Added payload
up to +859kg
extra legal GVM (LC300)
Authorised dealer & fitter
Tough Dog GVM Upgrade
Carry more, safely and legally, with a Tough Dog GVM upgrade, supplied, fitted and certified at our Kotara workshop. Keep your accessories, touring setup and towing safe, capable and compliant.
Authorised dealer and fitter of Tough Dog GVM kits: supplied, fitted and certification coordinated under one roof.
GVM available
up to 4139kg
model dependent (LC300)
Tough Dog experience
40+ yrs
recognised SSM
Compliance
ADR compliant
supplied & fitted
Why Tough Dog
Built tough, tested hard, certified for the load.
As a recognised Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM), Tough Dog Suspension develops and federally certifies suspension components to raise your Gross Vehicle Mass safely and legally. More than 40 years of heavy-duty 4×4 engineering goes into every kit, backed by a rigorous testing programme.
- 01
40+ years, recognised SSM
Four decades building heavy-duty 4×4 suspension, with federally certified components engineered to raise your GVM the right way.
- 02
Rigorously tested
Finite Element Analysis for axle capacity, brake testing (laden, unladen and partial-failure) to ADR 35/00, and ESC testing where it is required.
- 03
Two certification pathways
Pre-registration federal approval with an additional compliance plate, or post-registration state engineering for a vehicle already on the road.
Tough Dog · Built for the load
Why upgrade
The benefits of a Tough Dog GVM upgrade
What a certified Tough Dog GVM upgrade actually delivers, on the road and off it.
Increased payload
Carry more legally: tools, camping gear, fridges, rooftop tents, drawers, long-range tanks, passengers and more.
ADR compliance
Federally certified through Tough Dog’s Second Stage Manufacturer approval and compliant with the Australian Design Rules (ADR 35/00).
Certified engineering
Proven with Finite Element Analysis and laden, unladen and partial-failure brake testing for durability and reliability under load.
Balance & safety
ESC testing where required keeps braking, steering and stability performing to original or better standards under the higher load.
Ride height
Maintain or increase ride height to suit heavy accessories and constant loads, for safe clearance and correct suspension geometry.
Handling
Enhanced control under load: reduced body roll, improved steering and more stable braking, even at maximum GVM.
Load carrying
Certified to carry more, legally, for trade, fleet or touring, without compromising safety.
Comfort
A complete, matched spring and shock package delivers a stable, predictable ride even when fully loaded, reducing fatigue on long hauls.
Tough Dog GVM Upgrade Explained
A complete GVM upgrade kit, matched to your new rating
As towing and load-carrying rules tightened, the GVM upgrade became essential to staying compliant and protecting your insurance. Here is what a Tough Dog GVM upgrade kit includes and what actually changes on your 4WD. Note this is a GVM upgrade, not a GCM upgrade.
Every vehicle leaves the factory with a built-in safety margin, and a GVM upgrade encroaches on it. Tough Dog engineers its GVM kits as a complete, matched package, with springs to carry the load and shocks to control it, then proves them through Finite Element Analysis, brake testing to ADR 35/00 and ESC testing where required, so the finished upgrade keeps an excellent safety margin under both heavy and light loads.
What a GVM upgrade actually changes
- Springs, which carry the load
- Shock absorbers, which control the load
- Sometimes wheels, tyres and braking, depending on the rating
The loads it has to account for
- Front axle load and rear axle load
- Roof load, on-road and off-road
- Tow-ball load and trailer weight
What is in the kit
A complete, matched spring and shock package built for your new GVM rather than a one-size lift.
Matched spring & shock package
A complete GVM upgrade kit engineered as one, front and rear, for your vehicle’s new rating.
Heavy-duty coil & leaf springs
Coil and leaf springs rated to the new GVM, so the vehicle sits and carries the way it should.
Matched Tough Dog shocks
Heavy-duty damping matched to the heavier sprung mass for control under load and off-road.
Additional compliance plate
Your new, higher GVM recorded on an additional compliance plate as part of a certified upgrade.
Brake & reinforcement provisions
Braking upgrades and strengthened mounts included where the engineering calls for them.
FEA, brake & ESC tested
Validated through Finite Element Analysis, ADR 35/00 brake testing and ESC testing where required.
Fitment guide
Tough Dog GVM kits suitable for your 4×4
Every Tough Dog application we supply and fit, grouped by make, tap a make to see the payload gain and upgraded GVM for each model. Payload gains and final ratings vary by build and pathway; we confirm the exact kit and rating for your vehicle.
