Reviewed by Andrew, 4WD Suspension fitment team
Tough Dog rear shock absorbers for the Toyota Hilux (04/1979-1983), sold per pair. Pick your lift height, then Nitrogen Gas, Foam Cell or 40mm Adjustable damping. For 11/1983-1997 models see the 1983-97 rear shocks.
On a Toyota Hilux 04/1979-1983 the shock absorbers do the hard yards: every corrugation, every pothole, every loaded kilometre goes through them. When they fade, the vehicle floats over undulations and takes longer to settle after each hit.
The Foam Cell is Tough Dog's twin-tube workhorse: a microcellular foam insert takes the place of the usual air gap inside the shock body, so the oil can't foam up as heat builds and the damping stays consistent on long corrugated stretches. The 40mm Adjustable adds 9-stage adjustable valving – run it softer for unloaded around-town driving, then firm it up when the vehicle is loaded for touring, without taking anything apart. The Nitrogen Gas option is the comfort-oriented choice – a gas-charged twin-tube with softer valving for mostly-road driving.
The price covers both sides – always replace shocks in pairs so damping stays even across the axle. It's also the right time to look over bushes and mounting hardware while everything is apart.
Match them with Tough Dog rear leaf springs.
| Make | Model | Series | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Hilux | Leaf/Leaf (SAF) | 04/1979 - 1983 |
Last updated: 27 August 2026
Genuine Tough Dog suspension from an authorised Australian dealer.
New to Hilux suspension? Read our Hilux suspension problems guide.
These suit the following applications: Toyota Hilux Leaf/Leaf (SAF) 04/1979 - 1983. Check your build date and variant against the fitment table on this page – if you're not certain, contact us with your rego or VIN details and we'll confirm fitment before you order.
Foam Cell is the all-round choice for touring – the foam insert stops the oil aerating so damping stays consistent on corrugations. Step up to the 9-stage Adjustable if the vehicle swings between unloaded weekdays and loaded trips and you want to tune the damping to match, or to the bigger-bore options if it works hard, hot and heavy most of the time.
The listed price covers both sides – always replace left and right together so the axle is evenly damped and sprung. It's a bolt-in job for a competent home mechanic or any workshop; check bushes, mounts and brake-line slack while everything is apart.
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