The Toughdog 2" Lift Kit transforms your Nissan Patrol GU Ute into a heavy-duty workhorse and capable tourer with proven Australian engineering. Designed specifically for leaf spring rear models, this complete suspension system delivers 50mm of lift, enhanced payload capacity, and superior ride quality both on corrugated outback tracks and sealed highways. Backed by Toughdog's comprehensive warranty and decades of proven performance in Australia's harshest conditions, this premium lift kit is in stock now with fast dispatch Australia-wide and expert fitment support from our suspension specialists.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Nissan Patrol Gu Ute | Complete Leaf using our parts finder.
| Make | Model | Series | Years | Rear Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Patrol | GU Ute (Cab Chassis) | 1997-2016 | Leaf Spring Rear Only |
Critical fitment note: This kit is specifically designed for GU Patrol ute/cab chassis models with leaf spring rear suspension. It will NOT fit GU wagon models with coil spring rear. Browse all suspension parts for the Nissan Patrol GU using our parts finder. Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Contact our suspension experts or check our FAQ page for fitment guidance.
Select your spring rate based on your constant (permanent) load only – this includes fixed accessories like bullbars, winches, canopies, toolboxes, water tanks, long-range fuel tanks, dual battery systems and roof racks. Front constant loads typically include bullbar (30-60kg), winch (30-40kg), upgraded bumper (20-40kg), and auxiliary lighting. Rear constant loads include canopy or tray back (80-150kg), toolboxes (40-80kg), water tanks (when full, 100-200kg), dual battery and inverter systems (30-50kg), and long-range fuel tanks (when full, 100-150kg). Do NOT select spring rates based on occasional loads like camping gear, passengers, firewood, or towing weight, as this will result in an overly firm ride when unloaded and may cause premature wear on shock absorbers and bushes. If you're unsure about your vehicle's constant load or which spring rate to choose, our experienced team can guide you through the selection process based on your specific accessories and usage.
Professional installation is strongly recommended for this lift kit to ensure correct spring rate selection, proper torque specifications, and post-install wheel alignment. Experienced DIY installers will require spring compressors, coil spring installation tools, impact gun, torque wrench, and basic hand tools. A full 4-wheel alignment is mandatory after installation to set castor, camber and toe angles – failure to align will result in accelerated tyre wear, poor handling and potential safety issues. All fasteners must be torqued to manufacturer specifications (refer to your Nissan workshop manual) and re-checked after the first 100km. Allow a 500km break-in period for springs to settle and bushes to seat properly – you may notice the ride height drop 5-10mm during this period, which is normal. For maximum performance, articulation and alignment adjustment range, consider pairing this kit with upgraded control arms featuring heavy-duty ball joints and polyurethane bushes.
Toughdog has earned its reputation as Australia's number one 4WD suspension brand through decades of proven performance in the country's harshest environments – from the Simpson Desert to Cape York, from the Canning Stock Route to the High Country. Every component is engineered and tested locally to withstand corrugated outback tracks, coastal salt corrosion, extreme heat, heavy payload demands and the unique suspension torture that Australian 4WD owners face daily. Backed by comprehensive warranty coverage and a nationwide network of specialist dealers and installers, Toughdog offers the peace of mind that comes from choosing a brand trusted by tradespeople, grey nomad tourers, mining operators and serious off-road enthusiasts across the country. Explore the complete Toughdog suspension range for additional components including steering dampers, sway bars, coil conversion kits and airbag systems to further enhance your GU Patrol's capability.
This lift kit is ideal for tradies who rely on their Patrol ute for daily work duties carrying heavy toolboxes, compressors, welders, building materials and equipment – the upgraded spring rates handle constant payload without sagging or bottoming out on job sites. Adventure tourers will appreciate the increased ground clearance for remote track work across the Outback, Kimberley, Cape York and High Country, while the enhanced load capacity supports long-range fuel tanks, dual battery systems, roof racks, recovery gear and extended camping equipment for self-sufficient trips. Families and grey nomads who regularly tow caravans, camper trailers or horse floats will benefit from the improved stability and reduced rear squat, and pairing this kit with airbag suspension provides even greater load-levelling capability and towing control for maximum safety and comfort on long-distance highway touring.
