Tough Dog Suspension

From a distance, the latest Landcruiser can look like a big Toyota Kluger. But don’t be fooled: with the right equipment, the 200-Series has what it takes to tackle many of the roughest places on the face of Mother Earth.

However, when an owner rocked up with a new Sahara - finished in Pearl White metallic, leather trim and KDSS (kinetic suspension) - and then mentioned that he was a bit disappointed with the ride and handling - we were really pleased to see him. Firstly, because Tough Dog had just announced their new shock absorber and spring package for the 200-Series. Secondly, because we hadn’t driven this model with the Tough Dog stuff fitted.

The owner was happy with every aspect of the vehicle, but thought it “wallowed” under hard acceleration and heavy braking. He also felt that the body “lagged” behind the steering when driving on winding roads.

Tough Dog’s solution comprises new, better-rated, coil springs for the front and 9-position, ride-adjustable front struts and rear shocks. These struts and shocks have a beefy 40mm diameter piston head for greater control, and a much larger outer tube to ensure more heat-dispersing oil. Plus, the external adjustment knobs allow the stiffness of the ride to be altered by up to 800 per cent.

Like all of the products that come out of the Tough Dog factory, this suspension kit is the result of intensive R& D, good engineering, and top-level quality control. In fact, the company’s owner, John Agostino, went out and bought a new 200-Series - just to ensure that the design and performance of the suspension was absolutely faultless.

With everything fitted, we gave the big Toyota a real workout over a variety of suburban roads (including SPEED humps) with the gusto of an American car-chase (sorry Emanuel). Not too far from our warehouse, is a not so well-known gravely, stony, and very wobbly, test track..... Meet 'Luke Duke' and the General Lee.

The Toyota was a joy to drive, handing everything faultlessly. Like riding on Aladdin’s magic carpet - the landscape passed beneath us silently.

The owner was extremely pleased with the new level of ride, handling and steering control. And he especially liked the way the new front springs had removed most of the ‘nose-down’ appearance that the 200-Series (and many of the latest 4WDs) are born with.

At the end of the day, it was hard to give the Sahara back. It would look great with 4WD1 graphics down the sides and the tyres off our JK!

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