rocker panels.
For owners who regularly drive on logging roads, forest service roads, or uneven terrain, this additional clearance can be extremely useful.
It’s important to understand that a suspension lift does not directly increase the clearance beneath the rear differential. That improvement comes primarily from installing larger-diameter tires.
2. Fit Larger Tires – Up to 31 Inches
One of the biggest advantages of lifting an LH-series HiAce is the opportunity to install larger tires.
With our 2-inch lift kit and appropriate modifications to the front wheel wells, tires up to approximately 31 inches in diameter can be fitted on suitable configurations.
Larger tires can provide:
- Increased ground clearance beneath the axles.
- Improved ability to roll over obstacles.
- A more aggressive off-road stance.
- Additional tire options for overlanding and off-road driving.
However, installing 31-inch tires isn’t simply a matter of bolting them on.
Front wheel well modifications are required, and the amount of trimming depends on tire width, wheel offset, and the specific vehicle.
Clearance must be checked at full steering lock and throughout suspension travel.
Larger tires can also affect gearing, speedometer accuracy, braking performance, and acceleration.
3. Improve Suspension Control
Many Toyota HiAce vans are now several decades old.
Even if the original suspension components haven’t completely failed, shock absorbers can lose effectiveness over time.
Worn shocks may contribute to excessive bouncing, body movement, and reduced suspension control.
Replacing old shocks with properly selected premium dampers can improve ride control and stability.
This is particularly important for camper vans carrying additional weight.
Working Directly With ARB to Bring You the Best HiAce Suspension
At HiYota Parts, we don’t believe in selling suspension components simply because they’re available. We believe in finding the best possible solution for your Toyota HiAce.
That’s why we’ve been working with ARB, the company behind Old Man Emu (OME), to select the best suspension components for our HiAce lift kits.
There are several aftermarket suspension options available for the Toyota HiAce. However, through our experience working with these vehicles, we’ve found that many alternatives underperform when it comes to ride quality, suspension control, and overall performance.
Just because a shock absorber fits your HiAce doesn’t mean it’s the right shock absorber for your HiAce.
A properly selected suspension system needs to account for vehicle weight, suspension geometry, load capacity, and real-world driving conditions.
Working with ARB has allowed us to focus on selecting OME shock absorbers that complement the HiAce suspension system rather than simply choosing whatever happens to be available.
Why We Chose Old Man Emu
We consider Old Man Emu to be one of the best suspension manufacturers in the world.
Their reputation for developing suspension systems for demanding Australian conditions aligns with what we expect from the products we sell.
Whether your HiAce is a daily driver, a fully equipped camper, or an overlanding vehicle, we believe suspension quality should never be compromised.
At HiYota Parts, we could offer cheaper suspension alternatives. There are certainly other products on the market.
But we’ve made a deliberate decision: we’d rather sell the suspension we believe performs best than offer a cheaper product that doesn’t meet our expectations.
That’s why our HiAce LH Series 2-inch lift kits exclusively feature Old Man Emu shock absorbers.
We’ve done the research, worked with ARB, and selected the components we believe deliver the best combination of ride quality, durability, and performance for your HiAce.
Because when it comes to your suspension, we believe you should buy quality once rather than compromise and replace it later.
How Do You Lift a Leaf Spring Toyota HiAce?
Unlike coil spring vehicles, which can often be lifted using taller springs, the LH-series HiAce uses rear leaf springs.
This means the rear suspension requires a different approach.
Rear Suspension – Extended Shackles
Our lift kit uses HiYota heavy-duty extended rear shackles to raise the rear of the vehicle.
A leaf spring shackle connects one end of the leaf spring to the vehicle’s chassis.
As the suspension moves, the shackle allows the spring to change its effective length.
By installing appropriately designed extended shackles, we can increase rear ride height without replacing the entire leaf spring assembly.
However, there’s an important detail many people overlook.
A longer shackle does not produce an equivalent amount of suspension lift.
The actual lift depends on the shackle’s length, angle, and suspension geometry.
That’s why properly designed shackles are essential.
Our extended shackles are manufactured from heavy-duty steel and designed for compatible HiAce LH leaf spring configurations.
Front Suspension – Torsion Bar Adjustment
On applicable LH-series HiAce models, front ride height can be adjusted through the factory torsion bar suspension.
The torsion bars act as springs, supporting the front of the vehicle.
Adjusting their preload changes the front suspension’s resting position.
However, excessive adjustment can reduce available droop travel and negatively affect ride quality and suspension geometry.
We recommend avoiding excessive torsion bar adjustment simply to achieve maximum lift height.
Proper alignment and suspension travel are more important than achieving the highest possible stance.
After adjusting the front suspension, the vehicle should receive a professional wheel alignment.
The Biggest Challenge: Removing the Rear Shackle Bolts
Here’s something many HiAce owners don’t realize until they start installing a lift kit.
Removing the factory rear shackle bolts can be one of the most frustrating parts of the entire installation.
On applicable LH-series HiAce configurations, the upper rear shackle bolt is installed facing toward the fuel tank.
This creates a significant clearance problem.
Even when the nut is removed, there may not be enough room to slide the original bolt out without interference.
Add decades of corrosion, dirt, and seized bushings, and the job can quickly become more complicated than expected.
Why We Include New Shackle Bolts
In some cases, the original bolts must be cut to remove them.
This is one of the reasons our lift kit includes brand-new rear shackle bolts and bushings.
