125mm HD Portal Axle Kit for Mercedes G-class W463 [2nd Generation]

For Mercedes G-wagon enthusiasts looking to elevate their vehicle’s performance and appearance, the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit from GwagenParts offers the ultimate solution. Designed for the Mercedes G-class W463 [2nd Generation], this bolt-on kit provides a significant lift and enhances off-road capabilities, making your G-wagon stand tall and perform like the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4². This article delves into the features, benefits, and technical aspects of the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit, showcasing why it’s a must-have upgrade for serious off-roaders.

The Need for Portal Axles

Portal axles are a game-changer in the off-roading world. Traditional axles place the wheel hub at the same level as the axle shaft, but portal axles use a set of gears to raise the axle centerline above the wheel centerline. This design offers several benefits:

1. Increased Ground Clearance: Portal axles provide a significant lift without altering the suspension geometry, ensuring better ground clearance and obstacle traversal.
2. Reduced Strain on Drivetrain: The gear reduction in portal axles reduces the torque load on the drivetrain, making it easier to handle larger tires and rough terrains.
3. Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities: With increased ground clearance and reduced drivetrain strain, vehicles equipped with portal axles can tackle more challenging off-road conditions.

Key Features of the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit

The 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit for the Mercedes G-class W463 is engineered with precision and durability in mind. Here are the standout features:

1. Bolt-On Installation

The portal axles bolt directly onto your existing axles, making the installation process straightforward. There’s no need for extensive modifications, which saves time and effort.

2. Instant Lift

The kit provides an immediate 125mm lift (~5 inches), which can be further enhanced by combining it with a 4″ lift kit and 37″ tires, resulting in a net 12″ lift. This lift not only improves ground clearance but also gives your G-wagon an imposing stance.

3. Proprietary 4-Gear Design

The 4-gear design of the portal axles ensures:

• Maintained Turning Momentum: The wheels retain their turning momentum, ensuring smooth and responsive handling.
• Reduced Gear Load: The design minimizes the load and stress on the gear teeth, enhancing durability.
• Lowered Temperature: By reducing friction and stress, the portal box operates at a lower temperature, prolonging its lifespan.

4. Optimized Gear Ratio

With a portal gear ratio of 1.22:1, the kit perfectly matches the larger tire size to maintain power and acceleration. This ratio ensures that the increase in overall diameter from larger tires does not compromise performance.

5. Advanced Wheel Sensors

The kit includes newly developed wheel sensors that ensure your ABS and ESP systems function correctly, with no error codes or malfunctions.

6. No Additional Modifications Required

The portal axles are designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s existing suspension, steering, and differential systems. This means no costly additional modifications are necessary.

7. Tire Compatibility

The kit is compatible with a wide range of tire sizes. The minimum recommended tire size is 255/85R16 (33″), and the maximum is 315/75-16 (35″). For those looking to run even larger tires, such as 37″ tires, additional inquiries can be made to ensure compatibility.

8. Weight Considerations

The vehicle’s gross weight should not exceed 3.5 tons (3500 kg). Exceeding this limit voids the warranty, ensuring the parts operate within their intended load capacities.

9. Warranty and Installation

The kit comes with a manufacturer’s limited 1-year warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship. Installation should be performed by a skilled and trained mechanic to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Kit Components

The 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit includes all necessary components for a complete installation:

1. 4 Portal Boxes with Pre-installed Gears
2. 2 Front Outer Steering Knuckles
3. 2 Heavy Duty Front CV Joints
4. 2 Heavy Duty Rear Axle Shafts
5. 2 Rear Brake Calipers with Integrated Parking Brake
6. Set of Axle Braces for Front & Rear Axles
7. 4 ABS Sensors
8. Mounting Bolts

Installation Process

While the portal axles are designed for bolt-on installation, it is crucial that the process is handled by experienced mechanics. The installation involves several steps:

1. Preparation: Begin by ensuring that all necessary tools and components are available. The vehicle should be securely lifted and supported.
2. Removal of Existing Components: Carefully remove the existing axle components, including the axle shafts, CV joints, and brake calipers.
3. Installation of Portal Boxes: Bolt the portal boxes onto the existing axles, ensuring that all connections are secure.
4. Installation of Steering Knuckles and CV Joints: Attach the new steering knuckles and heavy-duty CV joints, ensuring proper alignment and fitment.
5. Axle Shafts and Brake Calipers: Install the heavy-duty rear axle shafts and the new brake calipers with integrated parking brakes.
6. Axle Braces and ABS Sensors: Attach the axle braces for added stability and install the new ABS sensors to ensure proper functionality of the braking system.
7. Final Checks: Once all components are installed, perform a thorough inspection to ensure everything is secure and properly aligned. Test the vehicle’s systems, including ABS and ESP, to confirm there are no error codes.

Benefits of the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit

1. Unmatched Off-Road Performance

With the significant lift and enhanced ground clearance, your G-wagon will be able to tackle even the most challenging off-road terrains. The proprietary gear design and optimized ratio ensure that the vehicle’s performance remains robust and responsive.

2. Enhanced Aesthetics

The lift provided by the portal axles gives your G-wagon an aggressive, commanding presence on the road. Combined with larger tires, the vehicle’s stance is both impressive and functional.

3. Improved Durability and Reliability

The reduced stress on the drivetrain and gears, along with the lower operating temperature, ensures that the components last longer and perform reliably under extreme conditions.

4. Maintained Comfort and Safety

Despite the off-road enhancements, the vehicle’s on-road comfort and safety are not compromised. The advanced wheel sensors and compatibility with existing suspension and steering systems ensure a smooth, safe ride.

5. Versatility

Whether you’re traversing rugged landscapes or navigating urban environments, the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit provides the versatility needed for a wide range of driving conditions.

Conclusion

The 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit for the Mercedes G-class W463 [2nd Generation] is a comprehensive upgrade that transforms your G-wagon into an off-road powerhouse while maintaining on-road comfort and safety. With its bolt-on installation, proprietary gear design, and advanced features, this kit offers a practical and efficient way to achieve a significant lift and enhanced performance. Whether you’re an avid off-roader or simply want to give your G-wagon a more commanding presence, the 125mm HD Portal Axle Kit from GwagenParts is the ultimate solution.