Nissan D40 Suspension & Lift Kit Compatibility Guide: What Fits and What to Avoid

If you own a Nissan Navara D40, you already know how versatile and sturdy it is for Australian roads and terrain. It is a favourite with tradies, families, off-roaders, and used car sellers. Whether you use your D40 for hauling tools, off-roading rough tracks, or heading up to the Eyre Peninsula for real outback adventures, your ute needs a proper suspension setup.

Choosing the right Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kit offers more than a safe and comfortable ride. It also keeps you free from registration-related legal woes. If you get it wrong, you risk poor ride quality, damaged CV joints, or even legal trouble with your registration.

Let’s break down what fits, what to avoid, and how to choose the right setup for your D40.

The Nissan Navara D40 Platform (Australian models)

Before choosing a Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kit, you need to know which D40 you have. The Nissan Navara D40 was produced for the Australian market from 2005 through to the mid-2010s and remains one of the most modified vehicles in its class. 

Australian D40s came as King Cab or Dual Cab, with both two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. Most D40s with 4WDs feature coil spring front suspension and leaf spring rears, but not all configurations are identical. The 2WD versions have some changes at the front, so not all kits fit both types.

Like most South Aussie owners, you might have a diesel model, which is heavier at the front. This extra weight requires a heavier-duty Nissan Navara D40 suspension upgrade, which may be needed to keep a balanced stance and preserve ride comfort.

Common Reasons for Upgrading D40 Suspension

Upgrading your Nissan Navara D40 suspension is not just about looks. In our experience at Nisswreck, we see many South Australians upgrade their rides to suit local conditions.

• Increased Ground Clearance: It’s perfect for navigating rocky or uneven off-road terrain, like the off-road tracks in the Flinders, Gawler Ranges, or down the Coorong, which demand more clearance. A 40–50mm lift can mean the difference between a clean run and getting bogged.
• Load Carrying: The upgrade is also helpful for tradies who carry tools or those with touring setups, including canopies, drawers, and fridge slides into the back. The stock suspension might start to sag and feel unsettled with this extra weight.
• Control and Handling: With a quality Nissan Navara suspension lift kit, you get more predictable handling on corrugated roads or while towing.
• Correcting Rear Sag: The D40 is known for sitting low at the back, especially when loaded. Also, over time, standard leaf packs can lose their shape. Upgrading rear springs keeps things level and improves towing. 

Front Suspension Lift Options for Nissan Navara D40

There are three main routes for lifting the front of a D40, including strut spacers, upgraded coil springs, and full coilover assemblies. The right options depend on your budget, performance target, and how much you want to raise your ute. Each one comes with trade-offs.

Strut Spacers (Budget Option)

Strut spacers fit above the strut assembly to offer a cheap lift, usually 25–40mm. They suit light use but do not improve spring rate or damping. Spacers may increase wear on CV joints and can lead to upper control arm contact if overdone.

Replacement Coil Springs

Upgraded coils, rated for extra weight, are the best choice if you have a bulbar, winch, or long-range tank. With these, you get a true lift and better ride. Just make sure to match the spring rate to your front load.

Full Strut Assemblies

Full coilover kits replace the entire strut, shock, and spring as an assembled unit. They are more expensive but offer the most reliable lift and ride quality.

Lift Heights and Compatibility

Most Australian Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kits are designed for a 40–50mm increase. Lifting beyond this risks harsh angles at the CV joints. Always check compatibility when mixing factory and aftermarket Nissan parts. For the best result, keep front end geometry as standard as possible.

Rear Suspension Lift Options: Leaf Springs & Shackles

Lifting the rear is about more than just height. You also need to think about load rating, long-term ride, and towing needs. Your options are heavy-duty leaf packs, add-a-leaf kits, and extended shackles.

Heavy-Duty Leaf Packs

Upgrading to a heavy-duty leaf spring pack boosts carrying capacity, stops bottoming out, and corrects rear sag. This is more suitable for tradies and tourers who carry loads daily.

Add-A-Leaf Options

Add-a-leaf kits are a budget choice to increase height and capacity. They fit into the existing pack. They can stiffen the ride, so they suit work utes more than family wagons.

Extended Shackles

Extended shackles are easy to install and give 30–50mm lift. They do not increase load rating. Plus, overly long shackles can reduce ride quality and stress the leafs.

