Tough dog review thread (1 Viewer)

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Installed my 41 foam / 45mm adjustable TD setup with the 949L "gold" springs, as well as diff drop and extended drop links, over the weekend. Install went pretty smooth, just need to make sure you've got a 15/16" ratcheting wrench for the nylock top nut on the TD shocks. Also, when I went to fit the front shocks, the fit of the TD shock in the lower shock mount was pretty tight.

Ride is pretty firm/sporty; however, my rig is super-lightweight compared to most of the built rigs on this forum. Overall, I'm happy with the new setup, but I'm comparing them to 180K+, 14 year old shocks. Post lift fender to center cap measurements are 21.75" front and 23.25" rear.

Another big thumbs up for Jason's customer service, more specifically, his willingness to answer a bunch of questions about my particular needs/setup.

Thanks,
Jon

IMG_6544.jpg
 
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Hi guys, i want to know is it fine to remove the plastic cover that covers the rod on the shock absorber?
It keeps on falling off
 
Officially on the hunt for a 2-3in complete kit. Stock weight / comfort variable springs. would also love a RTC steering damper. Where is the best place to get a set in the USA?
 
bryce0225 said:
Officially on the hunt for a 2-3in complete kit. Stock weight / comfort variable springs. would also love a RTC steering damper. Where is the best place to get a set in the USA?
Click to expand...

@TRAIL TAILOR

www.trail-tailor.com

Featured Products

Custom Fabrication for Toyota Land Cruisers and Specialty Reproduction Products for Geriatric Cruisers
www.trail-tailor.com

(The kits/parts are not directly listed on the website. Direct message on the forum, email, or call, and he will get you taken care of.)

I think you’re SOL on a steering damper for an IFS 100 series.
 
jLB said:
@TRAIL TAILOR

www.trail-tailor.com

Featured Products

Custom Fabrication for Toyota Land Cruisers and Specialty Reproduction Products for Geriatric Cruisers
www.trail-tailor.com

(The kits/parts are not directly listed on the website. Direct message on the forum, email, or call, and he will get you taken care of.)

I think you’re SOL on a steering damper for an IFS 100 series.
Click to expand...
ive been trying to DM @TRAIL TAILOR but no response. Luckily I’m looking for the 1993 HDJ80. I’ll keep trying. Thanks!
 
I tried him last week but never got a reply. IDK He may be traveling.
 
Hey anyone have the smaller front TD's that is looking to move up to the 54mm Ralphs?

I think my front bumper (TJM) and Warn M8000 isn't heavy enough to require the bigger shock. I'd be interested in a straight swap with someone if they are running a heavier bumper (ARB, SLEE, etc) and/or a heavier winch setup.

I'd also consider a set of foam cells from Ironman. I really love these shocks and won't get rid of them, but think I'm around 100 lbs light in the front for the Ralphs and would like to try out the smaller tube. I have 5k on them.
 
AlpineAccess said:
Hey anyone have the smaller front TD's that is looking to move up to the 54mm Ralphs?

I think my front bumper (TJM) and Warn M8000 isn't heavy enough to require the bigger shock. I'd be interested in a straight swap with someone if they are running a heavier bumper (ARB, SLEE, etc) and/or a heavier winch setup.

I'd also consider a set of foam cells from Ironman. I really love these shocks and won't get rid of them, but think I'm around 100 lbs light in the front for the Ralphs and would like to try out the smaller tube. I have 5k on them.
Click to expand...
PM just sent
 
Hi all, new member here from Australia with a newly purchased V8 100 series. Looking at options for a lift which still maintains some of the smoothness and comfort of the cruiser. I have read OME is quite harsh so trying to stay away from those. I have an alloy bullbar on the front but will eventually go for ARB bar, side rails and steps. I don't tend to load up the car that much apart from a fridge and some camping gear. I use the car around town, for camping trips to the beach and some rocky-type terrain - not planning to do many long drives at speed on gravel/washboard so the Ralph's seem like overkill.

I have been doing a fair bit of research on these TD shocks and it seems like 95% of reviews coming out of the US say they are very good bang for buck. That doesn't seem to be the case over here in Australia where most people don't rate them highly at all. I find this really weird - how can they be so different? It really has me torn on what to go for. To be honest, half the people writing the bad reviews are from Facebook and "they're s***" is about the extent of their knowledge so it makes it hard to compare.

Are there any other Aussies around who have these and can comment? Appreciate your thoughts. Looks like a great forum and looking forward to getting involved.
 
Last edited:
lazwa said:
Hi all, new member here from Australia with a newly purchased V8 100 series. Looking at options for a lift which still maintains some of the smoothness and comfort of the cruiser. I have read OME is quite harsh so trying to stay away from those. I have an alloy bullbar on the front but will eventually go for ARB bar, side rails and steps. I don't tend to load up the car that much apart from a fridge and some camping gear. I use the car around town, for camping trips to the beach and some rocky-type terrain - not planning to do many long drives at speed on gravel/washboard so the Ralph's seem like overkill.

