Tough Dog Foam Cell shocks/suspension

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

Yet to get my new Storm Blue 150, was told end June, now advised end August - not happy.

Anyway am looking at a suspension lift when I get it and am leaning towards the Tough Dog Foam Cell set up. They got a good rap in one of the 4wd mags early this year so am keen on the idea. I read on one of the threads (which I can't find again) that the rears need spacer washers to prevent them rubbing.

Does anyone have this setup on their 150 and what is their, or anyone else's opinion for that matter, regarding them

Geoff

[Guest Close Guest]

Just remember that a LOT of these magazines do "Cash for comment" make of that what you want... ;-)

I would suggest looking thru some of the other tough dog threads (120 series etc) to see what others think of them and issues that have been had in the past..

Its no secret, i am a firm non believer of them after replaing over 27 under warranty in our fleet...

Buyer beware, do your homework....

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

Bilstein.

[leachy_9 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close leachy_9]

Don't ruin a good car with crap suspension.

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

Thanks for your comments guys, yes I know what you mean about "cash for comment". I was looking mainly at the test rig results graph not the verbal stuff that is sprouted.
I am swayed towards the Bilsteins, I just worry about the single tube construction. One dint and it is history. However having said that they seem pretty popular throughout the forum.

[craigm Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close craigm]

I am swayed towards the Bilsteins, I just worry about the single tube construction. One dint and it is history.

Funny I got the exact same comment from an ARB Rep when he was (as he should, he's a salesman) comparing their OME "twin tube" suspension with the "inferior" monotube Bilsteins. Talk to someone who installs Bilsteins all the time and ask them how many damaged shocks from dints / stones they have had to replace etc... Then the Bilstein guy will go and tell you that the Bisteins being mono tube instead of a twin tube, have the ability to dissipate heat quicker, avoiding possible shock fade. It's mostly all sales talk.... Have a good read through the suspension threads and you will get the real picture... Good luck.

[Keeper Member Find all posts View Profile Close Keeper]

Theres another article you may find interesting in the latest release 4WD Action magazine (# 165) that has a shock absorber comparo - nine shocks tested (Raw, Terrain Tamer, TJM, Bilstein, Rancho, Old Man Emu, Tough Dog, Ultimate Suspension and Koni). In a nutshell their results had the Tough Dog 41mm foam cell as the best overall shock, with the Terrain Tamer most affordable all rounder and Bilstein B6 offraods best handling shock. Like you I am looking at the options, leaning toward Bilsteins; they get some good reviews and seem to be pretty solid performers based on feedback on PP. Like Piggy highlighted - cuation with the mags - its all about product placement and advertising as well.

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

I have the Tough Dog springs with Bilsteins shocks and I am happy with them. I see you are in the east of Melb. If you are anyware near Langwarrin send me a PM and you can take mine for a spin and see what you think.

I was advised that I should only get Bilstein shocks as they are rebuildable and have a reputation for being the best.

[Schniff Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schniff]

Ask Darren McRae what he thinks of Tough Dogs LOL!
I have Bilsteins and had them on a Pajero previously, wouldn't bother with anything else except for some of the high end stuff for the US which you will pay a lot more for. Search the net for Tough Dog problems and you will find a lot. Do the same for Bilstein and you will struggle to find much if any.

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

Thanks Schniff will do that (re tough dog probs), sounds like the general consensus is the TD's are not that good.. Will look more closely at the Bilsteins and send smakb a pm.

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

I raced off road buggies with bilsteins and never had one dented bad enough that it needed to be replaced. Snapped lots of tops off them though

Same with escort rally cars. Never dinted but snapped the tops except when turretted.

I always thought that bilstein had a patent on the way their valving worked which was why they performed so well. Perhaps I am living in the past.

Maybe Darren or Piggy might know?

[wooley Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close wooley]

fox shox! or bilsteins. haven't received prado yet so haven't been able to test out either on it, but from past experience, they're the best you'll find.

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

Went and had a look at smakb's ride today, thanks for the offer and the drive and the chat smakb, was very much appriciated. With what you have (TS springs & Bilsteins) I was very impressed.

Wooley, fox shocks would be fantastic, but there is a limit to the budget!!

Am going even more crazy looking at various web sites. Couple of sites mentioned Bilsteins pulling off the eyes and could be attributed to the smaller diameter eye. I don't know, just stating what I read. Have also found many sites regarding the Td's. Equally good and bad. It' all getting too much!!!

Another shock to think about are the Edelbrocks' they are only marginally more expensive than the Bilsteins.

Think I might just go back to the old Rancho 5000's. Had them on my old GQ coil cab which was just over 4T when fully loaded with camper on the back. Did 2 trips down the canning, across the Anne Bedell (if you want corrugations try the section between Emu and Mabel Creek), all around the top end up and down the west coast etc. Not one problem

Still looking for opinions and feed back, all comments welcome

Geoff

[150gxl Member Find all posts View Profile Close 150gxl]

Theres another article you may find interesting in the latest release 4WD Action magazine (# 165) that has a shock absorber comparo - nine shocks tested (Raw, Terrain Tamer, TJM, Bilstein, Rancho, Old Man Emu, Tough Dog, Ultimate Suspension and Koni). In a nutshell their results had the Tough Dog 41mm foam cell as the best overall shock, with the Terrain Tamer most affordable all rounder and Bilstein B6 offraods best handling shock. ...... Like Piggy highlighted - cuation with the mags - its all about product placement and advertising as well.

Hmmm Well I'm a bit of a Koni fan here - I'll grab the mag and see what they didn't like about Konis.
Does anyone have comment on them?

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

G'day 150gxl

my 2 bob's worth, I had Konis on my 2000 model 90 and both fronts started leaking (was on a Cape trip), also on a Canning trip a guy in a 100 series totally blew both is rears. The good thing about them is that they are re-buildable (is there such a word).
In reality my only reservation is the price imo they are like ARB stuff you are paying for the name, maybe I am just a cynic?? At the end of the day they are a good shock and seem to resist fading well.

regards
footoo