CHEERS TO THE ULTIMATE SUSPENSION – MALCOLM DOUGLAS

It was in the mid 1970’s that I first approached Ken O’Keefe to find out more about his suspension systems.

I was heading out into the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia for two months to produce a television documentary with the last of the traditional aborigines of the area.

I had a short wheel base Toyota and was going to tow a trailer loaded to the hilt with gear and fuel.

I was concerned that the standard Toyota suspension would not survive such a long trip. Even though it is called a Great Sandy Desert, large areas are rocky, rough, stone and escarpment country.

Ken and his team fitted the “Ultimate Suspension” to the Toyota and trailer. Three months later the trip was over and I was ‘ hooked ‘ on the suspension. With the vehicle and trailer fully loaded I had felt comfortable on the corrugated, sandy tracks west of Alice Springs. The Toyota rear end did not sag and the front end did not feel ‘light’. The Ultimate Suspension gave me a feeling of confidence.

Thirty years later I am still using the Ultimate Suspension. It has been refined and improved and it’s better than ever.

I am now living in Broome WA and still travelling out bush, producing television documentaries.

Every few years I head back to Sydney to pick up another ‘Troopie’. Then it’s straight out to Minto to fit the Ultimate Suspension. If you are buying a new vehicle, give Ken a ring before you head outback; and safe travelling.

Malcolm Douglas

ps see www.MalcolmDouglas.com.au for my adventures on DVD


Malcolm Douglas (Numerous Vehicles)

Qualmech Pty Ltd have been using the Australian Ultimate Suspension for the past 4 years and have just recently had our two newest Toyota Hilux SR Single Cab Utes fitted with Ken’s heavy duty suspension.
As a mine maintenance company, we have had all of our six vehicles fitted with upgraded suspension to carry close to the GVM weight all the time. With toolboxes, tools and mine equipment parts in the back of our vehicles the OEM standard setup just sagged.
We found the Australian Ultimate Suspension could cater for our needs for a strong and reliable suspension. We can certainly see and feel the difference after every upgrade. We find that the vehicles sit higher, they have a smoother ride and the handling has improved quite a significant amount.
Safety is a large focus point in all mining activities and Ken’s improvements to the stability of our fleet both on the highway and in the mine pit give us confidence that we are providing the best vehicles possible to our people in the field.
I would like to thank Ken and the Australian Ultimate Suspension team for their skill, knowledge and most of all their hard work.


Mal Boardman- CEO ofQualmech Pty Ltd (2007 Toyota Hilux SR Single Cab Ute)

"A big thanks to Ken and all the team at Ultimate Suspension for the excellent service and suspension upgrade on my 2005 Hilux.
I had the 3.5" kit fitted and have been more than pleased with the quality of the product fitted.

The kit looks very slick and rides even better. Cornering offers much more grip and far less body roll.
The truck is much better under brakes and generally drives and sits like it should out of the factory.

I recommend this kit to anyone who is looking to fit bigger tyres and is after suspension built for both excellent on road characteristics and solid off road performance.

After about 10'000 kms the kit works as well as it did the day it was installed and I am very satisfied with overall performance.
A very well engineered and installed kit."

Matthew Demarco (2005 Toyota Hilux with 3.5 inch lift)

"I recently visited The Ultimate Suspension to get my supercharged Toyota Prado's suspension upgraded.

Not only were the team at Ultimate helpful but they obviously knew their game and the way the Prado drives now is testament to that.

I would like to thank Ken and his team for their help and recommend their suspension upgrades to any Four-whell drive owner."

Danny Williams - Managing Director of FORCED AIR TECHNOLOGIES Pty Ltd (2002 Toyota Prado Supercharged)

"I have now had my suspension for over forty thousand kilometres and I have had no problems with it and I’m still very impressed with all aspects. It gave me the height I wanted and allowed me to fit the tyres and wheels to best suite my car.

The lift kit gave my car better handling and a better ride and because of where I live it was crucial for my hilux to handle well through all types of corners. I’ve had several hilux models over the years with different types of lift kits but this kit is by far the best."


Klint kordovolos (2006 Toyota Hilux with 3.5 inch lift)

"Many thanks for supplying the 2 inch lift kit with coils and Aussie Ryder shocks for my new May 07 Nissan Patrol.

As you know, I have had experience with Ultimate Suspension gear before in my 1993 80 series Landcruiser. That vehicle also had the 2 inch lift and Aussie Ryder shocks (foam cell type). At the time I purchased the vehicle (2nd hand), I was amazed at the ride improvement over my previous leaf sprung vehicle. Even when compared to another 80 series owned by a friend with standard springs, the Ultimate set up was considerably more comfortable. Off road - the vehicle had become somewhat legendary under its previous owner with local 4 wheelies with it's articulation and pulling power. I've been very impressed with where you can get it without losing traction. The only vehicle that has ever bettered it was my old 1945 Studebaker 6x6!

