Expert installation of 4WD upgrades and modifications, including suspension, bull bars, snorkels, winches and other accessories designed for improved off-road performance.
If you’re looking to improve the performance of your 4WD, our Hornsby team provides upgrades and custom modifications that prepare your vehicle for off-road conditions. From adding suspension lift kits, bull bars and snorkels, to winches, underbody protection and off-road lighting, every installation is completed to improve your 4WD’s handling and protection while keeping it safe and road-legal.
Our qualified mechanics specialise in fitting modifications the right way, with a focus on performance, safety and compliance. Whether you’re setting up your vehicle for weekend adventures or building a tougher 4×4 for work and touring, we’ll install the upgrades that give you the clearance, strength and reliability you need.
Whether your 4WD is built for work or adventure, our team are trained to fit upgrades and service all makes with care.
New South Wales has some of the best off-roading in Australia, from the Watagans and Blue Mountains to Stockton Beach and the High Country trails. To make the most of these conditions, your vehicle needs to be fitted with the right upgrades. We install upgrades and accessories for all popular 4WD vehicles in Australia, including:
We install upgrades and accessories from our trusted 4WD suppliers and brands, ensuring everything is fitted correctly and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for safe, reliable performance.
Some of the brands we regularly work with include:



















*Looking for a specific brand? Let us know and we’ll source it for you.
There are many ways to improve your 4×4’s off-road capability. We provide expert installation for the most popular upgrades, each fitted to perform reliably while staying road-legal.
A suspension lift kit gives your 4WD more clearance and improves handling on rough terrain. We provide professional installation of 4WD suspension lift kits and upgrades, ensuring every component is fitted correctly and complies with legal requirements. With the right lift installed, your vehicle can accommodate larger tyres and achieve better approach, departure and breakover angles for safer off-road driving.
Read more in our blog What Is a 4WD Lift Kit?
Bull bars add protection for off-road conditions and are one of the most popular 4WD modifications. Our Hornsby workshop carries out full bull bar installation, making sure mounting points, airbags and electrical connections are set up properly. With professional fitting, your bull bar not only looks the part but also delivers the safety and strength it’s designed for.
A snorkel helps your 4WD handle creek crossings and dusty trails by raising the air intake. We offer expert snorkel installation, sealing and positioning the system to prevent dust or water from entering your engine. A correctly fitted snorkel reduces the risk of engine damage and improves performance in harsh conditions.
From recovery situations to serious off-road touring, a winch is an essential accessory. We provide professional 4WD winch installation, ensuring it is mounted securely, wired correctly and ready to perform when you need it most.
The right wheels and tyres improve grip, clearance and durability. We fit off-road wheels and tyres to match your vehicle setup, with proper balancing and alignment for safe, reliable handling.
Read more in our blog Best Tyres for 4WDs
Rocks, ruts and debris can cause serious damage to vital components. We install underbody protection plates and guards to keep your engine, transmission and fuel tank safe on tough tracks.
Adding accessories such as bull bars, winches or larger tyres increases the load on your vehicle. We provide 4WD brake upgrades that improve stopping power and safety, giving you better control on and off the road. With professional installation, your braking system is matched to your vehicle’s setup so you can drive with confidence.
Beyond individual modifications, we also offer upgrades that improve your 4WD’s overall off-road performance. This can include differential upgrades for better traction, suspension tuning for stability and comfort, exhaust and intake improvements, heavy-duty clutch installations and driveline adjustments. These modifications work together to give your 4WD more strength, control and reliability in demanding conditions.
Good lighting is essential for off-road safety and performance. We supply and fit a full range of 4WD lighting, including LED light bars, spot lights, work lights, custom lighting solutions, and rock lights. Whether you’re setting up for night driving, off-road touring or worksite use, our team can recommend and install the right lighting to suit your vehicle and conditions.
Every mechanic working at Matt Gates Automotive prides themselves on delivering a superior service. That is why we’re trusted by drivers in Hornsby, on the North Shore and across all of Sydney.
Matt runs an immaculate workshop and his cleanliness and attention to detail comes through in the work too. Approached Matt to help with a bullbar install and he was awesome to deal with all the way through. The lights need a bit of adjustment (for height and positioning) and he’s even offered to help me out with that at another time. I think we will be coming back for interval services and for the bigger/more complicated jobs that I can’t do myself at home.
Matt Gates Automotive did a fantastic job replacing my 10 year old Prado’s suspension with a new Fulcrum set up. Can’t recommend them enough.
Really fantastic mechanic. If you want to get the job done properly, then bring you car to Matt and his team. They got my 20 year old forester up to a great standard so that we could do a 5000km queensland outback odyssey. The car was perfect, especially the new shocks.
Had a stack of bushes done on my 80 series – Matt Gates did a great, quick and fairly cheap job. Would be happy to go back and would highly recommend.
Matt Gates installed a Bilstein suspension lift kit to my Prado 250. I did my research and these guys came highly recommended. Their workmanship was impeccable and the job was completed as planned with great attention to detail. The price was very competitive. There facilities are spotless which just adds to their great reputation. Thanks Matt, great job.
Every service is conducted by trained, experienced mechanics.
You get plain‑English updates, clear quotes, and no hidden extras, no jargon, just facts.
Ask about courtesy cars, pick-up/drop‑off options — availability permitting.
Not all suspension lifts require approval, typically only substantial lift modifications do. We ensure all 4WD lifts and tyre upgrades are installed within legal limits and provide guidance regarding any necessary certification.
In NSW, lift kits are allowed up to a certain height before engineering approval is needed. The exact allowance depends on the vehicle and the combination of suspension and tyre changes. Our team will advise on what’s permitted and help you select a kit that delivers more clearance while staying compliant.
Some upgrades can impact both registration and insurance. Insurers and registration authorities may ask for proof that modifications are certified and legally compliant. By choosing professional installation and working within approved limits, you reduce the risk of future complications.
We work with authorised certifiers where certification is required. This means your modifications can be signed off as safe and compliant, giving you confidence that your 4WD is both road-legal and covered by insurance.
Let Matt Gates Automotive take care of all of your motoring maintenance.
We would love to speak with you. Fill out the online form and our team will contact you within 24 hours!
Phone
02 8921 9004
SMS
0403 549 214