Tough Dog 40mm Suspension Lift Kit – Isuzu D-MAX RT50/RT85 (2012–2019) | Advanced 4x4

Tough Dog Isuzu D-MAX RT50/RT85 (2012–2019) Complete 40mm Suspension Lift Kit

The Tough Dog Isuzu D-MAX (2012–2019) 40mm Suspension Kit is designed to transform the ride of Isuzu’s most famous workhorse. The RT50/RT85 D-MAX is known for being slightly “bouncy” in the rear when empty and prone to sagging under canopy, towing, or constant load — a combination that Tough Dog’s progressive leaf spring design and massive 41mm Bore Foam Cell Shocks address directly. This kit levels the vehicle’s rake and delivers the stability needed for high-speed gravel travel, heavy towing, and serious overlanding.

The Foam Cell technology eliminates shock fade by using a microcellular foam insert to prevent oil and gas from mixing — ensuring your suspension performs consistently in the harshest South African heat, from the Karoo to the Kalahari.

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🔧 Kit Components & Technical Specs

• Lift Height: Approximately 40mm
• Front Shocks: 2x 41mm Bore Foam Cell Shock Absorbers (optional: 9-stage adjustable units for varying loads)
• Rear Shocks: 2x 41mm Bore Foam Cell Shock Absorbers (optional: 9-stage adjustable units for varying loads)
• Front Springs: High-tensile Coil Springs — matched to your load: No Bar, Bullbar, or Winch setups
• Rear Springs: Multi-leaf Spring Packs — Comfort, 300kg Constant, or 500kg Constant Load options
• High-tensile Steel U-Bolts
• Polyurethane Shackle Bush Kit
• Transmission Spacer Kit — where required to eliminate post-lift driveline shudder
• Approx. Shipping Weight: 82kg – 98kg
• Package Dimensions (L×W×H): 1.2m × 0.5m × 0.4m
• SKU: TD-DMAX-1219-KT (configuration dependent)

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🚗 Why Upgrade Your 2012–2019 D-MAX?

This generation of D-MAX is a staple for South African overlanders, farmers, and fleet operators alike — but the factory suspension is a known weak point. The Tough Dog kit delivers a “firm but fair” ride that keeps the vehicle level when towing, ensures the front end remains stable under heavy braking, and is a critical upgrade for anyone fitting a canopy or carrying regular loads in the load bin.

• ✅ 40mm lift — corrected rake and improved ground clearance for trails and gravel roads
• ✅ Eliminates rear bounce — progressive leaf spring rates smooth out the empty-load “bouncy” feel
• ✅ Prevents sag under load — 300kg or 500kg Constant Load rear options handle canopies and towing safely
• ✅ Stable under heavy braking — firmer front coil rates reduce nose-dive and improve driver confidence
• ✅ Foam Cell shock technology — microcellular foam prevents oil/gas mixing for fade-free performance in extreme heat
• ✅ Transmission Spacer Kit included — eliminates post-lift driveline shudder where required
• ✅ Optional 9-stage adjustable shocks — ideal for D-MAX owners who switch between empty daily driving and heavy touring loads

Tip: A Tough Dog Heavy-Duty Steering Damper is recommended for D-MAX models running larger tyres or heavy front-end accessories — it significantly reduces steering wheel feedback and kickback on rough terrain. Ask our team for details and pricing.

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🛡️ Warranty & Fitment Requirements

This kit includes a 4-Year / Unlimited Kilometre Recreational Warranty — strictly activated through professional installation.

• Approved Fitment: Advanced 4x4 Branch in Strand, any authorised Tough Dog fitment centre, or an RMI-accredited workshop
• Warranty Integrity: Must be fitted by a qualified technician with the odometer reading recorded on the fitment invoice at time of installation
• Price Excludes: Fitment and wheel alignment. Contact us to book your installation at our Strand branch

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⭐ Why Choose Tough Dog for the D-MAX?

Tough Dog is a recognised Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM), with components certified to handle increased Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) without compromising roadworthiness or legal compliance. Their 2012–2019 D-MAX kit is one of the most thoroughly tested and refined suspension solutions available for this platform — trusted by farmers, overlanders, and fleet operators across Southern Africa for over a decade.

At Advanced 4x4, we stock the full Tough Dog D-MAX range and can advise on the correct spring load rating, optional 9-stage adjustable shocks, steering damper upgrades, and fitment bookings at our Strand RMI workshop.

⏳ Lead Time: Please allow 14 business days for production/sourcing if stock is not immediately available.