The Tough Dog Suspension Lift Kit for Nissan Patrol MQ/MK delivers proven outback performance with selectable spring rates, nitrogen gas shock absorbers, and heavy-duty hardware engineered for Australia's toughest conditions. Designed specifically for the legendary Patrol platform, this complete 4WD lift kit includes front and rear leaf springs with comfort, medium, or constant load options to match your exact payload requirements. Backed by Tough Dog's Australian engineering heritage, comprehensive warranty, and in stock now with fast nationwide dispatch from 4WD Suspension Australia.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Nissan Patrol Mq/Mk using our parts finder.
| Make | Model | Series | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Patrol | MQ | 1980-1987 | Petrol/Diesel |
| Nissan | Patrol | MK | 1980-1987 | Petrol/Diesel |
Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Contact our suspension experts for personalised fitment advice or browse all suspension parts for the Nissan Patrol using our vehicle selector.
Selecting the correct spring rate is critical for optimal ride quality and component longevity. Your spring choice should be based on the constant accessory weight you carry permanently fitted to your Patrol — not occasional loads. For the front, account for accessories like bull bars, winches, dual battery systems, upgraded intercoolers, and steel bonnet protection. Rear constant loads include drawer systems, dual spare wheels, long-range fuel tanks, rear bar replacements, and permanently mounted canopies or trays. Comfort springs suit minimal accessories (under 50kg per axle), Medium springs handle moderate setups (50-100kg), while Constant Load springs are designed for heavy permanent accessories (100kg+). Occasional towing and camping gear should not influence your spring selection — if you regularly tow, consider pairing this kit with airbag suspension for adjustable load support.
Professional installation by a qualified 4WD suspension specialist is strongly recommended for this complete lift kit. The installation process involves removing existing leaf springs, shocks, and associated hardware, then fitting the new Tough Dog components with correct torque specifications and ride height verification. A full wheel alignment is mandatory after installation to ensure correct caster, camber and toe settings — failure to align may result in premature tyre wear and compromised handling. Allow a 500-1000km break-in period for leaf springs to settle and bushings to seat properly before final ride height assessment. For Patrol MQ/MK models with significant lift or heavy front accessories, consider upgrading to heavy-duty steering dampers to eliminate front-end shimmy and improve steering control on corrugated roads.
Tough Dog has earned its reputation as Australia's number one 4WD suspension brand through decades of proven performance in the harshest conditions on earth. Every component is engineered specifically for Australian vehicles and Australian conditions, with extensive outback testing from the Tanami Track to the Canning Stock Route. Backed by comprehensive warranty coverage and trusted by professional tour operators, mining fleets, and serious four-wheel drive tourers nationwide, Tough Dog delivers the perfect balance of durability, ride quality and value. Explore the complete Toughdog suspension range for complementary steering, brake and chassis upgrades.
This Tough Dog lift kit is ideal for Nissan Patrol MQ/MK owners who demand reliable off-road performance, improved load capacity, and long-term durability. Whether you're a grey nomad touring Australia with a caravan, a tradesperson carrying heavy tools and equipment daily, or a weekend adventurer exploring remote tracks, this kit delivers the suspension performance your classic Patrol needs. Caravan towers will particularly benefit from the constant load rear spring options that eliminate squat and maintain safe handling geometry under heavy tongue weights. For maximum towing versatility and on-demand load support, pair this leaf spring kit with an airbag suspension system for the ultimate load-carrying setup.
All Tough Dog components are in stock at 4WD Suspension Australia with fast dispatch to every corner of the country. Our suspension specialists are available to help you select the perfect spring rates and answer any technical questions about your Patrol MQ/MK build. Order with confidence knowing you're getting genuine Australian-engineered suspension backed by expert support and comprehensive warranty coverage. Browse our full lift kit range or contact us today to transform your classic Patrol's capability.
Yes, this Tough Dog suspension kit (SKU 9137) is specifically engineered for Nissan Patrol MQ and MK series models manufactured between 1980-1987. The kit fits both petrol and diesel engine variants across these series. The leaf spring dimensions, shock mounting points, and U-bolt specifications are designed to match the original Patrol chassis configuration. If you've made significant modifications to your Patrol or are unsure about your exact model series, we recommend contacting our team for confirmation before ordering.
This Tough Dog kit typically provides 2-3 inches (50-75mm) of lift depending on your current vehicle condition, existing accessory weight, and selected spring rates. Heavily worn original suspension may see greater improvement, while vehicles with minimal accessories and comfort springs will sit at the lower end of the range. Constant load springs under heavy accessory weight will compress more, potentially reducing overall lift height. Final ride height is also influenced by factors like leaf spring settlement over the first 1000km and the weight distribution of your specific build.
This complete kit includes front and rear Tough Dog nitrogen gas shock absorbers, heavy-duty front and rear leaf springs with your choice of load rating, complete front and rear spring bush kits, and all necessary U-bolts with hardware. You'll receive everything needed to replace your existing suspension system with upgraded Tough Dog components. Note that items like extended brake lines, differential drop spacers, upgraded control arms, or steering dampers are not included and may be required depending on your specific lift height and vehicle modifications.
