ADJUSTABLE Shocks

Hi Allein

I have Tough Dog adjustables on my 100 series.

Are they worth the extra money? - I think so.

How reliable are they? - so far I have had no issues with them (only 50 000 km though).

How easy to adjust? - Toughdogs have a small graduated dial on the bottom of the shock that has 9 levels of setting. Clockwise they get stiffer, anti clockwise they get softer. I have twisted my shocks around so the dial is more protected from stone strikes. To get to them I only have to ly along side the vehicle rather than climb under it.

Ride quality - I notice a big difference in handling on the gravel/corrugations and sand, also when towing.

Some might say damage to the adjusting dial is a negative, but you can get spares and I carry a couple in the tool box - just did 40 000 around Aus including The Cape, Oodnadatta, Simpson, Great Central Road and had no issues.

You don't adjust them every five minutes and once you have had a play with them and no what setting is best for the terrain and load, it only takes a couple of minutes to dial them up or down.

I choose the Tough Dogs because if the ease of adjustment - some of the others you have to lift the weight and twist a locking nut down - not as quick. Others you can adjust with compressors - again not as quick. Not saying they aren't as good though.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Anthony

I have Rancho RS9000s fitted to the front of the 2000 model Troopy. The settings are graduated 1-9, 1 being the softess setting I normally set them to 4 on the bitumen and raise then up to 8 (quite stiff) when crossing the Simpson desert for example then somewhere in between for other terrain. Of course the idea is to reduce the sudden rebound which inturn gives a less 'bouncey' ride. Are they worth it? I'd say yes and would use them again if they fail.
Do I really really need them Hmmmm maybe not. Once you've had them you probably wont change.
As far as the dial goes on them I just turned the 'shock' a little until it faced the rear....no worries.

Jeff

Hi,

I have used Rancho when I first started 4x4ing expecting then to be the bees knees.

Can you feel a difference when you do all the adjusting and then push up and down on the vehicle with your Saturday afternoon beer in your hand parked in your concrete driveway? (yes).
Can you feel the difference when you are climbing up and down your favourite tracks or towing your van to your favourite spots or even driving down those corrugated roads expecting these shockers to be ironing out all the bumps? (No).

Don't waste your money. If you live in the real world just buy a big set of shockers and understand that corrugations and rough roads have to be negotiated with common sense.

Regards.

Frank P thanks for that extra information

I have not decided which way to go but thanks the information is helpful

I've had Tough Dog adjustables for about 1 year now on a GQ twin cab ute. It's great having that bit of extra control over what sort of ride you are after depending on the surface you're driving on and the weight your carrying I find them to be quite comfortable. To my surprise they do help to make the vehicle more stable when you load up for a trip just by tweaking the dial up a few notches. One of the most important things that should not be overlooked is to have the correct springs to support the vehicle and the weight you'll be carrying when "loaded not empty". Don't be like a lot of people who refuse to get heavier springs because they think they will give them a harsh and unbearable ride it won't all they do is ruin their ride and turn their vehicle into an unsafe, unstable vehicle that doesn't handle and sags when loaded. Springs and shocks should work together and if you get the combination wright you'll have a stable vehicle that doesn't lean into the corners when loaded and still have a comfortable ride when empty.

I put ajustables on the Patrol and the ride was good.Ajusted them before and after the Gunnbarrel,Tanimi and half the Canning,have since run on tar.I have Tough Dog and have replaced 2,one back one front.That brand wont ever go on again.

Hi ACD1, Yes had 30 mm lift done as well,tyres deflated to correct pressures,very small load,only 2 people,not towing,rested enough,One replaced under warrenty.Still will never use again.