Ready to transform your Nissan Patrol GU Ute's capability and performance? This Toughdog 2" lift kit is in stock now at our Australian warehouse and ready for fast dispatch to all states and territories including NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS and NT. Our suspension specialists are available to answer your questions, confirm fitment, and help you select the perfect shock absorber and spring rate combination for your specific accessories, load requirements and intended use. Order today and experience why Toughdog remains Australia's most trusted 4WD suspension choice.
This kit is specifically engineered for Nissan Patrol GU series ute/cab chassis models manufactured between 1997 and 2016 that are equipped with leaf spring rear suspension. It will NOT fit GU wagon models which use coil spring rear suspension – these require a completely different kit. If you're unsure whether your vehicle has leaf or coil rear springs, look under the rear of your Patrol – leaf springs are visible as multiple layers of flat steel strips, while coil springs are helical/spiral shaped. Contact our team if you need assistance confirming your vehicle's rear suspension configuration before ordering.
This Toughdog kit is engineered to provide 50mm (2 inches) of lift over standard ride height when correctly installed and matched to your vehicle's constant load. Actual lift height may vary by 5-10mm depending on spring rate selection, current vehicle load, and the condition of other suspension components like bushes and shock mounts. Remember that springs will settle 5-10mm during the first 500km break-in period as the components bed in and bushes seat properly. If you require more than 2 inches of lift, contact our team to discuss alternative kit options or additional components like extended shackles.
This comprehensive kit includes front raised coil springs, rear raised leaf springs, your choice of four shock absorbers (foam cell, gas or adjustable models), rear spring polyurethane bushes, rear spring U-bolts, 2-degree castor correction bushes, and all necessary mounting hardware. The kit does NOT include upper control arms, extended brake lines, or diff drop kits – these are not strictly required for a 2 inch lift but may be recommended depending on your vehicle's intended use and off-road requirements. Our team can advise on any additional components that would benefit your specific application during the ordering process.
Yes, this Toughdog kit is excellent for towing applications thanks to the heavy-duty rear leaf springs which significantly reduce rear-end squat when towing caravans, camper trailers, horse floats or boat trailers. The upgraded leaf springs maintain proper suspension geometry under tow ball weight, improving stability, braking performance and headlight aim. For even better towing performance and load-levelling capability, consider adding airbag suspension to the rear – airbags allow you to adjust ride height and spring rate on the fly to perfectly match your tow load. Always ensure your total vehicle and trailer weight remains within your Patrol's rated towing capacity and GVM limits.
Control arm upgrades are not strictly required for a 2 inch lift on the GU Patrol, as the included castor correction bushes restore proper front suspension geometry. However, upgraded control arms offer significant benefits including increased wheel travel for better off-road articulation, improved suspension geometry throughout the travel range, additional castor and camber adjustment range for precise alignment, and heavy-duty ball joints with polyurethane bushes for extended service life. If your vehicle is used for serious off-road touring, rock crawling, or remote area travel, upgraded control arms will enhance the performance and capability of your new lift kit. For predominantly on-road use with light touring, the factory control arms with included castor correction bushes will be adequate.
Yes, a full 4-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any lift kit – this is not optional. Lifting your vehicle changes the front suspension geometry, affecting castor, camber and toe angles, and without proper realignment you will experience rapid tyre wear (particularly on the inside or outside edges), poor handling, wandering steering, and potentially unsafe vehicle behaviour. The included 2-degree castor correction bushes help restore proper castor angle, but a professional alignment is still required to set all angles correctly. Have the alignment performed immediately after installation and re-checked after the 500km break-in period once the springs have fully settled to their final ride height.