Toyota 6 models
| Model / Series | Payload gain | Upgraded GVM |
|---|---|---|
| LandCruiser 300 Series | +859 kg | 4139 kg |
| LandCruiser 200 Series | +500 kg | 3850 kg |
| LandCruiser 79 Series | +550 kg | 3950 kg |
| LandCruiser 78 Series | +620 kg | 3950 kg |
| HiLux GUN Series | +410 kg | 3510 kg |
| Prado 250 Series | +700 kg | 3800 kg |
Ford 4 models
| Model / Series | Payload gain | Upgraded GVM |
|---|---|---|
| Everest UB (2022+) | +650 kg | 3750 kg |
| Everest UA (08/2018–) | Kit available | Ask us |
| Ranger PX III | +310 kg | 3510 kg |
| Ranger P703 Next-Gen | +520 kg | 3750 kg |
RAM 2 models
| Model / Series | Payload gain | Upgraded GVM |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 DS (2017+) | +500 kg | 3850 kg |
| 1500 DT (2019+) | +500 kg | 4000 kg |
Other makes 6 models
| Model / Series | Payload gain | Upgraded GVM |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Y61 Patrol Wagon | +550 kg | 3550 kg |
| Mitsubishi Triton MV | +420 kg | 3620 kg |
| Mazda BT-50 MY21+ | +595 kg | 3695 kg |
| Isuzu D-Max MY21 | +595 kg | 3695 kg |
| Suzuki Jimny JB74 | +365 kg | 1800 kg |
| Volkswagen Amarok (10/2022+) | +650 kg | 3750 kg |
Cannot see your vehicle or year? We fit the full Tough Dog GVM range, pre- and post-registration. Tell us your build and we will confirm the right kit and rating.
What is a GVM upgrade
Your build is probably already overweight.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the legal maximum your 4WD can weigh fully loaded, and it counts everything: the vehicle itself, bull bar, winch, fuel, water, food, people and the dog.
Built into your GVM is the tow-ball mass when towing, plus a rated capacity for each axle. Add a touring fit-out and you can blow past those limits before the fridge is even packed, which risks your insurance, your warranty and an inspection. A Tough Dog GVM upgrade raises the legal ceiling and re-engineers the suspension to safely carry it.
- More legal payload for accessories, touring and towing
- Restored ride, handling and braking under load
- Keeps your insurance and registration valid
- Matched to how you actually load your 4WD
Payload headroom · drag to load your rig
Factory
GVM Upgraded
GVM
GVM Upgraded
GVM
Loaded weight 3,800 kg
Legal with the Tough Dog upgrade
Within factory GVM
Headroom the upgrade adds
Beyond upgraded GVM
Drag the slider to your loaded weight. Example only: factory 3,280 kg, upgraded 4,139 kg; figures vary by vehicle.
Get a quote
All Four x 4: authorised dealers & fitters of Tough Dog GVM upgrade kits
We’re an authorised dealer and fitter of manufacturer-approved Tough Dog GVM kits, so we can supply, fit and coordinate certification of your vehicle’s GVM increase, all under one roof. Send your details and we will get a tailored quote back to you.
Ready for a price?
Open the form with your vehicle details and we will confirm the right Tough Dog kit, the rating to suit your build, and an all-in, fitted-and-certified price.
- Fitted to Tough Dog’s SSM approval, road-legal and ADR-compliant
- Engineering approval, compliance plate and paperwork handled for you
- Pre-registration and post-registration pathways available
- Fitted in-house by our specialist 4×4 technicians, not sublet
Why All Four x 4
A certified solution, not just a suspension job.
At All Four x 4 we’re proud to be authorised dealers and fitters of Tough Dog GVM Upgrade Kits. Working to Tough Dog’s Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) approval, we supply, fit and coordinate certification of your vehicle’s GVM increase, all under one roof.
Based in Kotara, Newcastle, we look after customers right across NSW, from the Hunter Region through to the Central Coast and Sydney. Whether you drive a work ute, tow a heavy caravan or run a fleet, we provide expert installation, compliance certification and tailored suspension advice so your 4WD is safe, capable and road-legal.
We fit each kit to the manufacturer’s approval and look after the documentation. For a vehicle already on the road, we arrange the independent licensed certifier who inspects, certifies the upgrade and issues the compliance plate, so your increased GVM is recognised, insurable and ADR-compliant.
Servicing across NSW
NewcastleKotaraMaitlandLake Macquarie
Port StephensCessnockSingletonMuswellbrook
Hunter ValleyCentral CoastSydneyGreater NSW
Find us
The Hunter’s GVM upgrade workshop
Drop in, talk through your build, and book your Tough Dog GVM upgrade with the team that fits and certifies it on-site.
