Tough Dog Complete Lift Kit for Isuzu D-Max 2012-2020 — Full 4WD Suspension

This Tough Dog kit typically delivers approximately 40-50mm of lift at both front and rear when correctly specified and professionally installed. Actual lift height varies based on your spring rate selection and the constant load you carry — vehicles with heavier accessories like bull bars, steel trays and canopies will sit slightly lower than lightly equipped vehicles even with the same spring rate. The lift is designed to level your vehicle under typical use while providing increased ground clearance for off-road obstacles and the ability to fit slightly larger tyres. Remember that ride height will settle 5-10mm during the first 500km as components bed in, which is completely normal.

This comprehensive kit includes everything needed for a front and rear suspension upgrade: a pair of Tough Dog foam cell front struts, a pair of progressive-rate front raised coil springs, a pair of multi-leaf rear spring packs, a pair of nitrogen gas rear shock absorbers, complete rear spring U-bolt kit with high-tensile hardware, and rear spring bush kit. All necessary mounting hardware and fasteners are included for installation. Note that upper control arms, extended brake lines, and differential drop kits are sold separately and may be required depending on your lift height and specific application — our team can advise on additional components needed for your setup.

Absolutely — this Tough Dog kit is excellent for towing applications and will significantly improve your D-Max's towing performance and stability. The progressive-rate rear leaf springs are specifically designed to reduce rear squat when towing caravans, camper trailers or horse floats, maintaining a more level ride height and improving weight distribution. This results in better steering control, reduced sway, and more confidence when towing at highway speeds. The nitrogen gas rear shocks provide consistent damping even when loaded, preventing the bouncing and instability common with worn factory suspension. For those who frequently alternate between towing heavy loads and running unladen, consider adding adjustable airbag suspension for on-demand load support.

While not always mandatory, upgraded aftermarket upper control arms are highly recommended when lifting your D-Max, particularly if you frequently drive off-road, carry heavy loads, or want to maximise component life. Lifting your vehicle changes the suspension geometry and can increase stress on ball joints and bushings — quality aftermarket arms restore optimal geometry, often feature stronger construction with larger ball joints, and typically include greasable joints for easier maintenance. They also help prevent premature wear on tyres and suspension components by maintaining correct camber and caster angles. If you're investing in a quality lift kit like this Tough Dog system, protecting that investment with proper geometry is worthwhile for both performance and longevity.

Yes, a professional four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any suspension lift kit, including this Tough Dog system. Lifting your vehicle changes the suspension geometry and will alter your camber, caster and toe settings beyond factory specifications. Without proper realignment, you'll experience premature and uneven tyre wear, potentially poor steering response, and reduced handling performance. A qualified suspension specialist will adjust all alignment angles to bring them back within manufacturer specifications (or improved specifications if using aftermarket control arms). We also recommend having your alignment checked again after the initial 500km break-in period, and regularly after heavy off-road use or if you notice uneven tyre wear patterns.

Select your spring rate based exclusively on your constant accessory load — the weight of equipment permanently installed or carried in your vehicle at all times. This includes bull bars, winches, canopies, drawer systems, dual batteries, long-range tanks (when empty), and permanently mounted recovery gear. Do not include occasional loads like camping gear you remove between trips, passengers, or towing weight which is supported by the trailer's axles. Accurately weigh or estimate your front and rear constant loads separately, as they often differ significantly. If you're between spring rates or unsure, it's generally better to select the lighter rate for improved ride comfort — our experienced team can provide personalised recommendations based on your specific setup and usage patterns.

The 40-50mm lift provided by this Tough Dog kit will generally allow you to fit tyres approximately one size larger than factory without rubbing issues during normal driving — typically moving from factory 255/60R18 or 265/60R18 up to 265/65R18 or 265/70R17 depending on your wheel offset and specific tyre brand. Actual tyre clearance depends on wheel offset, tyre brand (some run wider than others at the same size), suspension compression and steering lock. At full steering lock during extreme articulation off-road, some minor trimming of plastic wheel arch liners may be required with larger tyres. For significantly larger tyres or aggressive off-road use, consider additional modifications like differential breathers, bash plates, and upgraded CV boots to protect drivetrain components.

Tough Dog suspension components are backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship, providing peace of mind for your investment. Specific warranty terms vary by component type — shocks and struts typically carry different coverage periods than springs and hardware. Warranty coverage requires professional installation with proof of purchase, adherence to proper torque specifications, post-installation wheel alignment, and regular maintenance as outlined in the product documentation. Toughdog's reputation is built on standing behind their products, and their Australia-wide service network ensures support when you need it. For complete warranty details specific to this kit including coverage periods and terms, contact our team or refer to the warranty documentation included with your shipment.

Absolutely — when correctly specified and professionally installed, this Tough Dog lift kit is excellent for daily driving and will often improve on-road comfort and handling compared to worn factory suspension. The progressive-rate springs provide comfortable ride quality when unladen for the daily commute, then firm up progressively under load for confident handling when carrying equipment or towing. The foam cell front struts and nitrogen gas rear shocks deliver consistent damping for stable highway cruising with reduced body roll in corners. Many D-Max owners actually report improved ride quality and reduced harshness over road imperfections compared to their worn factory suspension. The key is selecting spring rates appropriate for your constant load — overly stiff springs will compromise ride comfort, while correctly matched springs deliver the best balance of capability and daily drivability.