The Tough Dog Isuzu D-MAX (2012β2019) 40mm Suspension Kit is designed to transform the ride of Isuzuβs most famous workhorse. The RT50/RT85 D-MAX is known for being slightly βbouncyβ in the rear when empty and prone to sagging under canopy, towing, or constant load β a combination that Tough Dogβs progressive leaf spring design and massive 41mm Bore Foam Cell Shocks address directly. This kit levels the vehicleβs 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 β ensuring your suspension performs consistently in the harshest South African heat, from the Karoo to the Kalahari.
π§ 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 β matched to your load: No Bar, Bullbar, or Winch setups
Rear Springs: Multi-leaf Spring Packs β Comfort, 300kg Constant, or 500kg Constant Load options
High-tensile Steel U-Bolts
Polyurethane Shackle Bush Kit
Transmission Spacer Kit β where required to eliminate post-lift driveline shudder
This generation of D-MAX is a staple for South African overlanders, farmers, and fleet operators alike β but the factory suspension is a known weak point. The Tough Dog kit delivers a βfirm but fairβ 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.
β 40mm lift β corrected rake and improved ground clearance for trails and gravel roads
β Eliminates rear bounce β progressive leaf spring rates smooth out the empty-load βbouncyβ feel
β Prevents sag under load β 300kg or 500kg Constant Load rear options handle canopies and towing safely
β Stable under heavy braking β firmer front coil rates reduce nose-dive and improve driver confidence
β Foam Cell shock technology β microcellular foam prevents oil/gas mixing for fade-free performance in extreme heat
β Transmission Spacer Kit included β eliminates post-lift driveline shudder where required
β Optional 9-stage adjustable shocks β 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 β it significantly reduces steering wheel feedback and kickback on rough terrain. Ask our team for details and pricing.
π‘οΈ Warranty & Fitment Requirements
This kit includes a 4-Year / Unlimited Kilometre Recreational Warranty β 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
β 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 2012β2019 D-MAX kit is one of the most thoroughly tested and refined suspension solutions available for this platform β 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.
β³ Lead Time: Please allow 14 business days for production/sourcing if stock is not immediately available.
I love the table however there are a few design and productions issues that require improvements. Firstly it is advertised as a no drill installation but the backing plate has no holes and there is no template provided so you have to make a template off the rear door in order to mark the holes on the backing plate in order to drill the holes to be able to mount. I had to pay an installer who used an existing table off another Jimny as a template for the holes, without a template of sorts it's a nightmare.
I also recommend plastic or teflon washers be provided for the bottom where it hinges so that the bolts don't scrape away the powder coating when opening and closing, then the adjustable mount which aids levelling either needs to be redesigned entirely or teflon or plastic spacers need to be provided as when you open and close it pivots on the mounting bolt substantially which will eventually weaken and break.
Like i said, the table is really nice, it provides a really large workspace and the fact it's aluminium makes it light and rust resistant.
You just need to pay attention to a few improvements.
Hands down, one of the strongest Jeep bumpers on the market.
This isnβt just some thin steel coverβitβs a real, heavy-duty bumper built for proper off-roading. Iβve seen so many of these on Jeeps over the years, and now having one on my own rig, I couldn't be happier with the quality and strength. Highly recommended
Hands down, one of the strongest Jeep bumpers on the market.
This isnβt just some thin steel coverβitβs a real, heavy-duty bumper built for proper off-roading. Iβve seen so many of these on Jeeps over the years, and now having one on my own rig, I couldn't be happier with the quality and strength. Highly recommended