Address
All Four x 4 Service Centre
10 McDougall St, Kotara NSW 2289, Newcastle
10 McDougall St, Kotara NSW 2289, Newcastle
Phone
Hours
Mon to Fri, 7:30am to 5:00pm
5.0
An outstanding service from start to finish. This place has to be the happiest I’ve ever visited. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, smiles and absolute professionalism is for all to see. Thanks Michael for your wonderful work and the entire team who upgraded my GVM and GCM. If you need any assistance this team is for you, give them a call and you won’t need to worry, as you instantly feel safe and secure that their knowledge and expertise will guide you to the right decision. Thanks team.
GarethGoogle review
Would highly recommend All Four x 4 Service Centre. From the first contact with Michael to arrange the GVM upgrade, to Alex who served me on the day of upgrade and pickup the next day, all could not have been any friendlier and professional. Job done on time and even took the time to explain what had been done and what to expect. Great friendly team of staff. Dealing with your company was a pleasure from start to finish.
Mitch C.Google review
Thanks Adam, great service. All4x4 organised a GVM/GCM upgrade for my new D-MAX pre-rego, they liaised with the dealer and took care of all registration details. Seamless service. Very much appreciated.
Richard S.Google review
Common questions
Tough Dog GVM upgrades, answered
What is a Tough Dog GVM upgrade?
It is a complete 4WD suspension package designed to safely and legally increase your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) rating. The kit centres on heavy-duty coil or leaf springs and matched Tough Dog shocks, with brake and reinforcement provisions where needed, plus an additional compliance plate recording your new, higher GVM.
What does “Second Stage Manufacturer” mean?
Tough Dog is a recognised Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM), which means it develops and federally certifies the suspension components that raise your GVM safely and legally. All Four x 4 is an authorised fitter working to that SSM approval, so we supply, fit and coordinate certification of the upgrade.
How is the kit tested?
Tough Dog GVM kits are validated through Finite Element Analysis for axle capacity, brake testing (laden, unladen and partial-failure) to ADR 35/00, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) testing where it is required. That programme is what keeps a proper safety margin once the GVM is raised.
What is the difference between pre-registration and post-registration?
A pre-registration upgrade is completed before the vehicle is first registered, carries federal approval and adds an additional compliance plate. A post-registration upgrade is fitted to a vehicle already on the road and certified through the state engineering process. We offer both and will advise which suits your vehicle and timing.
Will it affect my insurance or warranty?
A properly engineered, certified and plated GVM upgrade is designed to keep you compliant, which is exactly what protects your insurance, unlike running overloaded. We will walk you through how it interacts with your specific vehicle before any work begins.
How do I get a price?
Open any Get a quote form on this page with your vehicle details. We will confirm the right Tough Dog kit, the rating to suit your build, and an all-in fitted-and-certified price. We quote before any work begins.
Explore the workshop
All our 4WD workshop services
A GVM upgrade is one part of what we do in Kotara. Browse the full workshop and jump straight to what your 4×4 needs.
4WD Service & Logbook
Minor, intermediate and major servicing with a comprehensive check-over and report. Logbook stamps that protect your warranty.
View servicing →4WD Repairs & Mechanical
Engine and driveline overhauls, gearbox & transfer rebuilds, diff centres, cooling, brakes and diesel repairs.
Explore repairs →Suspension Repairs & Upgrades
Worn-suspension repairs plus spring & shock upgrades and lift kits from Lovells, Tough Dog, Outback Armour and EFS.
Explore suspension →Independent Land Rover Specialist
Independent Land Rover, Range Rover, Defender and Discovery servicing, diagnostics and repairs. The dealer alternative.
Explore Land Rover →Accessory Fitting
Bull bars, snorkels, dual-battery systems, driving lights, UHF, long-range tanks and drawer fitouts. Fitted right.
Explore fitting → You’re hereGVM Upgrades
Lovells and certified GVM/GCM suspension upgrades for safe, legal load-carrying and towing capacity.
View GVM upgrades →Inspections & Reports
eSafety (pink slip) checks, pre-trip and pre-purchase inspections from an authorised NSW inspection station.
View inspections →Automatic Conversions
The Hunter’s specialists in 79 Series LandCruiser automatic conversions. Engineered and compliant.
View conversions →Find out what your rig can legally carry.
Get a tailored quote on a Tough Dog GVM upgrade, supplied, fitted and certified by the Hunter’s 4×4 specialists.
All Four x 4 Service Centre · Authorised Tough Dog dealer & fitter · Kotara, Newcastle NSW