ARB develops new touring-spec shocks

OFF-ROAD accessory manufacturer, ARB, has introduced a new touring spec’ shock absorber line that it says capably bridges daily driving duties and off-road touring without compromising on performance and reliability in both environments.

Currently suitable for the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and others (see below) – and sold under ARB’s Old Man Emu brand, the MT64 shock absorber is billed as “the ultimate all-rounder”, slotting between the popular Nitrocharger and ultra-high-performance adjustable BP-51.

The company says it developed the MT64 bounce beater to cater for a wider application compared to more specialised dampers that tend to focus on either off-road requirements such as long wheel travel and high ride height or smooth riding over sealed and graded gravel roads perhaps towing.

One of the main concerns for owners of off-road capable vehicles is the OEM shock absorbers that tend to taper off in performance after only limited time spent in semi-serious off-road driving conditions. ARB says the MT64 is designed for touring both on- and off-road.

Technicians and engineers at Old Man Emu (ARB) took features from 45 years of Nitrocharger production and 10 years of high performance BP-51 manufacturing and combined them into the MT64.

“While the Nitrocharger is a reliable set-and-forget upgrade from OEM shocks, and the BP-51 offers adjustability with remote reservoirs and the ability to run all day in the desert, MT64 fits in between, taking attributes from both and combining them in one monotube shock,” an ARB spokesperson explained.

“They are engineered to handle heavy loads, long distances, rough roads, and heat — making them ideal for off road adventures. The MT64 resets the bar on everyday comfort, while providing excellent responsiveness whether towing on the pavement or tackling technical terrain off road.”

Adding weight to these claims is the MT64’s validation process where it was tested in the field using “real” off road research. However, before reaching that stage of development and before a single shock absorber was built, Old Man Emu’s in-house engineers simulated real world conditions using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on a computer.

This highlighted potential weak points in the design allowing maximum strength and durability to be built in from the start.

During the MT64 shock absorber’s field testing, OME suspension engineers collected a wide range of data which they fed into two test rigs at their facility in Melbourne. With prototype shock absorbers bolted into the test vehicles, they ran them through millions of cycles to simulate real world conditions.

The fully rebuildable MT64 utilises stout 6061 aluminium construction, shared with the premium BP-51 models, complete with a hard anodized finish to protect the shock’s surface. The monotube units have large 72mm bodies and large bores that deliver more oil which equates to increased heat dissipation and responsiveness, especially when combined with the aluminium body.

Using only one spring, it has height adjustability from zero to 76mm (depending on application) with snap-ring groves in the body providing different spring seat positions. For maximum durability, the spring seat is made from ultra-strong forged aluminium and buyers can choose between light, medium, and heavy-duty spring options.

MT64 applications include the new-generation Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota HiLux (N80), Toyota LandCruiser Prado (150 Series), Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota LandCrusier (70 Series) with other applications to follow.