Dobinsons IMS Monotube Lift Kit — Volkswagen Amarok Complete Suspension Upgrade

This Dobinsons kit delivers approximately 35mm (1.4 inches) of front lift and a matching rear lift to maintain balanced ride height and geometry. Actual installed height can vary by 5-10mm depending on your vehicle's constant accessory load, with heavier bull bars and winches potentially reducing front lift slightly, while lighter setups may achieve slightly more. The lift height is specifically engineered to maximize ground clearance and tyre fitment (up to 32-33 inch tyres) while maintaining factory-like ride quality and avoiding the need for extensive modifications like diff drops or extended brake lines. After the initial 500km break-in period, springs will settle approximately 5-10mm before stabilizing at final ride height.

This comprehensive kit includes everything needed for a complete front and rear suspension upgrade: 2 x Dobinsons IMS monotube front shocks, 2 x 35mm raised front coil springs, 2 x IMS monotube rear shocks, 2 x raised rear leaf springs, 4 x heavy duty U-bolts, and a complete polyurethane bush kit with all necessary mounting hardware. The kit does NOT include upper control arms, extended brake lines, or diff drop spacers, which are typically not required for this lift height. Spring rates are customizable at time of order based on your vehicle's constant accessory load. All components are designed to work together as an engineered system for optimal performance and safety.

Yes, this Dobinsons IMS kit is excellent for towing applications up to your Amarok's rated towing capacity. The IMS monotube shock technology provides superior damping control under load, reducing body roll and rear squat when towing heavy caravans or work trailers. The raised rear leaf springs are engineered with increased load capacity to minimize sag and maintain level ride height when carrying towball weight. The monotube design's enhanced heat dissipation is particularly beneficial during extended towing on highways or through hilly terrain where twin-tube shocks may fade. For ultimate towing performance and the ability to adjust ride height based on towball load, many customers add airbag suspension to the rear as a complementary upgrade.

Upper control arm upgrades are generally not required for this 35mm lift kit, as the modest lift height maintains factory control arm geometry within acceptable operating angles. However, upgraded control arms with increased caster adjustment can provide benefits including improved steering feel, better high-speed stability, and enhanced wheel alignment options for running larger tyres. If you're planning to add a heavy bull bar and winch, or if you want maximum articulation for serious off-road use, adjustable upper control arms are a worthwhile investment. Our suspension specialists can assess your specific setup and advise whether control arm upgrades would benefit your intended use case.

Yes, a professional four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any lift kit, including this Dobinsons system. Lifting your Amarok changes suspension geometry, affecting camber, caster, and toe angles — all of which directly impact tyre wear, handling characteristics, and safety. Without proper alignment, you may experience rapid inner or outer tyre wear, steering pull to one side, reduced stability at highway speeds, and compromised braking performance. The alignment should be performed after installation is complete and all suspension components have been torqued to specification, ideally with the vehicle loaded to normal operating weight. Budget $180-280 for a quality four-wheel alignment from a specialist with 4WD experience and Hunter or similar precision alignment equipment.

Yes, Dobinsons engineers this kit with multiple spring rate options to precisely match your Amarok's constant accessory load. During ordering, you'll select front and rear spring rates based on the accessories and equipment you carry 90% of the time or more — such as bull bars, winches, canopies, drawer systems, and trade fit-outs. It's critical to select spring rates based only on constant load, NOT occasional camping gear or periodic towing. Selecting overly heavy springs for occasional use results in harsh ride quality, reduced traction, and potential damage to shock absorbers from excessive spring energy. Our product configurator guides you through load calculations, or our suspension specialists can recommend optimal spring rates based on your detailed accessory list and vehicle usage.

With the 35mm lift provided by this Dobinsons kit, most Amarok owners can fit tyres up to 265/70R17 or 265/65R18 (approximately 32 inches diameter) without rubbing under full compression or steering lock, depending on wheel offset and tyre brand. Some adventurous owners successfully run 275/65R18 (33 inches) with minor trimming of plastic inner guards and potentially a small body mount chop. Tyre clearance also depends on your wheel offset — running 0mm to -12mm offset provides more clearance than factory positive offset wheels. For maximum clearance, pairing this lift with a 20-25mm wheel spacer can eliminate rubbing on larger tyres. Always test-fit tyres at full steering lock and full compression before committing to a size, as tyre design and tread pattern width varies significantly between brands.

All Dobinsons IMS monotube shocks, coil springs, and leaf springs in this kit are covered by Dobinsons' comprehensive manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Dobinsons shock absorbers typically carry a 2-year or 50,000km warranty (whichever occurs first), while springs are covered for 2 years under normal use conditions. Warranty coverage requires professional installation with correct torque specifications, proper spring rate selection for your vehicle's load, and installation of all components as a complete system. Warranty claims require proof of purchase and may require inspection by an authorized Dobinsons dealer. This Australian warranty is serviced locally through 4WD Suspension Australia and Dobinsons' national dealer network, ensuring fast resolution and minimal downtime.

Absolutely — the Dobinsons IMS Monotube system is specifically engineered to excel at daily driving and highway touring while maintaining serious off-road capability when needed. The monotube shock design provides superior ride comfort compared to budget twin-tube alternatives, with precisely tuned valving that absorbs highway expansion joints, speed bumps, and rough urban roads without harshness. Many Amarok owners report improved ride quality compared to worn factory suspension, particularly when loaded. The IMS technology delivers consistent damping at highway speeds, reducing body roll in corners and providing confident stability when overtaking or in crosswinds. Whether you're commuting to work sites, towing on the highway, or touring thousands of kilometers across Australia, this kit delivers the refined ride quality expected from a premium German dual-cab.