WEIGHING HII IT UP

OUR FORD EVEREST HAS ITS TOUGH DOG SUSPENSION FITTED, INCLUDING A GVM UPGRADE. NOW WE CAN'T WAIT TO DRIVE IT!

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

ONE of the last big items to be fitted to our Ford Everest Ambiente build was its suspension kit, and again we've teamed up with the great blokes at Tough Dog to supply the hardware.

Knowing the limited carrying capacity of Ford's T6 platform that underpins the Everest, and with front and rear steel bars going on this vehicle as well as a rear drawer system, we thought it prudent to lock in a GVM upgrade with the new suspension package.

In stock trim our Everest Ambiente 4x4 tips the scales at 2369kg, it has a GVM of 3000kg and a payload of 731kg.

The axles are rated to carry 1470kg at the front and 1770kg maximum under the rear end.

With it's Yakima roof rack and awning, Maxxis RAZR A/T tyes on Fuel wheels, AFN front bar and underbody protection, and Kaymar rear bar fitted, the Everest crossed the scales at 2760kg, with 1340kg of that on the front axle and 1420kg on the rear.

That left us with only 240kg grace on our GVM for gear and passengers; 130kg on the front axle and 350kg on the back, so any plans for loading it up with more gear and a cabin full of luggage and passengers would be at risk. Even if we fitted a winch to the AFN bullbar, and lights, scrub rails and side steps to the vehicle, it would be getting close to maximum when you add passengers and load.

Tough Dog's GVM upgrade suspension kit for the Everest raises the GVM to 3750kg and includes replacement coil springs, shock absorbers and air-assist rear airbags plus all the details you need for GVM upgrade certification including the CAT-6 indicators that must be fitted to the front guards, and appropriate upgraded specification labels.