GWM's Cannon ute and Tank 300 wagon have brought thousands of new owners into Australian 4WDing — and most discover the same thing within the first year: the factory suspension is the weakest link. The good news is that the aftermarket has caught up, and the most common GWM suspension complaints are all fixable with proven, affordable upgrades. Here are the problems we hear about most, why they happen, and how to fix them properly.
The standard Cannon ute runs a leaf-sprung rear tuned for unladen comfort rather than constant load. Add a canopy, drawers and touring gear and the rear drops, headlights aim high and the steering goes light. The fix is rear springs rated for the load you actually carry: heavy-duty rear springs or a complete kit matched to your setup, or — if your load comes on and off (towing, weekend loads) — an Airbag Man helper kit that lets you dial rear support up and down without over-springing the empty ute. Browse everything for the platform in our GWM Cannon suspension range.
The most consistent owner complaint: factory dampers run out of control on undulating bitumen and corrugated gravel, letting the body float and wallow. Factory shocks prioritise soft low-speed comfort and simply don't have the valving or oil capacity for loaded Australian touring. Replacing them with quality aftermarket units — foam cell or monotube — transforms the vehicle. A Dobinsons adjustable monotube kit adds height adjustment and consistent damping on long corrugated runs.
Yes. 2 inch (50mm) lift kits are readily available for the Cannon, pairing upgraded front struts and coils with rear springs and matched shocks. A 50mm lift typically sits within state modification allowances for road use (always confirm your state's current rules), clears larger rubber and restores clearance lost to accessory weight. See our 2 inch lift kit range or the Cannon-specific kits.
The Cannon's front coils are rated for a standard vehicle. A steel bar and winch add 60-100kg over the front axle, compressing the standard springs beyond their comfortable range — the nose drops, the strut runs out of travel, and the ride turns harsh. The cure is heavy-duty front coil springs rated for the accessory load, ideally fitted with upgraded struts at the same time.
Lifting any IFS vehicle changes suspension geometry, and on the Cannon a 2 inch lift can push camber and caster to the edge of factory adjustment. If the alignment shop can't dial it back into spec, aftermarket upper control arms restore the geometry, protect the ball joint operating angle and improve tyre wear on lifted vehicles.
The Tank 300 pairs an IFS front with a coil-sprung solid rear axle — a genuinely capable off-road layout — but the factory tune is soft, and the tall body leans noticeably in bends and crosswinds. Firmer, properly valved shocks front and rear are the single best fix: assembled foam cell front struts plus adjustable rear shocks let you firm the rear when loaded and keep compliance when empty.
Loaded for a family touring trip, the Tank 300's rear coils compress noticeably. Options are upgraded rear coils as part of a complete 2 inch kit, or a coil-air helper kit inside the standard springs for adjustable load support. See the full Tank 300 suspension range.
Fitting aftermarket suspension does not automatically void a new-vehicle warranty in Australia. Under Australian Consumer Law, GWM can only decline a warranty claim for a failure actually caused by the modification — they cannot void the whole warranty because quality aftermarket springs and shocks are fitted. Use reputable components, have them fitted professionally, and keep your paperwork.
For most Cannon owners, a 2 inch kit with springs matched to your accessories is the right answer: budget-focused tourers do well with Tough Dog foam cell components, while owners wanting height adjustability and premium damping step up to the Dobinsons adjustable monotube kit. The best kit is the one with the right spring rates for your bar, canopy and touring load — call us and we'll spec it.
Yes — locking differentials, low range and a solid rear axle make the Tank 300 genuinely capable out of the box. Its limits are ground clearance, soft damping and load capacity, all of which respond well to a modest suspension upgrade. A 2 inch lift with quality shocks addresses all three without compromising road manners.
They share platform DNA but not suspension specifics — the Cannon ute runs a leaf rear while the Tank 300 runs a coil solid rear axle, so springs and shocks are model-specific. Always shop by exact model and year using the vehicle parts finder, and note the Cannon Alpha differs again with its coil rear.
Need help choosing? Call 4WD Suspension on 1300 120 020 — we ship genuine GWM-compatible suspension Australia-wide from Melbourne.
Add your favourites to cart
Log into or create your Afterpay account, with instant approval decision
Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks
All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of country offering Afterpay
Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase
For complete terms visit afterpay.com/terms