So with that background, I was confident that Ultimate Suspension should be able to provide a good set up for my new Nissan Patrol. What I liked best was the fact that you provided a customised suspension setup. The springs and shocks were selected for the application, expected loading and configuration of the vehicle. This is a lot more than I can say for other suspension suppliers that have a one size fits all policy.

I'm very pleased to say that this kit has exceeded my expectations. On the road the vehicle rides very much like a car. The body roll is significantly less than the 80 series - despite the higher attitude of the vehicle than the Cruiser.

We live on one of the most atrocious roads in New South Wales. There is 12 kms of tar that is more patches than original surface (and regularly more potholes than patches). Then there is 13 kms of dirt that varies from corrugated sand based surface to a heavy red clay that turns into a quagmire that makes even BFG mud terrains into slicks in seconds. When it dries, the potholes and erosion are virtually continuous (apart from the corrugated areas). The ride quality of the Patrol is the same as my parent's late model full sized sedan. I find myself bracing for the jolt on some nasty holes (it's an experience driving the road in my 75 series ute!), only to hear a lot of action underneath and a dull rumble coming through to the cabin. All this and I haven't even had the steering damper fitted yet!

I'm yet to give it a whirl off road - but it certainly looks positive.

Lastly, let me say the service from yourself was really great. All the staff I dealt with were pleasant and helpful.

I have no hesitation recommending Ultimate Suspension both for the product and the customer service for anyone looking for a big improvement on the stock suspension of their vehicle."




David King (2006 Nissan Patrol GU)

" The off-road ability of my 2006 Nissan Navara D40 was questionable until I went and saw Ken at The Ultimate Suspension. Now I can push it further than I ever thought possible. I was so impressed wih the product and the knowledge Ken and Bob were able to share with me, that I sought employment with them and am now the newest member of the "ULTIMATE" team.

Angus Laws (2006 Nissan Navara D40)

“I would like to Thankyou for your technical advice & service work fitting the rear suspension parts to my Mitsubishi Outlander the improvements have greatly improved the stability & handling of the vehicle when towing or carrying a heavy load.
I have no hesitation in recommending your service & business to any friend, or acquaintance”


Robert Kadry (Mitsubishi Outlander)

"Being dissatisfied with the very rigid ride from the original suspension on my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, and following discussions with yourselves, I decided to have the suspension changed to The Ultimate Suspension Gas Shock Absorber System.

Following completion of this I was amazed at the outstanding improvement to the ride, handling and comfort of the vehicle.

The ride is now firm but without the hard "Truck Like" feel, allowing very good control of the vehicle.

I would also like to say that I consider your Product Knowledge and Service to be excellent.

It is for these reasons I have taken the time to write this letter and advise that I would be more than happy to recommend your company to anyone seeking the best suspension for their vehicle."


Michael Hall (2006 Nissan Pathfinder)

"My wife and I would like to thank you and your staff, for recommending the type of suspension for our Landcruiser to comply with our requirements. The installation of a complete Ultimate Suspension Kit to protect our vehicle, by increased vehicle height, comfort, and above all load carrying capacity under adverse conditions.

Our travels of 30,000km consisted of 15,000km rough dirt roads and tracks, and 1500km of very soft sand which encompassed some of South Australia, Northern Territory, and Western Australia.

We were a little apprehensive at first considering we were travelling alone, heavily laden with provisions for remote area exploration of up to four weeks and towing an off-road camper trailer.

The roughness of any road or track was smoothed with the comfort of our suspension.The suspension and shock absorbers performed beyond expectations, with no adjustment or repair being necessary.

As a matter of interest our BFG Goodrich AT tyres were new to start out travels and they endured all that was thrown at them with no punctures and wore evenly.Howerver, they are now worn out.
It is our belief that no punctures and even tyre wear is in no small way attributted to the quality of the suspension. Like wise our Landcruiser has suffered no rattles and the rest of the vehicle has only nominal ware, if any.

Trouble free motoring in remote areas adds up to happy and enjoyable travelling and getting the suspension right is a big, big start."



Robert Fisher (Toyota Landcruiser 80 series GXL)

"I am writing to thank you for all of your help and assistance in rectifying the suspension problems I had with my NK GLS Pajero.

The history of the car was that it originally developed a problem with the torsion bar on the right hand sade sagging, which Mitsubishi eventually fixed after several visits. The front end of the car then proceeded to drop and again despite numerous attempts with Mitsubishi to fix it, the job was always second rate.
It was at this stage I made contact with your company and you advised that the torsion bars be replaced by your product.

I must admit i was very sceptical that the "simple fix" of replacing the torsion bars would make a dramatic difference to the vehicle, but from the very first drive of the car after their fitting, it was obvious I should have done it sooner.

The car handles far better in corners, and basically sits much "flatter" than it ever did. The other most noticeable difference is in the braking, where the car now pulls up in a much shorter distance and feels that it is braking firmer.

I normally renew my car every 3 years, and rest assured that upon the renewal of this vehicle, I will again be on your doorstep to have the same job done on my new car.

