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2-inch lift kit for my Mahindra Thar: Step-by-step installation process

11th January 2024, 16:00 by Brij Gawde

I have been thinking to do a suspension lift on my Thar for few months. As there are only two options, I finally chose the MMG (MovingMetalGarages) kit.

BHPian MithunSathianat recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

What's more exciting on a new year than lifting my Thar? This was the thought going on in my head during the last week of December

I have been thinking to do a suspension lift on my Thar for few months. As there are only two options, I finally chose the MMG (MovingMetalGarages) kit.

I am no way connected with them.

I have been in contact with Gagan of MMG for quite some time and discussing of ordering the kit.

As there was no installer down in south, i was bit confused to go for it or not. I have not seen or read any one in KL, KA or TN fitting this 2 inch lift kit.

But, Gagan gave me full confidence and he guided me through out the installation.

I have ordered the kit on 17th November 2023. They needed some time to make the kit ready. I received the kit on 29th December. What more needed for the new year party?

The kit consists of following parts.

Front Adjustable Shockers - 2
Rear shockers - 2
Front Heavy Duty Upper Control Arms - 2
Differential Drop Kit
Extended Bump Stop
Shock Absorber Adjusting Tool
Rear Adjustable Panhard bar with greaseable chromoly Heims
Rear Spacer

The kit does not contain springs. Stock springs are to be used, as is the case with Ironman kit.

The complete Kit:

Front Adjustable Shockers:

Rear shockers:

Front Heavy Duty Control Arms:

Differential Drop Kit:

Extended Bump Stop:

Shock Absorber Adjusting Tool:

Rear Adjustable Panhard bar with greaseable chromoly Heims:

Rear Spacer:

The job was started on January 1st in my FNG. We started off with the front.

Ready to party:

Removed under body protection plate and removed the front suspension.

It was pretty difficult to remove the suspension itself. Especially, to take out J shaped arm from the lower control arm. Once that is done the suspension comes out.

The next step is to take out the stock springs with the help of spring compressor tool. Top Spring seat and Spring seat rubber are to be used.

MMG shocks come with washer and rubber bushes. Hence stock glass type washer and bushes are not to be used.

Stock Shocks Vs MMG Shocks:

Once the springs are out, this needs to be mounted on MMG shocks in a similar fashion and the height of the shocks need to be adjusted with the tool provided. I have set it to 155mm as I have a winch.

This distance is from bottom of the shock to base plate.

Fit back the front shocks and install the MMG upper control arms.

Stock Upper Control Arm Vs MMG Heavy Duty Control Arm:

Once everything is back in place, need to check if upper control arms are touching the springs, if so the spring seating needs to be corrected. Springs should sit as it was sitting in stock set up.

Next step was to put the differential drop kit and extended bump stops which were fairly an easy job.

Once the front was done, we moved to back. Rear shockers are direct fit which was also a fairly easy job.

Then the rear springs and stock panhard rod was removed and installed the new heavy duty panhard rod where the chromoly heim joints need greasing.

The pan hard mount on passenger side needs a slight chopping to accommodate bigger heim joints. I shall paint the area with epoxy and do a full underbody coating to prevent rust issues.

Before installing the springs, spacer needs to be mounted on chasis. Below the spacer, rubber bush and spring sits.

It was dark and we are exhausted when we finished all the works.

I was so happy to see the initial stance after Thar was lifted down.

The drive to my home which was nearby was fun. Thar was in complete party mood, all dancing around in the road with colorful lights flashing in MID.

For a moment, I was out of party mood and re-winded through all the steps and made sure that everything was done correctly.

In order to take out the J-arm, we have played around with lower control arm which made the camber out completely which caused these. I also confirmed the same with Gagan and he assured that it should be ok after the wheel alignment.

The next day we danced to wheel alignment center and got the alignment done.

Hurray, everything is back to normal.

The height from ground to front fender in nearly 38 inches now. Currently I am using 31.6 (265/75/16) inches tyres, I may upgrade to 32.8 (285/75/16) I feel 34 and above will be an overkill and will reduce the articulation.

I have not driven much with the new setup. Will post a detailed review after using it for few kms including offroad. Initial observations are:

Wobbling and swaying has reduced slightly
Stiffer than stock (adjustable)
Rear shocks have very long travel
Steering has gone lighter
Braking has improved

ARKA underbody protection (middle and rear) cannot be fitted after the lift, I need to find longer bushes and bolts to fit the same. Front one can be fitted though. The rear plate will need a small trim as well.

ASFAIK, with this kit, one need to put wheels with min -12 offset or a spacer.

Overall I am loving the stance of my Thar.