Toughdog Remote Reservoir Adjustable Rear Shocks — Toyota Hilux N80 2015-ON

These Toughdog shocks feature independent external compression and rebound adjustment, giving you complete control over damping characteristics without removing the shocks from your vehicle. Each shock has approximately 12-16 clicks of adjustment range for both compression and rebound damping, allowing you to fine-tune performance from soft (for unladen highway touring comfort) to firm (for heavy loads, aggressive off-road use, or towing). The external adjusters are easily accessible once the remote reservoir is mounted, meaning you can dial in the perfect setting for your current load and driving conditions in minutes. Most users find that 2-3 different settings cover all their driving scenarios: unladen daily driving, fully-loaded touring, and maximum towing/off-road configuration.

This kit includes a pair of Toughdog remote reservoir adjustable rear shock absorbers with attached remote reservoir canisters connected via braided stainless steel hoses. Also included are all necessary mounting hardware (bushings, washers, nuts), reservoir mounting brackets with fasteners, external compression and rebound adjustment valves, and comprehensive installation and setup instructions. The shocks come pre-filled with high-performance shock oil and nitrogen gas charge, ready to install. Please note this is a rear shock absorber pair only — front shocks, springs (leaf or coil), upper control arms, and other suspension components are sold separately and should be selected based on your complete suspension upgrade requirements.

Absolutely — these remote reservoir adjustable shocks are specifically valved for heavy-duty applications including towing caravans, camper trailers, and work trailers up to your Hilux N80's maximum towing capacity. The remote reservoir design provides additional oil capacity and superior heat dissipation during extended towing, preventing shock fade on long highway trips or corrugated gravel roads. The adjustable damping allows you to firm up the rear suspension when towing to reduce squat, minimize trailer sway, improve stability in crosswinds, and maintain better control during braking. Combined with appropriate upgraded leaf springs matched to your towing load, these shocks deliver exceptional towing performance while still providing comfortable ride quality when unladen.

Control arm upgrades are not mandatory for fitting these rear shocks, as the Hilux N80 rear suspension uses a leaf spring setup rather than coil springs with control arms. However, if you're installing these as part of a complete suspension lift kit that includes front lift components exceeding 50mm, you should consider upgrading your front upper control arms to correct castor angle and prevent premature wear on front suspension bushings and CV joints. The rear leaf spring suspension geometry is less affected by lift height, though you may want to consider extended shackles or upgraded leaf spring packs depending on your total lift height and load requirements. Our suspension specialists can recommend the complete package of components needed for your specific lift height and application.

Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing any suspension components including shock absorbers, especially if you're also fitting new springs or lift kit components. While replacing shocks alone has minimal impact on alignment angles, it's impossible to complete the installation without disconnecting suspension components, and this process can slightly alter toe, camber, and castor settings. Proper alignment ensures maximum tyre life, optimal handling and steering response, and prevents uneven tyre wear that can cost hundreds of dollars in premature tyre replacement. The alignment should be performed after the vehicle has settled (typically after 50-100km of driving) and checked again after the full 500km break-in period to ensure all settings remain within specification.

When ordering these shocks as part of a complete suspension system that includes leaf springs, you must select spring rates based solely on your constant load — the permanent weight of accessories installed on your vehicle such as canopies, trays, bullbars, drawer systems, dual batteries, and long-range fuel tanks. It's critical to accurately calculate this constant load, as selecting springs that are too heavy (by including occasional loads like camping gear or towing weight) will result in an excessively harsh ride, accelerated wear on suspension bushings and mounts, and potential damage to other components. Conversely, springs that are too soft for your actual constant load will cause excessive sag, reduce your available suspension travel, and compromise the performance of these premium adjustable shocks. Our team can help you accurately assess your constant load and select the correct spring rate.

Tyre fitment depends primarily on your total lift height rather than the shocks themselves. These remote reservoir adjustable shocks are designed to work with lift kits ranging from 0-3 inches (0-75mm). With a 2-inch (50mm) lift, most Hilux N80 models can accommodate 265/70R17 or 265/65R18 tyres without rubbing. A 3-inch (75mm) lift typically allows 285/70R17 tyres, though some trimming of plastic guards or mudflap brackets may be required, and aftermarket wheels with appropriate offset may be necessary. Keep in mind that larger tyres affect gearing, speedometer accuracy, fuel economy, and braking performance, and may require recalibration or additional modifications. Tyre clearance also depends on wheel offset and whether you've fitted wider track control arms or other steering components, so we recommend consulting with our team about your complete build specifications.

Toughdog shock absorbers are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. The specific warranty period varies by component and application, but typically includes multi-year coverage for recreational 4WD use. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, seal failures, and structural issues but excludes damage from accidents, incorrect installation, use beyond the product's design parameters, or lack of proper maintenance. To maintain warranty coverage, shocks must be installed by a qualified technician, and you should retain proof of purchase and installation records. Australian warranty claims are handled through our local network, ensuring fast resolution without the delays associated with imported products requiring overseas warranty processing.

Yes, despite their high-performance design, these Toughdog remote reservoir adjustable shocks are absolutely suitable for daily driving and deliver excellent highway comfort when adjusted appropriately. The key advantage of adjustable shocks is that you can set them to a softer damping setting for daily commuting and unladen highway touring, providing a comfortable, controlled ride that's often superior to standard shocks. When you load up for a weekend trip or hook up a trailer, simply adjust the damping to a firmer setting in minutes without tools. The remote reservoir design also provides more consistent damping performance during extended highway driving by preventing heat buildup and shock fade. Many Hilux N80 owners run these shocks daily and report improved ride quality, better handling, and enhanced confidence in all driving conditions compared to standard or basic replacement shocks.