Once again thank you for your advice and the torsion bars, and please feel free to show this letter to any future customer, as testament of how much a difference your torsion bars really make."

Mark Hudson (1997 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS)

"Delving into the distant past...

Like most people, when i bought my first 4WD some years ago I thought, being 4WD, they'll go anywhere. I soon discovered that it wasn't the case, and started to buy the various 4WD magazines and read about the various aftermarket modifications and additions that were available to improve the vehicles performance, such as suspension changes and replacement and additional lights.

I was somewhat sceptical, but joining a 4WD club soon showed what a difference could be made to a basic vehicle, in terms of ride and performance on the road and in the bush. I then started to visit various companies and 4WD shows ect to see what was on offer.

Having a Daihatsu Rocky diesel meant that there wasn't a great deal of choice in suspension systems. While visiting a 4WD show I discovered "THE ULTIMATE SUSPENSION", and found that you not only had a system for the Rocky, but a number of variations to suit the user!

You took the time to explain leaf suspension and shock absorber design and how it all works together. I was more than impressed and paid a deposit fo a complete system.

Some weeks later, with the slight feeling of "am I doing the right thing?" I made the trek over to Minto early one morining and stayed while the Rocky was being worked on. At the end of the day, you went with me for the first test-run of new system. To say I was impressed would be an understatement! Better cornering, better ride, better everything - and that was only on the bitumen!

I left totally convinced that it was the best decision I'de ever made. In the following weeks I "went bush" and was even more "blown away". The wheel travel was enormous and the ride quality fantastic!

A few months later I decided it was time to upgrade the Rocky's lights and fitted PIAA inserts and a new wiring loom. This made the old lights seem like just a few candlepower in comparison. The light output was bright, but not glary with good cut-off, and had an even distribution over the road.

I later fitted a set of PIAA fog lights and driving lights, which certainly "turned night into day"

While the PIAA products were a lot more expensive than others, their performance and quality certainly made it worthwhile.

This all occurred around fifteen years ago.

Over the years since I've had three suspension systems fitted to Daihatsu Rocky's (I liked them , as you'd know) and PIAA lights on all of them. All my comments above have certainly continued to apply, and if anything the suspension and lighting systems have improved over this time "making the best, even better".

Some months ago I finally made the move from Rockys and purchased a Mitsubishi Pajero(LWB Intercooled Turbo-Diesel).

I was very interested to see how a front torsion bar and rear coil sprung OEM system behaved, as I'd only had experience with leaf spring systems. I didn't get much of a chance to test it out, as I (advance) booked the Pajero in with you within a week of its estimated delivery.

I found that the Mitsubishi suspension seemed to behave fairly well for OEM product.

When I came out, you again took the time to explain how the torsion bar and coil spring suspension systems work, the original design limitations, and what changes you make to improver the performance, with a new system. I was interested to see that you took measurements and tested the OEM product, finding that there was some sag on one side (straight from the showrrom), and that the shock absorbers had compression control, but not much rebound control.

While i was expecting differences between the OEM and you systems, I was absolutely amazed at the changes in behaviour (even with only a few days with the old!) The change in ride quality is fantastic, the handling and cornering is vastly improved - in a word BRILLIANT!

I didn't get the opportunity to compare the two in the bush, but have found your design makes the most of toersion bar limitations, and performs exceptionally well.

Many of my friends have commented on how well the Pajero rides (such as "heaps better than my car") and one had his "shorty" Feroza fitted out by you, and is also extremely impressed.

One of them works for an opposition supplier, and has expressed comments of how good it is, asking how you can offer a lifetime warranty on the springs (they don't) - my answer is quality, and faith in your own product.

I have since fitted PIAA fog lights and PIAA replacment headlight bulbs. The Mitsubushi headlight design isn't too bad at all, but the "super white" bulbs have vastly improved them - twice the output, with the same wattage as the original.

To finish up, I have to make the comment about your staff - they are an absolute asset to your company. When my friend got his Feroza Fitted, they went out of their way to explain how things worked, and the differences between systems etc.

I write this letter totally unsolicited - when a product is worth comment, I'll endorse it. Both "The Ultimate Suspension" and PIAA lighting are the products that i swear by, not at."




Jim Hooke (Numerous vehicles)

We have had a steering & suspension problem with our Suzuki Swift for some time that no one seemed to be able to rectify satisfactorily.

I had heard about the Ultimate Suspension but thought that they would only specialise in 4 Wheel Drives.

After being fed up with the lack of service we were getting elsewhere, I called in & spoke to Ken who diagnosed the problem very quickly and also located the source of a fuel problem that nobody else could find.

We had the necessary repairs done. The car now handles perfectly & our fuel problem has also finally been solved. The cost of repairs was also a pleasant surprise considering what we had been quoted elsewhere.

The level of knowledge & caring of Ken & his staff is second to none.

We would have no hesitation in recommending The Ultimate Suspension to anyone.

The Ultimate Suspension gives the Ultimate Satisfaction

Nigel & Karen Eade (Suzuki Swift)