We bit of Tough Dog Suspension Knowledge

We bit of Tough Dog Suspension Knowledge

Posted by    Travel Outback Australia    552 Comments

Tough Dog suspension is an industry leader in innovative and quality suspension systems for just about every 4WD application. With 29 years in business, and a combined experience of over 100 years, Every Tough Dog product is researched and developed here in Australia in their Sydney based headquarters.

MAKING TRACKS SINCE 1984

Tough Dog has been “making tracks across the world” since 1984, and have grown rapidly as a result of the excellent reputation their quality gear commands. Today, Tough Dog products are sought after the world over, and the distribution network spans 28 countries around the world. With some of the harshest conditions right here in Australia to test out products, the gear that makes it to the market is a cut above the rest.

Tough Dog’s pioneering attitude to R&D has resulted in them leading the way with several unique products. The Return To Centre and the ‘SV’ adjustable steering damper are two great examples of the results of the team’s unique thinking when it comes to making the best offroad suspension system available. The hard yards, and hours perfecting their range of shocks and springs were officially recognised when the Tough Dog 41mm Foam Cell Shock was awarded first place in independent shock absorber testing by Australian 4WD Action Magazine. The Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge represents the pinnacle of Aussie 4WD competition. In 2014, Tough Dog celebrate their tenth year as the major sponsor, and continue their support of Australian Offroaders on every level.

WHY TOUGH DOG?

Setting up a 4WD suspension system isn’t all about the added gains on the tape measure. Tough Dog products are specifically designed and engineered to deliver a complete suspension solution, not only for off road clearance, but for ride quality, handling and load carrying capabilities as well.

Tough Dog suspension products provide the ability to create a tailored suspension package that can transform your vehicle, regardless of how you use it. Tough Dog have developed a product to suit just about every possible application. In most vehicles, we offer multiple shock and spring options to fine tune every aspect of a particular package as well as a range of other specialised and optional accessories.

Setting up your vehicle’s suspension can be a mine-field of pitfalls, misinformation and wrong turns. The largest consideration is always the weight carried, and it’s often the undoing of a well put together vehicle. When it comes to getting yours kitted out, it certainly pays to speak to a Tough Dog distributor to discuss your specific needs.

Shock Absorbers

Tough Dog shock absorbers are built to the highest levels of quality.

Our 41mm foam cell shock has been voted the number one shock as ‘best all-round performer’ by Australian 4WD Action magazine. If you are looking to make tracks, a set of Tough Dog shocks is exactly the place to start.

Tough Dog Nitrogen Gas shock absorbers have been designed with control and comfort in mind.

Nitro gas shocks are built with multi stage velocity sensitive valving to ensure the shock is capable of performing at any speed. As the shock moves faster to absorb small bumps in the road like corrugations, the valving in the shock responds to maintain the ride control characteristics. These shocks are perfectly suited to light and medium four wheel drives and vehicles with leaf sprung suspension.

  • 35mm Internal bore and piston with twin tube design

  • Low pressure nitrogen gas to eliminate fade for better performance and comfortable ride

  • Double chrome-plated shaft

  • High temperature, all weather fluid

  • Custom designed for each application

  • OEM or longer length shocks to suit standard or raised 4WDs for maximum articulation, comfort, safety & durability

  • 2 Year/40,000km warranty (conditions apply)

Tough Dog’s award winning Foam Cell shock is our best selling shock for all round performance. Whether you head bush on the occasional weekend or for the majority of the year, Foam Cell shocks will handle your application.

The ‘Foam Cell’ that makes all the difference is a micro-cellular foam insert that helps to drastically reduce the effects of shock fade, allowing your shocks to perform better for longer, even on the harshest of corrugations. Cavitation and Aeration are the undoing of any shock absorber. As the shock is worked harder, the oil and gas in the outer chamber begins to mix and form bubbles, lowering the viscosity of the oil. When this aerated oil passes through the valve, there is reduced resistance, stopping the shock form performing correctly. The Foam Cell insert, with its trapped gas micro cells takes up the empty space in the shock normally taken up by air or nitrogen gas. This eliminates the possibility of bubbles forming, allowing the shock to get on with the job with an unparalleled resistance to shock fade.

  • Large 41mm internal bore

  • Twin tube design

  • High temperature, all weather oil

  • 18mm, double chrome-plated rod

  • Additional welding on all studs & eyerings

  • Multi stage Velocity Sensitive Valving

  • Rod wiper seal and multi lip seal

  • Hydraulic rebound stop

  • 2 Year/40,000km warranty in 0-50mm applications. (conditions apply)

  • 1 Year/20,000km warranty in 50mm or higher applications. (conditions apply)

The 40mm adjustable shock brings the ability to fine tune your ride control to just about every 4WD user. The shock offers 9 different stages of adjustment, to fine tune the ride characteristics to your personal preference and application.

In reality, very few vehicles serve only one purpose. Most 4WD’s today are the family car, off road toy, touring escape, towing rig or tradesman’s work platform all rolled into one. We demand so much of our vehicles, and every situation will need something just a little bit different. As well as being fully adjustable, these shocks are equipped with our Foam Cell technology, minimising aeration and cavitation to maximise the shocks ability to resist fade, and perform reliably in harsh and demanding conditions. Our adjustable shocks are built tough for the Aussie outback, and incorporate an ABS plastic dust shield as well as an external dust wiper seal to protect the shock’s internals from grit which can damage the oil seals around the chrome rod. When fully extended, the shock is at its most vulnerable to damage from side load. The internal bump stop and piston rod guide ensure the shock is supported at the extremes of its travel. These tough units are available for a wide range of applications.