Absolutely — this kit is excellent for towing when you select the appropriate spring rates. The constant load rear spring option is specifically designed for heavy towing applications and significantly reduces rear squat when hauling caravans up to 3500kg. The upgraded nitrogen gas shocks provide superior damping control under variable loads, improving stability and reducing body roll during cornering. For ultimate towing versatility, many Patrol owners pair this leaf spring kit with airbag suspension, allowing on-demand adjustment for different loads. Always ensure your spring selection matches your constant accessory weight rather than occasional towing loads.
Control arm upgrades are not typically essential for the 2-3 inch lift provided by this kit on MQ/MK Patrols, as these models use leaf spring suspension front and rear with less geometry change than independent systems. However, if you're experiencing worn bushings, ball joints, or want to further improve wheel alignment adjustability and off-road articulation, upgraded control arms can be beneficial. If you plan to run larger tyres or conduct serious off-road touring, quality control arms will enhance durability and handling. Our team can assess your specific requirements and recommend whether control arm upgrades would benefit your particular build.
Yes, a full four-wheel alignment is absolutely mandatory after installing this lift kit. Changing suspension components alters your Patrol's caster, camber, and toe settings, which directly affects tyre wear, steering response, and vehicle safety. Driving without proper alignment will cause rapid and uneven tyre wear, poor handling characteristics, and potential steering wander. Book your alignment with a qualified 4WD suspension specialist who understands lifted vehicle geometry and can verify all settings are within manufacturer specifications. Re-check alignment after the initial 500-1000km break-in period as leaf springs settle into their final ride height.
Yes, and in fact you should select spring rates independently for front and rear based on your actual constant accessory weight on each axle. Most Patrol builds have different weight distributions — for example, a heavy bull bar and winch up front might require constant load front springs, while a lighter rear setup could use medium or even comfort springs if you don't carry permanent rear accessories. During the ordering process, carefully assess what weight you carry permanently on each axle, excluding occasional loads like camping gear or towing. Selecting incorrect (too stiff) spring rates will result in harsh ride quality and potential damage to other suspension components.
This 2-3 inch lift will provide clearance for moderately larger tyres compared to stock, though exact fitment depends on your current tyre size, wheel offset, and any body modifications. Most MQ/MK Patrols can accommodate 31-32 inch tyres with this lift height without significant body trimming, though wheel offset and backspacing play critical roles. Larger tyres (33+ inches) may require additional modifications like guard trimming, body lifts, or offset wheels. We recommend test-fitting your desired tyre and wheel combination at full suspension compression and steering lock before committing to purchase, as individual vehicle configurations vary significantly.
Tough Dog provides comprehensive warranty coverage on all components in this kit, reflecting their confidence in Australian engineering and manufacturing quality. Specific warranty terms vary by component type (shocks, springs, hardware) and are detailed in the documentation included with your kit. Warranty coverage typically requires professional installation, proper vehicle application, and normal use conditions. Keep all installation receipts and documentation for warranty claims. As an authorised Tough Dog dealer, 4WD Suspension Australia fully supports all warranty claims and can assist with any issues that arise during your ownership.
Yes, this kit is absolutely suitable for daily driving when you select the appropriate spring rates for your load. Comfort and medium spring options deliver surprisingly refined on-road manners for unladen or lightly loaded Patrols, with controlled body roll and comfortable ride quality on highways and urban roads. The nitrogen gas shocks provide consistent damping without harshness over bumps and expansion joints. Constant load springs will feel firmer when unladen but provide excellent control when loaded to their design weight. Thousands of Patrol owners across Australia use Tough Dog suspension daily for commuting, highway touring, and weekend off-road adventures with excellent results.
Proper Kit for Serious Outback Work
Been running this Tough Dog lift kit on my MK through the Simpson and up through the Kimberley for the past eight months and it's handled everything I've thrown at it. The ride quality loaded up with water, fuel and recovery gear is miles better than the old setup, and the shocks are still working perfectly despite the constant corrugations. Fitment was spot-on with no dramas during install, which says a lot about the engineering that's gone into this kit.(5)
Perfect Setup for Our Family Adventures
Fitted this Tough Dog lift kit to our old MK Patrol before our last trip down the Murray and the difference is night and day. The ride quality is so much better than the old sagging springs, even with the camper trailer and all the kids' gear loaded up. Really impressed with how well-engineered the whole kit is for these classic Patrols – everything bolted up perfectly and it's sitting nice and level now.(5)
Perfect for Remote Outback Work
Finally upgraded the old MQ with this Tough Dog lift kit and it's completely transformed how it handles the rough tracks out past Birdsville. The heavy-duty leaf springs soak up corrugations way better than the worn-out factory setup, and the shocks are holding up brilliantly under constant punishment from creek crossings and rocky sections. Fitment was spot-on with everything lining up properly, which saved hours during installation.(5)
Perfect Upgrade for Our Family Camping Rig
Finally got this Tough Dog lift kit fitted to our old MK Patrol and couldn't be happier with how it's transformed the truck. The ride quality is significantly better than the worn-out factory suspension, especially when loaded up with camping gear and the kids' bikes on the back. We've done a few trips out to the High Country since the install and the improved ground clearance has made a real difference on the rougher tracks. Well worth the investment for anyone doing regular family touring.(5)
Perfect for daily work and weekend trips
Fitted this Tough Dog lift kit to my old MQ about three months back and it's been brilliant for carting tools and gear around work sites during the week. The ride quality is heaps better than the old setup, even when loaded up with materials. Had it out on the tracks a few times now and the handling is confidence-inspiring, no dramas at all.(5)
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