• 1994 Nissan Patrol ute undergoes a full 4x4 suspension overhaul to restore its performance and reliability after more than 30 years of hard use.  
  • While the chassis remains structurally sound, years of towing and carrying heavy loads have taken a toll on the suspension. 
  • Worn suspension parts are replaced with SuperPro bushes, including sway bar and leaf spring bushes, improving stability and reducing unwanted movement.  
  • Formula 4x4 shock absorbers are installed to replace the worn factory units, significantly improving damping control and ride comfort. 
  • After upgrades, the GQ Patrol now delivers a smoother ride, improved load handling, and better overall control, making it far more capable as a reliable tradie ute. 

Liam and Patrick from Aussie Arvos have taken on the task of restoring their dad’s well-worn Nissan Patrol, bringing new life (with the help of Formula 4x4 shock absorbers and SuperPro bushes) to a vehicle that has spent decades earning its keep. 

After more than three decades on the road and over 700,000 km travelled, the Nissan GQ Patrol ute is showing clear signs of wear due to harsh driving conditions that have worn down the components, resulting in a rougher ride and poor handling performance. Rather than transforming it into a performance build or off-road project, the goal is simple; restore it into a reliable and practical daily work vehicle. 

By upgrading critical components like SuperPro bushes and Formula 4x4 shock absorbers, the Patrol is brought back to a level where it can continue to perform its duties safely and effectively. The difference is not about making it new, it’s about restoring performance to a reliable 4x4. 

Assessing the GQ Patrol’s Condition 

A vehicle with this level of mileage is destined to have signs of long-term use, with the interior being heavily worn, while mechanically, there arefluid leaks and worn components. 

Aussie Arvos have taken a practical, step-by-step approach, beginning with a thorough clean to properly assess the vehicle’s condition. From there, key areas such as the swivel hubs are rebuilt, and worn suspension components are identified for replacement. 

Upon further inspection, years of load stress and continuous use have caused bushes to degrade and shocks to lose their effectiveness, which results in excessive movement, poor damping, and reduced control, impacting safety and drivability. 

An Integrated Upgrade and Restoration 

Rather than addressing issues individually, the build focuses on an integrated suspension upgrade, ensuring that all components work together as a system, delivering consistent and reliable performance. This approach not only restores ride quality but also ensures the vehicle is better equipped to handle ongoing work demands. 

Taking a linear approach, first all worn components were removed, before installing Formula 4x4 and SuperPro upgrades, and ensuring everything is correctly fitted and aligned. 

SuperPro Bushes 

Suspension bushes may be small, but they play a vital role in maintaining stability, alignment, and ride comfort. Over time, factory rubber bushes wear out, compress, and lose their ability to properly control movement between components. 

Upgrading to polyurethane bushes provides a significant improvement. Designed for durability and performance, these bushes offer better resistance to wear while maintaining the flexibility required for proper suspension movement. They help keep components securely aligned while reducing unwanted movement, resulting in improved stability and control. 

In the GQ Patrol, worn bushes contributed to excessive play, reduced handling precision, and unwanted noise and vibration, which are issues especially noticeable in high-mileage vehicles that have been subjected to heavy loads. 

How SuperPro Bushes Benefit the Nissan GQ Patrol: 

  • Maintain correct alignment of suspension components 
  • Reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) 
  • Improve stability during braking, cornering, and acceleration 
  • Deliver long-term durability under heavy use 

Formula 4x4 Shocks 

Shock absorbers are essential for controlling the suspension movement and maintaining tyre contact with the road, and for vehicles that regularly tow or carry heavy loads, their role becomes even more critical. 

Worn or leaking shocks can lead to a harsh, uncomfortable ride, excessive front-end dive during braking, and increased vehicle sway when cornering. In the Patrol, years of heavy-duty use had left the original shocks ineffective and unable to properly control the vehicle’s movement. 

By installing a new set of shock absorbers, the suspension regains its ability to absorb impacts and mtions, making them well-suited for work vehicles and 4x4 applications. 

Benefits of Formula 4x4 shock absorbers for the Nissan GQ Patrol: 

  • Enhanced ride comfort and improved safety 
  • Improved steering control and more responsive braking 
  • Reliable support for heavy loads and towing demands 
  • Superior handling with confident off-road performance 

Why Suspension Maintenance Matters 

Suspension components often wear gradually, making it easy to overlook issues until they become severe. Drivers may adapt to declining performance without realising how much control and comfort has been lost over time. 

For 4x4 vehicles operating in harsh environments and under constant load, regular suspension checks are essential. Worn bushes and shock absorbers not only affect ride quality but also compromise braking performance, steering control, and overall safety. 

As seen in this build, replacing these components restores the vehicle’s capability and ensures it can continue to perform reliably. Preventative maintenance also helps protect other parts of the vehicle, reducing long-term repair costs. 

Result: A Reliable Work Ute 

This 1994 Nissan GQ Patrol may have over 700,000 km on the clock, but with the right upgrades, it’s far from finished. 

By restoring the suspension system with SuperPro bushes and Formula 4x4 shock absorbers, the vehicle regains stability, comfort, and control, and now drives smoother, effectively handles heavy loads, and provides greater confidence behind the wheel. 

GQ Patrol Suspension FAQs

Got questions about upgrading your GQ Patrol suspension? Here we answer the most commonly asked queries.

What are the benefits of upgrading the suspension on a Nissan GQ Patrol?

Upgrading the suspension improves ride comfort, stability, and load handling, making the vehicle safer and more controlled for both daily driving and heavy-duty use.

Why does a high-mileage GQ Patrol need suspension upgrades?

Over time, components like shock absorbers and bushes wear out, leading to poor handling, excessive movement, and reduced safety. Upgrades restore performance and reliability.

How do Formula 4x4 shock absorbers improve performance?

Formula 4x4 shocks enhance damping control, reduce body roll, and provide better stability under braking and load, resulting in a smoother and more controlled driving experience.

What are the signs of worn shock absorbers in a 4x4 vehicle?

Common signs include a rough ride, nose-diving when braking, excessive bouncing, and reduced stability when cornering or towing.

How do SuperPro bushes improve suspension performance?

SuperPro bushes reduce unwanted movement, improve alignment, and minimise noise and vibration, resulting in better handling and long-term durability.

Are polyurethane bushes better than factory rubber bushes?

Polyurethane bushes are more durable and resistant to wear than rubber, providing improved performance and maintaining suspension geometry for longer.

Do suspension upgrades improve towing and load handling?

Yes, upgraded shocks and bushes help stabilise the vehicle under load, improving control, reducing sway, and enhancing overall safety when towing.

Is a full suspension upgrade worth it for an older 4x4?

A complete suspension refresh can significantly improve ride quality, safety, and reliability, making an older 4x4 far more capable for everyday use.

How often should suspension components be checked on a 4x4?

Suspension components should be inspected regularly, especially for vehicles used for towing or off-road driving, as wear can occur gradually over time.

Can upgrading suspension improve off-road performance?

Yes, improved shock absorbers and bushes provide better control, traction, and stability, making the vehicle more capable on uneven terrain.

What warranty do Formula 4x4 shock absorbers have?

Formula 4x4 shock absorbers are backed by a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, giving you long-term confidence in durability and performance no matter how hard the vehicle is working.

What warranty do SuperPro bushes have?

SuperPro bushes are covered by a lifetime warranty, reflecting their high-quality materials and design, and ensuring lasting performance and reliability over the life of the vehicle.