Thread: Isuzu Dmax Suspension upgrades

Ok getting a bit more serious about doing an extended trip around NZ with the Dmax and towing a caravan, been looking at a few caravans and most of the ones we like are not only up in price ( funny that) but also weight so looking at upgrading the Dmax suspension to handle a bit more weight in the bum and at the same time give it a lift and remap to stop her dragging the bum during offroad work and a bit more poke for towing uphill.

Dmax is 2021 LS Auto, dual cab with canopy on back, 3500kg tow/350kg tow bar down weight and ~5700kgs CVM

So the plan is:

• 2" or just under lift front and back, no diff drop (happy to go a bit lower if I dont stress diffs)
• Upgrade to heavy duty rear leaf springs or put in a set of air bags (tow master or similar) - the airbags will require recertification
• remap upgrade?
• auto cooler ? is it worth it?

So any recommendations on what to install suspension wise and the other mods mentioned any recommendations on who to do it in CNI, performance mechanical in Taupo has been recommended.

Goal is to have a ute thats a bit better ground clearance for general offroad use, for example typical hunting and fishing access as in beach and South Island river work - nothing too extreme, keep good road handling ability when not towing as 90% of its use is lightly loaded road use. Suspension that can handle 3.3-3.5Te caravan on the back climbing up and down SI mountain passes. Avoid overloading diffs and drive shafts with too extreme lift.