Matching The Rear Lift to The Front

Whichever Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kits you use, match the rear lift height to the front for balanced handling. If you tow, target a leaf spring that keeps the ute level under load. Pay close attention to both comfort and your maximum load needs.

Complete Nissan Navara D40 Suspension Lift Kits

Choosing a complete Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kit instead of piecemeal upgrades helps you avoid mismatched springs or shocks. Most full kits include:

• Front coils and struts or full coilovers
• Rear leaf springs or add-a-leaf packs
• All four shocks or struts
• Bushes, U-bolts, and minor mounting hardware

Matched kits are set up for balance, correct ride height, and proper geometry. Most reputable brands sell Australian-legal 40–50mm kits. You should look for kits designed for local conditions, including corrugated dirt, towing heavy trailers, or rough outback tracks.

With a full kit, you get correct spring rates, compatible shock lengths, and less risk of odd handling. You’ll also need to consider the specifications set by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs), so always check if the kit comes with documentation for road use.

Compatibility Considerations and Common Fitment Issues

Upgrading your Nissan Navara D40’s suspension can be a game-changer, but getting the fitment wrong can lead to wasted time, money, and frustration. Here’s what you need to watch out for when choosing the right kit for your vehicle.

• King Cab Vs Dual Cab: If you have a King Cab, its rear suspension setup may differ from the Dual Cab’s, which affects which leaf packs will fit. Always confirm your cab style before ordering parts, as using the wrong leaf pack can cause poor ride quality and unsafe handling.
• Pre-facelift vs Facelift (2010+): Facelifted D40 models (2010 and later) sometimes have changes to their strut arrangements or mounting points. These updates mean parts aren’t always interchangeable with earlier versions. So, you need to check part numbers or consult a knowledgeable Nissan supplier and wrecker to ensure compatibility.
• 2WD vs 4WD: The front suspension on 2WD D40s is different from the 4WD versions. Most lift kits are designed specifically for 4WDs, so if you own a 2WD, you’ll need to search for compatible options because using the wrong kit simply won’t work.
• Shock Length and Spring Rate: Pairing longer shocks with the factory’s softer springs can lead to issues like topping out, poor ride comfort, and even component damage. You should always use shocks and springs that are matched as a set to guarantee proper performance and longevity.

Many customers have lost money by ordering the wrong components, so if you’re ever in doubt, bring your VIN and vehicle details to your supplier. That way, you’ll get the exact kit that matches your Navara’s specs.

Legal & ADR Considerations for Suspension Lifts in Australia

Lifting utes and 4WDs in South Australia have clear rules, driven by Australian Design Rules (ADR) and local registration needs.

Typical Lift Height Limits

Without specialist engineering approval, most states, including South Australia, limit suspension lifts to 50mm (plus tyre upsizing for a total of 75mm) for utes like the D40. Kits over 50mm may need an engineering sign-off.

Insurance and Rego

Insurers can decline your claim if the height lift or suspension changes are not declared or are outside legal limits. The same applies to registration renewals. Photos and paperwork make compliance easier during inspections.

Wheel Alignment and Certification

After any Nissan Navara suspension lift kit installation, get a wheel alignment. This reduces tyre wear and keeps handling safe. Ask for certification papers from your installer and keep your receipts.

Choose the Right D40 Suspension for Your Ride

Getting the right Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift kit or upgrade is about knowing your vehicle and usage. If you mostly drive around Adelaide with the odd off-road trip, a basic 40mm kit with upgraded shocks is plenty. For heavy tradie work or outback touring, step up to heavy-duty springs and a matched shock set. Work out how much weight you carry daily, and pick the spring rate to match.

Quality and compatibility matter more than flashy lift numbers. Skip the temptation to go too high, as this strains your driveline and causes issues with legality and insurance. Spend your budget where it counts: correctly matched suspension and professional fitment by a trusted specialist.

As a leading experts, who regularly assess Nissan cars for wrecking and refitting, we know that the most important thing is safety and reliability. Whether you are a mechanic, enthusiast, or owner, you owe it to yourself and your passengers to pick the correct gear, fit it properly, and keep your D40 on the road for years to come.

Make Your Navara Ride Ready for Anything

Upgrading your Nissan Navara D40 suspension lift gives you more control, better clearance, and the confidence to take on any track from the coast to the bush.

Call (08) 8347 0111 or order directly from our eBay store the perfect lift kit or suspension upgrade for your Navara. If you’re not sure what part you need, speak with one of our specialists who can help you choose the right setup for your ute.