Rather than expecting customers to reuse old, corroded hardware, we supply replacement components as part of the kit.
When removing seized bolts, care must be taken around the fuel tank and fuel lines. Cutting operations should only be performed using appropriate safety procedures and equipment.
We recommend professional installation, particularly if the original suspension has never been disassembled.
Why an Extended Rear Brake Line Is Necessary
One of the most important considerations when lifting a vehicle is ensuring the brake hoses have sufficient length.
When the rear suspension extends, the distance between the chassis-mounted brake line and rear axle can increase.
With additional suspension travel, the original rear brake hose may become stretched or placed under excessive tension.
This can damage the hose and potentially compromise braking performance.
Our Solution: An Extended Rear Brake Line
Our HiYota LH Series 2-inch lift kit includes a new extended rear brake line.
This allows the rear axle to move through its intended suspension travel without placing unnecessary tension on the brake hose.
Important: The Brakes Must Be Bled
Installing the new brake line requires opening the hydraulic brake system.
The brakes must be properly bled after installation.
Air trapped inside the brake system can cause a soft brake pedal, reduced braking performance, or brake failure.
After installation, the brake system must be checked for leaks, proper pedal pressure, and correct operation.
The extended hose must also be checked for adequate clearance throughout the suspension’s full range of movement.
What Comes With the HiYota 2-Inch LH Series Lift Kit?
We’ve put together a complete suspension package designed to simplify the lifting process.
Rather than sourcing individual components from several manufacturers, our kit includes the primary suspension and installation components.
Kit Includes
Old Man Emu Suspension
- Front OME Shock Absorbers
- Rear OME Shock Absorbers
HiYota Suspension Components
- Heavy-Duty Extended Rear Shackles
- New Rear Shackle Bushings
- New Rear Shackle Mounting Bolts
Brake System
- New Extended Rear Brake Line
Additional Components
- Installation Hardware
Our goal is to provide a practical, well-engineered suspension upgrade using components we trust.
Can You Install 31-Inch Tires on a Toyota HiAce LH?
Yes, on suitable LH-series configurations, 31-inch tires can be installed with the correct suspension setup and modifications.
However, it’s important to understand that a 2-inch lift alone does not guarantee clearance for 31-inch tires.
The front wheel wells are typically the limiting factor.
Depending on the tire and wheel combination, modifications may be required to prevent rubbing during steering and suspension movement.
What Should You Check?
Tire Width
A wider tire may contact suspension components or body panels even when its overall diameter is acceptable.
Wheel Offset
Wheel offset affects where the tire sits relative to the suspension and wheel arch.
Front Wheel Well Clearance
Trimming or modification may be necessary to provide sufficient clearance.
Suspension Movement
A tire that clears while parked may still rub when the suspension compresses.
Steering Clearance
Always check tire clearance at full steering lock in both directions.
At HiYota Parts, we recommend confirming your intended tire and wheel combination before purchasing larger tires.
Should You Lift Your HiAce More Than 2 Inches?
It’s tempting to keep increasing ride height, especially when building an off-road camper.
However, more lift isn’t always better.
Increasing suspension height can affect:
- CV axle operating angles on 4WD models.
- Steering geometry.
- Suspension droop travel.
- Driveshaft angles.
- Brake hose clearance.
- Vehicle centre of gravity.
- Handling and stability.
For many HiAce owners, a properly executed 2-inch lift offers a practical balance between additional clearance, tire fitment, and everyday drivability.
Our philosophy is simple: build a van that performs well, not just one that sits high.
Why We Developed This Lift Kit
At HiYota Parts, we work with Toyota HiAce vans regularly.
We’ve seen everything from completely stock commercial vans to heavily modified expedition campers.
One thing we’ve learned is that suspension modifications need to be approached as a complete system.
Installing longer shackles without considering shocks, brake lines, bushings, and front suspension geometry can create problems.
That’s why our LH-series lift kit includes more than just the components needed to raise the vehicle.
We’ve included the parts that address common installation challenges, such as seized shackle bolts and insufficient brake hose length.
We’ve also made a deliberate decision to use Old Man Emu shocks because we believe suspension quality should never be an afterthought.
Our goal isn’t simply to lift your HiAce two inches. It’s to help you build a more capable, reliable, and enjoyable van.
Final Thoughts: Is a 2-Inch Lift Worth It?
For Toyota HiAce LH owners looking to improve ground clearance, accommodate larger tires, or build a more capable camper, a 2-inch suspension lift can be an excellent upgrade.
When installed correctly, it offers a practical improvement without requiring the extensive modifications associated with more aggressive suspension lifts.
The key is choosing the right components and understanding the installation requirements.
With Old Man Emu shocks, HiYota extended shackles, new bushings and bolts, and an extended rear brake line, our kit is designed to provide a comprehensive solution for compatible leaf spring HiAce models.
And for those looking to go a little further, 31-inch tires are possible with the appropriate front wheel well modifications and confirmed clearance.
Whether you’re building a weekend adventure van or preparing your HiAce for extended overland travel, proper suspension setup makes all the difference.
Ready to Lift Your Toyota HiAce?
Explore our HiYota Parts 2-Inch Lift Kit for Toyota HiAce LH Series Leaf Spring Models.
Not sure which suspension configuration your HiAce has?
Contact us with your VIN or chassis code, and we’ll help you determine the correct suspension components for your van.
HiYota Parts – We Don’t Just Sell Parts. We Develop Solutions for Your HiAce.