I have been doing a fair bit of research on these TD shocks and it seems like 95% of reviews coming out of the US say they are very good bang for buck. That doesn't seem to be the case over here in Australia where most people don't rate them highly at all. I find this really weird - how can they be so different? It really has me torn on what to go for. To be honest, half the people writing the bad reviews are from Facebook and "they're s***" is about the extent of their knowledge so it makes it hard to compare.

Are there any other Aussies around who have these and can comment? Appreciate your thoughts. Looks like a great forum and looking forward to getting involved.
Click to expand...



Now u got me thinking also I want to get TG what do Aussie run out there
 
Looking for a
jon91581 said:
Installed my 41 foam / 45mm adjustable TD setup with the 949L "gold" springs, as well as diff drop and extended drop links, over the weekend. Install went pretty smooth, just need to make sure you've got a 15/16" ratcheting wrench for the nylock top nut on the TD shocks. Also, when I went to fit the front shocks, the fit of the TD shock in the lower shock mount was pretty tight.

Ride is pretty firm/sporty; however, my rig is super-lightweight compared to most of the built rigs on this forum. Overall, I'm happy with the new setup, but I'm comparing them to 180K+, 14 year old shocks. Post lift fender to center cap measurements are 21.75" front and 23.25" rear.

Another big thumbs up for Jason's customer service, more specifically, his willingness to answer a bunch of questions about my particular needs/setup.

Thanks,
Jon

View attachment 2456176
Click to expand...
Looks great! How are you liking it now that you’ve had the setup for few months? I’m looking for a 2” TD lift and have reached out to Jason but haven’t heard from him yet. Any other TD vendors on the forum?
 
I’ve been running the Tough Dog 3in kit from Trail Tailor on my HDJ80 for about 4 months now. i daily drive in LA, we have done a few thousand miles of highway, hundreds of miles of washboard and gravel, and some flexy wheeling. I have been extremely happy with its performance. Everything we have thrown at it, it has soaked up beautifully. The faster I go over potholes and ruts, the smoother it gets. Plus it looks good and sits level.

I ran OME on my old 80 and i can attest that the tough dog is most more comfortable. The springs are not as stiff and its much more comfortable day to day.

All in all, I highly recommend this setup. It super beefy and strong, performs better than anything I’ve seen for the price point, and looks great. 5/5

A5ECD923-2723-459F-B360-B9AD69D0F9DB.jpeg
9C70AF46-2344-4B01-9F4E-9DAC9CB8E999.jpeg
 
I have not read the full thread, but I got the full tuff dog kit from Trail Tailor back in 2016, I think, and I remain very very happy with it.
forum.ih8mud.com

Anyone not happy with Tough Dog or Iron Man lift?

I’m new to the LC100 family after having a ‘98 Montero on 31s with a rear locker, a ‘97 TJ on 33s, and an ‘08 JKUR on 35s. '99 LC by RMKRubicon posted Jul 16, 2018 at 10:56 AM I bought in from the original owner with 220k miles. I'm not at all concerned about the mileage. I've already done a...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
 
Hi guys, -Help, I’m going mad..!!
So, I’m in Aust.. TD website only lists a 30mm lift kit option..
I called them, and they said that’s it..!!
-I’m like, But, but, the guys on mud are getting….??!!

This 02 100 is a wheeler 90% of the time (seriously).. I’m building it to keep up with my ever increasing boldness at places like Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Landcruiser Mountain..

It’s twin locked, cranked torsions, and 2” spacer in rear, on 33” MT.. I need max lift, but still ok flex.. I hope to get 35” on, or ideally 34” with a bit of a body lift.. But right Now I need a 2” (50mm”) or better if possible lift, and it seems impossible..
I’ve called all the places and it’s a brick wall..!!

Weight would be a healthy medium.. approx 350kg to 400kg depend if in day tripping or camping on the fly trackside.. Driving to keep with the Patrols and 80s..

Pls help..!! What’s the go with this Tough Dog 30mm only deal..??
:)
 
I run TD shocks with OME springs.
 
CantFly said:
Hi guys, -Help, I’m going mad..!!
So, I’m in Aust.. TD website only lists a 30mm lift kit option..
I called them, and they said that’s it..!!
-I’m like, But, but, the guys on mud are getting….??!!

This 02 100 is a wheeler 90% of the time (seriously).. I’m building it to keep up with my ever increasing boldness at places like Glasshouse, Kenilworth, Landcruiser Mountain..

It’s twin locked, cranked torsions, and 2” spacer in rear, on 33” MT.. I need max lift, but still ok flex.. I hope to get 35” on, or ideally 34” with a bit of a body lift.. But right Now I need a 2” (50mm”) or better if possible lift, and it seems impossible..
I’ve called all the places and it’s a brick wall..!!

Weight would be a healthy medium.. approx 350kg to 400kg depend if in day tripping or camping on the fly trackside.. Driving to keep with the Patrols and 80s..

Pls help..!! What’s the go with this Tough Dog 30mm only deal..??
:)
Click to expand...
@TRAIL TAILOR..?
 
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