Toughdog Rear Adjustable 40mm Bore Shocks — Nissan Patrol GQ GU Coil Cab Ute

Adjustable shocks allow you to fine-tune damping force to match your vehicle's load, driving conditions and personal preference — something fixed-rate shocks cannot offer. When running light loads or highway touring, you can soften the damping for improved comfort and reduced harshness. When loaded with camping gear, towing a trailer or tackling rough off-road tracks, you can increase damping firmness for better control, reduced body roll and improved stability. This versatility means one shock can perform optimally across vastly different scenarios, eliminating the compromise of fixed-rate shocks that must balance all conditions in a single setting. For Patrol owners who use their vehicles across diverse applications, adjustability delivers measurably better performance and comfort.

This kit includes a pair (2 pieces) of Toughdog rear adjustable shock absorbers with 40mm bore construction, designed specifically for Nissan Patrol GQ/GU coil cab ute rear fitment. Each shock includes the adjustable damping mechanism with multiple settings, mounting bushes and hardware, protective dust boots, and bump stops where applicable. Installation instructions and adjustment guides are also provided. Note that this is a rear-only shock package — front shocks, coil springs, u-bolts and other suspension components are sold separately and should be selected based on your specific lift requirements and load conditions.

Yes, these adjustable shocks are excellent for towing applications with your Nissan Patrol coil cab ute. The adjustable damping allows you to increase firmness when hitched to a caravan or trailer, significantly improving rear-end stability, reducing sway and preventing excessive compression under tongue weight. When not towing, you can return to softer settings for comfortable daily driving. The 40mm bore design provides increased oil capacity and heat dissipation, important for sustained highway towing where shocks work harder. For optimal towing performance, consider pairing these shocks with appropriately rated rear coil springs selected for your typical towing weights, and potentially supplementing with airbag suspension for additional adjustable load support on the rear axle.

Control arm upgrades are not mandatory when fitting these rear shocks at standard ride height, as they replace factory shocks without altering suspension geometry. However, if you're also installing lifted coil springs to raise your Patrol, upgraded control arms become important to correct camber and caster angles that change with increased ride height. For lifts of 50mm or more, adjustable or extended control arms help maintain optimal wheel alignment, tire wear patterns and steering feel. Even at standard height, some Patrol owners choose upgraded heavy-duty control arms for improved articulation, stronger bushings and better off-road durability. Our team can recommend the appropriate control arm solution based on your total lift height and intended use.

Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is mandatory after installing any suspension components including shock absorbers. While shocks don't directly adjust alignment angles like springs or control arms do, the installation process involves removing suspension components, and proper torque settings must be achieved with the vehicle at correct ride height under load. Additionally, any changes in ride height from worn old shocks to new ones can affect final geometry. A professional alignment ensures your camber, caster and toe settings are within manufacturer specifications, preventing premature tire wear, steering pull and ensuring optimal handling characteristics. Most alignment shops can complete this service within an hour, and it's a small investment to protect your new suspension components and tires.

These Toughdog shocks feature multi-position adjustable damping that you can change yourself using the adjustment mechanism on each shock body — no need to purchase different shock variants. The adjustment typically ranges from soft (position 1) through to firm (position 6 or higher depending on model), allowing you to dial in the perfect damping force for your current load and terrain. This adjustability is built into every shock in this kit. While the base valving is engineered specifically for Patrol GQ/GU coil cab ute weight and suspension geometry, the adjustment range lets you fine-tune within that design envelope. Start with mid-range settings after installation, then adjust up or down based on your loaded weight and comfort preferences over the first few hundred kilometers of use.

These rear shocks alone do not provide suspension lift — they replace your factory rear shocks to improve damping performance and adjustability at your current ride height. Tyre clearance is primarily determined by suspension lift height (achieved through lifted coil springs), body mount chops, and guard modifications. If you're planning to fit larger tyres, you'll need to install lifted front and rear coil springs in addition to these shocks to achieve the necessary clearance. Generally, Patrol coil cab models can accommodate 33-inch tyres with a 50mm lift, and 35-inch tyres with 75-100mm lift plus trimming. Consult our fitment guides or contact our team for specific tyre size recommendations based on your total planned lift height and wheel offset.

Toughdog shock absorbers are backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. The specific warranty period and terms are detailed in the documentation included with your shocks and should be registered after installation. Toughdog's warranty reputation is backed by decades of Australian market presence and dealer network support. Warranty claims are handled through 4WD Suspension Australia in conjunction with Toughdog, ensuring you have local support if any issues arise. Keep your purchase receipt and installation records, as proof of purchase and evidence of professional installation may be required for warranty assessment. Normal wear items like bushings and seals are typically subject to shorter coverage periods than shock body and internal components.

These Toughdog adjustable shocks are absolutely suitable for daily driving and offer superior comfort compared to many fixed-rate heavy-duty shocks precisely because of their adjustability. When set to softer damping positions (1-3), they provide excellent ride comfort on sealed roads and around town, comparable to quality standard-replacement shocks. The key advantage is that when you need firmer control for loaded touring, off-road driving or towing, you simply adjust them firmer rather than suffering with harsh damping all the time. Many Patrol owners run soft settings for daily commuting and shopping runs, then firm up before heading off for weekend trips or holidays. This versatility makes them ideal for vehicles that serve dual purposes as both daily drivers and touring rigs.