Select spring rates based ONLY on your constant (permanent) load – the weight your vehicle carries every single day. This includes bullbars, winches, canopies, toolboxes, water tanks (when full), long-range fuel tanks (when full), dual batteries, and permanently mounted equipment. Do NOT factor in occasional loads like camping gear, passengers, firewood, or towing weight when selecting spring rates. If you choose springs that are too heavy for your actual constant load, you'll have an excessively firm and uncomfortable ride that can damage shock absorbers and bushes. Weigh your accessories or use manufacturer specifications to calculate total constant weight, then contact our team with your accessory list and we'll recommend the optimal spring rates for your specific setup.
A 2 inch lift on the GU Patrol ute typically allows you to fit tyres up to approximately 33 inches (285/75R16 or 285/70R17) without significant rubbing issues, though final fitment depends on wheel offset, tyre brand/model (some run larger than others), and whether you've fitted wider aftermarket wheels. You may experience minor rubbing at full steering lock or full compression which can usually be resolved with minor guard trimming or the installation of wheel spacers. For larger tyres (35 inches and above), you'll likely need additional modifications including body lifts, guard trimming, and potentially diff drop kits. Always test-fit tyres through full steering lock and suspension compression before committing to a particular size.
Toughdog suspension components are covered by comprehensive manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Coil springs and leaf springs typically carry a lifetime warranty, while shock absorbers are covered for a specific period (usually 2-3 years or specific kilometre limit, depending on which shock model you select – foam cell, gas or adjustable). Warranty coverage requires professional installation by a qualified workshop, proof of purchase, and does not cover damage from accidents, incorrect installation, failure to maintain proper wheel alignment, or use beyond the component's rated load capacity. Refer to the warranty card included with your kit or contact us for specific warranty terms for your chosen shock absorber option.
Yes, this Toughdog kit is designed to provide excellent on-road manners for daily driving, highway cruising and city use when matched to your vehicle's constant load with the correct spring rates. The ride quality will be firmer than factory suspension (particularly if you've selected heavier spring rates for significant accessory weight), but should remain comfortable and controlled without harshness over bumps and road irregularities. Foam cell shock absorbers provide the most comfortable ride for predominantly on-road use, while gas shocks offer firmer control, and adjustable shocks allow you to dial in your preferred ride quality. When professionally installed with correct alignment, handling remains safe and predictable, though the slightly raised centre of gravity will increase body roll compared to standard height in aggressive cornering.
Perfect upgrade for our family camping setup
Fitted this 2 inch lift kit to our GU Ute last month and it's been brilliant for our weekend trips down to the Victorian High Country. The ride quality is noticeably better than stock, especially when we've got the camper trailer and all the kids' gear loaded up. Installation was straightforward and everything lined up properly - the castor correction made a real difference to the steering feel. Well worth the investment for anyone doing regular touring with the family.(5)
Solid Kit for Daily Work Duties
Been running this Toughdog 2 inch lift on my GU ute for about six months now, carting tools and materials to job sites every day. The ride quality is noticeably better than the old worn out factory setup, even when I'm loaded up heavy. Had it fitted at my local mechanic and everything lined up perfectly, no dramas with the castor correction brackets either.(5)
Proper Suspension for Serious Remote Touring
Fitted this Toughdog 2-inch lift to my GU ute before a Cape York trip and it's been absolutely faultless through the corrugations and creek crossings. The ride quality loaded up with water, fuel and recovery gear is miles better than the old setup, and the castor correction sorted out the steering geometry perfectly. Been through the Simpson and Tanami since then without a single issue—this kit's built for proper outback work, not just shopping centre posing.(5)
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Adventures
Fitted this 2 inch lift kit to our GU Ute before our trip up to Cape York and it handled the corrugations and creek crossings like a dream. The kids actually slept better in the back because the ride quality improved so much compared to our worn-out factory setup. Really happy with how level it sits now with the camper trailer and all our gear loaded up, and the Toughdog shocks are soaking up everything we throw at them.(5)
Perfect upgrade for my GU
Had this Toughdog 2 inch lift kit fitted to my '04 Patrol ute a couple months back and couldn't be happier with how it handles the weight when towing the camper trailer. The ride quality is actually better than stock, which surprised me given they're heavy-duty springs. Fitment was spot on and the boys at 4WD Suspension Australia had it shipped to regional NSW within a few days.(5)