The Toughdog Front Adjustable 40-45mm Bore Shocks for Nissan Patrol Coil Cab Ute deliver race-proven damping performance with on-the-fly adjustability — giving you complete control over ride quality, load handling, and off-road capability. Engineered specifically for Patrol GQ/GU coil cab chassis, these premium shock absorbers feature heavy-duty construction, precision bore sizing, and are backed by Australia's most trusted 4WD suspension brand. In stock now with fast nationwide delivery and expert fitment support.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Front Adjustable 40-45Mm Bore Shocks using our parts finder.
Note: Rear shocks, springs, and upper control arms sold separately.
| Make | Model | Series | Body Type | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Patrol | GQ | Coil Cab Chassis Ute | 1988-1997 |
| Nissan | Patrol | GU | Coil Cab Chassis Ute | 1997-2016 |
Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Contact our suspension experts or browse all suspension parts for the Nissan Patrol using our parts finder.
When upgrading your Patrol's suspension system, selecting the correct spring rate is critical for optimal performance and safety. Your front spring selection should account for constant accessories like bull bars, winches, steel trays, toolboxes, long-range fuel tanks, and upgraded bumpers. Rear coil springs must be matched to permanent loads including canopies, dual battery systems, drawer systems, water tanks, and any towing equipment.
Professional installation by a qualified 4WD suspension specialist is strongly recommended to ensure correct fitment, torque specifications, and safety compliance. A full four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installation to prevent premature tyre wear and maintain steering geometry within manufacturer specifications. Allow a 500km break-in period for bushes to settle and damping characteristics to stabilize before making adjustability changes. For vehicles with lifts exceeding 50mm, consider pairing these shocks with upgraded control arms to maintain correct suspension geometry and prevent CV joint and ball joint wear.
Toughdog has earned its reputation as Australia's number one suspension brand through decades of real-world testing across the continent's harshest environments. Every Toughdog component is engineered specifically for Australian vehicles and conditions, with rigorous testing protocols that include loaded outback touring, mine site operations, and competitive off-road racing. Backed by comprehensive warranty coverage and trusted by commercial operators, tradies, and touring families nationwide, the full Toughdog suspension range represents proven performance you can depend on when it matters most.
These adjustable front shocks are ideal for Patrol cab chassis owners who regularly switch between different load configurations — from empty daily driving to fully loaded weekend touring or heavy towing operations. Tradies running toolboxes and equipment will appreciate the adjustability for varying job site loads, while touring enthusiasts can dial in perfect damping for caravan towing or camper trailer work. For owners who frequently carry maximum payload or tow at GVM limits, consider supplementing with airbag suspension systems for ultimate load-leveling capability and rear axle support.
All Toughdog products are held in Australian stock for fast dispatch nationwide, backed by expert technical support from our suspension specialists who understand the unique demands of Australian 4WD touring and commercial use. Whether you're building a complete suspension system or replacing worn factory shocks, we're here to help you choose the right components for your specific application. Need a complete suspension overhaul? Browse our full lift kit range for comprehensive vehicle-specific solutions.
These Toughdog adjustable front shocks are specifically designed for Nissan Patrol GQ (1988-1997) and GU (1997-2016) models fitted with coil spring front suspension and cab chassis (ute) body configuration. They will not fit wagon or leaf spring variants. The 40-45mm bore specification refers to the shock body diameter, which is critical for proper fitment and load capacity. We recommend verifying your exact model variant using our Nissan Patrol parts finder or contacting our team with your VIN number for confirmation.
The adjustable damping feature allows you to change the shock's compression and rebound firmness without removing it from the vehicle. A simple adjuster mechanism (typically accessible from the top of the shock) lets you rotate between settings from soft to firm, usually across 8-12 click positions. Use softer settings for empty or light-load driving to maximize comfort, medium settings for daily driving with moderate loads, and firmer settings when fully loaded, towing, or tackling aggressive off-road terrain. Adjustability gives you one shock that performs optimally across multiple load and terrain scenarios rather than compromising with a fixed-rate damper.
This kit includes a pair (two) of Toughdog adjustable front shock absorbers with 40-45mm bore construction, factory pre-charged with nitrogen gas and premium shock oil. All necessary mounting bushes and hardware required for installation are included with the shocks. This is a shock-only kit — it does not include front springs, rear shocks, rear springs, upper control arms, or other suspension components. If you're doing a complete suspension rebuild, you'll need to order front coil springs, rear shocks, and rear springs separately based on your specific load requirements.
Yes, these shocks are specifically engineered for the high payload and towing demands of Patrol cab chassis utes. The 40-45mm bore provides increased oil capacity and piston surface area compared to standard 36mm bore shocks, delivering superior damping control under heavy loads up to 3500kg towing capacity. The adjustable feature allows you to increase damping firmness when towing to prevent excessive suspension compression and improve stability. However, shocks control damping motion — they don't carry load. For optimal towing performance with heavy caravans or trailers, pair these shocks with correctly rated springs and consider adding airbag suspension for rear axle support.
