I have an 05 Excursion with a 10" lift and 40" tires. The 6.0 liter Diesel engine is basically stock with a Banks exhaust and larger air box. I am concerned about getting the truck through the very tough New Jersey Motor Vehicle Inspection.

Is the truck lift to high? Should I put the stock factory tires on (even though it may look pretty goofy with the 10" lift). And I have heard of the stability test where they check to see if the truck will be unstable from side to side because of the higher center of gravity.

What about registering the truck over 10,000lbs and try to self inspect?

Thanks, Tom.

 

With that much lift, you will have to get a High-rise inspection. The regular inspection stations will just send you out of line. There are three inspection stations that do that type of inspection. Besides regular inspection, it requires measuring the weights at the wheels and then driving one side up on a ramp with two wheels on a scale.. Then they calculate a rollover coefficient, and if yours is within limits, then it passes.

The Maximum lift WITH tires for our weight trucks is 11". Sucks. Your tires and lift put you over the top.


The following is from the NJDMV:

1. Steering gear ratios and steering wheel left stop to right stop turns must be within 1/2 turn of the original manufacturers specifications.
2. Headlights shall be mounted no lower than 22" nor more than 54" above the ground.
3. Taillights shall be mounted no lower than 15" nor more than 72" above the ground.
4. Off road lights must be covered while operating on public roads.
5. License plates must be mounted no less than 12" nor more than 48" above the ground.
6. Brake lines and hoses must be protected from excessive heat and vibration. They must be mounted in a manner to prevent chafing, undue wear, stress, or unintentional disconnection.
7. Vehicles orginally equipped with bumpers must have them securely fastened, no less than 16" from the ground to the bottom of the bumper, and shall extend the full width of the vehicle.
8. Maximum tire diameter allowed will be 38" or 6" over stock, whichever is less.
9. All tires must be the same size. Maximum tire pressure as stated on tire is recommended. Front tires must be at least 60% of the tread width of the rear tires.
10. Front fenders must extend over the full width of the tire tread. Rear tires that are not covered by the fender or other body parts must be equiped with metal protectors or flexible flaps that prevent dirt, debris, and water from being thrown.
11. Exposed fuel tanks must be encased. Side mounted tanks must have a protective bar to prevent rupture.
12. Exposed exhaust system components and moving parts must be shielded.
13. Ballast must be securely mounted.
14. Releasing the steering wheel in a sharp turn shall result in an increase in turning radius.
15. Spacers to increase trach width are prohibited.
16. Maximum lift height for GVWR 4500 lbs and under is 7" above original vehicle height with tires.
17. Maximum lift height for GVWR 4501 - 7500 lbs is 9" above original vehicle height with tires.
18. Maximum lift height for GVWR 7501 - 10000 lbs is 11" above original vehicle height with tires.
19. No blocks are allowed on front suspension.
20. All credentials are to be up to date.
21. Please report to the Supervisor's Office at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment. Lateness will result in a cancellation of the scheduled appointment. Do not wait in the inspection line. Stability tests are not given in inclement weather. Please call the station if questionable.

Please Note: Vehicles that have been previously approved prior to October 1, 1998 are exempt from lift restrictions. However, all other regulations must be complied with by February 1, 1999 except tire diameters of 38" which must be complied with by October 1, 2000.

Here is the URL for the inspection stations:

State of New Jersey - Motor Vehicle Commission

The three sites are Winslow, Asbury Park, and Morristown. Appointment Only.

I strongly urge you to call the number listed for high rise in the link above to get better info. I have heard and read on the internet that the Morristown station absolutely sucks.

 

Thanks Bion,

Well looks like I'll put the stock wheels and tires back on for inspection. That will keep me under the 11' Lift law. And hope the truck doesn't flip over going up the ramp! That will make the news! Ha! Thanks, Tom.

 

I thought CA was the ultimate Nanny State, But I think NJ gets the crown with this whole vehicle inspection thing and not even letting its residents pump their own gas cuz they figure they ain't smart enought to do it safely and correctly

Vehicle inspections are a joke, Just a way for the auto repair businesses to gouge you for more money and fill the state coffers with more pseudo taxes....