The Toyota Hilux is Australia's default work ute, and both the N70 (2005-2015) and N80 (2015-ON) share the same basic layout: independent coil-strut front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. That layout works hard, but it produces a familiar set of complaints - a rear end that sags the moment a canopy and drawers go in, a harsh ride when heavy-duty springs meet an empty tray, and front-end geometry that runs out of adjustment once you lift it. Here is what causes each problem and how to fix it properly.
Factory rear leaf springs are rated for occasional payload, not a permanent canopy, drawers, fridge and water. Load them constantly and they flatten - the tail drops, headlights aim high, and handling suffers. It is the single most common Hilux complaint in Australia.
The fix is rear springs rated for your constant load, such as the Dobinsons heavy-duty rear leafs for the N70, or a complete kit with load-matched rates front and rear. Airbags can help level a variable towing load, but they belong on top of a correctly rated spring, not as a fix for a flat one.
Usually the opposite mistake: springs rated for a load the ute rarely carries. Constant-load springs on an empty tray transmit every corrugation straight into the cab. Match the spring rate to what the vehicle actually carries most days, and if the load swings between empty and heavy, adjustable damping is the real answer - a kit like the Dobinsons MRA 3-way adjustable kit for the N80 lets you soften compression for the commute and firm it up for the loaded run.
The Hilux front is independent (upper and lower control arms with coil-over struts), so lifting it changes camber, caster and CV driveshaft angles together. At around 2" most setups still align within factory adjustment. Push toward 3" and the standard upper control arms run out of travel and ball-joint angle - alignment becomes marginal, CV joints run steeper, and droop clearance disappears. That is the point where adjustable upper control arms restore proper caster and camber range. A diff-drop kit is worth considering at 3"+ to bring CV angles back toward factory.
The N70 (2005-2015) and N80 (2015-ON) use different shocks and spring specs - they are not interchangeable, so buy platform-specific. For the N70, the Dobinsons Monotube Quick-Lift 2"-3" uses pre-assembled struts for a straightforward install. For the N80, the Toughdog 2"-3" complete kit covers work and touring builds, while the MRA adjustable kit suits variable loads. A wheel alignment after fitting is mandatory, and again after the springs settle (about 500km).
Suspension lifts beyond your state's allowable limit (commonly 50mm without certification, less once combined with larger tyres) may require engineering approval under the applicable light vehicle modification rules (VSB14/NCOP). Check your state's requirements before buying - an uncertified over-height lift can affect insurance and roadworthiness. We flag this on every 3" and 4" capable kit we sell.
Not usually at 2" - factory arms typically still align. From about 2.5"-3" they become strongly recommended to restore caster/camber range and ball-joint angle.
Only if the rate matches your constant load. Springs rated well above what you carry will sag less but ride harsher. Rate selection is the whole game.
No. Shocks, struts and spring specs differ between the two generations - always buy for your exact model.
Unsure what your build needs? Talk to our suspension team with your accessory list, or browse all Hilux lift kits.
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