Control arm upgrades are not mandatory when replacing shocks with similar-length units, but they become increasingly important as lift height increases beyond 50mm. If you're installing these shocks as part of a lift kit, upgrading to heavy-duty or adjustable upper control arms helps maintain correct castor angle, prevents CV joint binding, and reduces ball joint wear. For standard height or mild lift applications (under 50mm), factory control arms are typically adequate if they're in good condition. If your vehicle has worn factory control arms or you're planning a comprehensive suspension upgrade, this is an ideal time to install upgraded control arms for maximum geometry correction and component longevity.
Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installing any suspension components including shock absorbers. While shocks don't directly alter alignment geometry like springs or control arms, the installation process involves disconnecting suspension components and the new shocks may sit at slightly different heights than your worn originals, which can affect steering angles. Proper alignment ensures even tyre wear, optimal steering response, and prevents premature wear on ball joints and steering components. Most reputable suspension installers include alignment in their fitting service. Budget for approximately $150-250 for a professional four-wheel alignment at a qualified alignment shop with 4WD experience.
This listing is for shock absorbers only — springs are sold separately and must be selected based on your specific front axle load requirements. Toughdog manufactures front coil springs in multiple load ratings (light, medium, heavy, extra heavy) to accommodate different constant accessory weights including bull bars, winches, steel trays, and auxiliary equipment. When ordering coil springs separately, you'll need to calculate the total weight of your permanent front-end accessories to select the correct spring rate. Our suspension specialists can help you determine the right spring rates for your specific setup — contact us with a list of your fitted accessories for personalized recommendations.
These shocks alone do not provide suspension lift — they're designed to work with your existing spring setup or as part of a complete lift kit. Tyre clearance is primarily determined by spring lift height, control arm modifications, and body/guard clearances rather than shock absorber choice. If you're planning to fit larger tyres (33" or bigger), you'll need to install lifted coil springs front and rear along with appropriate shock absorbers matched to the new ride height. A 2-3 inch lift is typically required for 33" tyres, while 35" tyres usually need 3-4 inches plus guard trimming. Our parts finder can show you complete lift kit options for your Patrol if increased ground clearance and tyre size are your goals.
Toughdog shock absorbers are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. Warranty terms typically range from 12 months to lifetime depending on the specific product line and application, with coverage requiring professional installation and proof of purchase. The warranty covers manufacturing defects but excludes damage from accidents, improper installation, modified vehicles operating outside GVM limits, or use in competitive motorsport. For specific warranty duration and terms for this shock model, refer to the documentation included with your kit or contact our team. All warranty claims are processed through 4WD Suspension Australia with direct factory support.
These are shock absorbers, not a complete lift kit, but they're absolutely suitable for daily driving and highway use. Toughdog engineers their adjustable shocks with a balanced valving philosophy that delivers controlled damping for loaded and off-road use while maintaining reasonable compliance for empty highway driving. The adjustability feature lets you dial in a softer setting for daily commuting comfort, then firm up the damping when conditions demand it. Many Patrol owners run Toughdog shocks as daily drivers covering thousands of highway kilometers between outback trips. When paired with correctly rated springs for your typical load, these shocks provide a significant improvement over worn factory dampers in both comfort and control across all driving conditions from urban commuting to remote touring.
Proper Shocks for Serious Remote Touring
Been running these Toughdog adjustable fronts on my GQ cab chassis for about 8 months now, including a decent stint through the Simpson and Canning Stock Route. The adjustability is genuinely useful - softened them off for the corrugations and firmed up when loaded with jerry cans and recovery gear. Build quality feels spot-on for Australian conditions and they've handled everything I've thrown at them without fade or leaks.(5)
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Tourer
Fitted these Toughdog adjustable shocks to our GU Patrol before our latest trip down the Canning and the difference in ride quality was immediately noticeable. The kids actually commented on how much smoother the corrugations were, which says a lot! Being able to adjust them for different loads has been brilliant - firm enough when we're loaded up with camping gear, but comfortable for daily driving around town.(5)
Proper Shocks for a Working Ute
Been running these Toughdog adjustable shocks on my GU Patrol ute for about six months now, carting tools and materials to sites every day. The adjustable settings are brilliant - firm them up when loaded during the week, then back them off a bit for weekend trips up the high country. Fitment was spot on and they've completely sorted the front end bounce I had with the old worn out stockies.(5)
Proper kit for loaded remote touring
Been running these Toughdog adjustable fronts on my GQ coil cab for six months now, including a hard run through the Simpson and Cape York. The adjustability makes a massive difference when you're carrying recovery gear, extra fuel and water - dial them up for the loaded trip out, back them off for the run home. Fitment was spot on and they've handled everything the corrugations and bulldust could throw at them.(5)
Transformed Our Patrol for Outback Family Trips
Fitted these Toughdog adjustable shocks to our GQ cab chassis before our last Cape York trip and the difference is night and day. The ride quality is so much better on corrugations with a loaded camper trailer, and being able to adjust them for different loads has been a game changer. Well worth the investment for anyone doing serious touring with the family.(5)