  • 40mm internal bore

  • 60mm external casing

  • 18mm chrome-plated rod

  • High temperature, all weather oil

  • Foam cell

  • 9 Stage external adjustment

  • Additional welding on all studs and eye rings

  • 2 year / 40,000km warranty (conditions apply)

These tough puppies are the largest bore externally adjustable shocks available on the market. There is nothing that can compare to the 45mm bore in a 70mm outer casing. This is one serious shock.

The 9 stages of adjustment mean you can control the firmness of your shocks easily, and adapt to the conditions as required. Choose a firmer ride for your highway travels, and then dial them down when it’s time to get down to business. 45mm big bore adjustables are designed for big lift applications up to six inches over factory in some vehicles. Our adjustable shocks are built tough for the Aussie outback. As well as the Foam Cell insert to combat shock fade, the 45mm adjustable also incorporate an ABS plastic dust shield as well as an external dust wiper seal to protect the shock’s internals from grit which can damage the oil seals around the chrome rod. When fully extended, the shock is at its most vulnerable to damage from side load. The internal bump stop and piston rod guide ensure the shock is supported at the extremes of its travel. Our big bore shocks also have a DU bushing fitted internally to protect the seals from damage caused by side load at full extension.

  • 45mm internal bore

  • 70mm external casing

  • 22mm chrome plated rod

  • High temperature, all weather oil

  • Foam cell technology

  • 9 Stage external adjustment

  • Additional welding on all studs and eyerings

  • 2 Year/40,000km warranty in 0-50mm applications. (conditions apply)

  • 1 Year/20,000km warranty in 50mm or higher applications. (conditions apply)

The Tough Dog ‘Ralph’ shock is the largest 4WD shock on the market. We redesigned shocks originally intended for prime movers to suit 4WD applications.

The Ralph shock has a massive 53mm bore and 22mm chrome piston rod, all housed in a 70mm casing. These big dogs carry so much oil, they will run cool over even the toughest of terrain. If you drive a fully laden off road tourer, these are the shocks for you.

  • Huge 53mm bore

  • Twin tube design

  • High temperature, all weather oil

  • 22mm double chrome-plated rod

  • Additional welding on all studs & eye rings

  • Multi stage Velocity Sensitive Valving

  • Rod wiper seal and multi lip seal

  • Hydraulic rebound stop

  • 3 Year/60,000km warranty (conditions apply)

  • Year/40,000km warranty in 100 Series IFS (conditions apply)

  • year warranty in mining applications (conditions apply)

Springs

Tough Dog springs are all designed in house, and manufactured from a range of quality materials.

Whether it’s comfort or load carrying you need, Tough Dog have a spring you can count on.

Tough Dog coil springs are designed and manufactured in Australia to exacting standards to stand up to some of the harshest conditions found anywhere in the world.

Made from German X5K spring steel, our coils can be designed with less material while maintaining superior ride quality & load carrying characteristics. The spring retains its original memory even after heavy loading. The result? A lighter, tougher coil that can handle just about anything you can throw at it.

  • Shot peened to relieve stress

  • Scragged and load tested

  • Formed on precision mandrels

  • Hot formed to maintain spring memory

  • Powder-coated for looks and corrosion resistance

  • 3 year / 60,000km warranty (up to 2”/50mm lift)

  • E height up to 6” lift available

Designed in Australia, Tough Dog leaf springs offer a spring pack for just about any application you might require. Our springs are a proven performer in any situation.

Tough Dog leaf springs are a truly progressive rate leaf spring. Each leaf is set slightly higher than the leaf above so there is contact along the whole length of each leaf. There are single stage and two stage springs available for different applications. Primary and secondary stage leaves ensure that the vehicle’s ride remains uncompromised. As the spring is compressed under load, the heavier second stage leaves come into play to prevent excessive sag & remove high stresses from the primary stage.

  • Precision mandrel & die-formed

  • Oil quenched, hardened & tempered for maximum life.

  • Military wrap for safety

  • Accurately heat-treated

  • Manufactured from high grade spring steel

  • Anti-friction pads in most applications

  • Pre-stressed to maintain ride height

  • Diamond cut ends

  • Load rate tested

  • 2 year/40,000km warranty

Tough Dog Performance 4WD Torsion Bars offer a spring rate that is approximately 30% higher than OEM bars.

This dynamic increase in spring rate eliminates hard bottoming out when travelling off road and gives better handling in street applications. They can be installed with a moderate pre-load to raise the vehicle for better clearance off road, or to revitalise the handling characteristics at the standard height. These performance-proven, easy-to-install bars are especially beneficial when oversize tyres or frontal accessories are installed. Regardless of the torsion bar used, or the accessories fitted, a minimum 60mm of suspension droop (down travel) must be maintained.

Optimise your 4WD’s ride & handling characteristics with quality torsion bars from ToughDog!

I could keep going on and on about Tough Dog Suspension with you, but all you need to know is that Tough Dog is one of the best and has stood the test of time. In closing you can either call our store to discuss options for tough dog suspension kits or select your vehicle from the vehicle selector in the top menu of the website and pick out the right suspension kit for your vehicle.