Whatever your interpretation of the relevant legislation (its the same legislation), you're looking for issues that just aren't there.
Companies like Superior give a lot of engineering data with kits because the lifts they manufacture for Toyotas and Nissans. All require lots of mods/welding to the vehicle and are over 50mm so require engineering. Because Superior have done the engineering for you, they have type approval. The data provided makes things a lot easier to get legal with your engineer.
For the self assessment components we're talking about, does the legislation state you need documentation or does it state that the kits must be designed for the vehicle in question by a registered business manufacturing said kits? It's the later, and the onus is on the manufacture to provide you a kit that fits the legislation. It's self assessment for you and self assessment for the manufacturer.
I get the feeling you are wanting someone to take ALL of the risk for you. If this is the case, pay the cash, talk to an engineer with regard to potential modifications and can they sign off on it and provide engineering papers. Then and only then can you be defected/refused an insurance claim and get to wave a piece of paper stating no, It's all legal.
There's no interpretation, it clearly states what you can and can't do. Vic Roads has reiterated this.
Here's the Option 1 VSI-8 in full:
"
VSB 14 Modification Code LS
Modifications listed under section 1.1 and 4 of VSB 14 section LS are considered to be approved modifications when conducted in
accordance with instructions and compliance with Standards for Registration are maintained.
Raising of four wheel drive vehicles – alternative to VSB 14 Modification Code LS
In the case of raising the height of an off road type 4WD of ADR Category NA, NB1, MC or MD, and only in this case, the following applies as an alternative
to meeting the suspension lift requirements of Section LS of VSB 14:
∞ A combination of suspension lift and the fitting of larger diameter tyres that results in a total lift of up to 75mm without the need for the
testing and certification normally required by VSB 14 for lifts above 50mm
∞ The vehicle’s suspension may be raised by up to 50mm, provided that sufficient suspension travel in either direction is retained.
∞ Only commercially available suspension kits may be used.
∞ Such kits must be:
- manufactured and supplied by a Corporation;
- specifically designed and tested by the suspension lift kit manufacturer for the make/model/variant of the vehicle being modified to ensure no
adverse effect on the modified vehicle’s propensity for rollover, handling characteristics, braking performance and structural integrity
when assessed at the combined suspension lift (up to 50mm) and tyre radius increase (up to 25mm), i.e. a total increase in ride height of up to 75mm; and
- fitted in accordance with the kit manufacturer’s instructions, abiding by any conditions or limitations advised by the suspension kit manufacturer
and include a written statement (to be retained by the vehicle owner) of the suitability of the suspension lift kit for the make/model/variant of the vehicle
being modified whether or not installed in combination with the permissible tyre diameter increase.
∞ Tyres up to 50mm larger in diameter than that specified by the vehicle manufacturer may be fitted to an off-road type 4WD provided:
- When in the straight ahead position, the wheels and tyres do not project beyond the extreme width of the mudguards when viewed from above
- The tyres do not foul the bodywork, braking system or any suspension or steering component under any combination of suspension and steering movement.
"
If you look at the underlined bit, this is the crux of the situation which makes it almost impossible to achieve Option 1, unless the manufacturers have done the testing at the 50mm tyre increase for your make/model.
With that said anything above this needs to be VASS certified. Now i'm not coming at this with any sort of complaining attitude that I can't get what I want or the cost is too high as you're suggesting. I've paid ridiculous 1000s for my jeep so far, money isn't an issue. I am exploring the ability to get the 75mm lift legally as per Option 1 of VSI-8/VSB 13.3.1 and whether anyone has been able to achieve it as the requirements are completely lumped on the suspension kit manufacturers.
I am also pointing out that your description of the requirements are the ones prior to the revision of the VSB and now there is the further stipulation as I have outlined above.