Parts for your 2010 Isuzu D-max-Struts

2010 Isuzu D‑MAX: Are struts used, and what should owners know?

No, the 2010 Isuzu D‑MAX does not use MacPherson struts. This model runs independent double wishbone suspension up front (with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers) and a solid rear axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. That setup is confirmed in Isuzu factory service literature for the TFR/TFS platform years covering 2007–2012 and in the 2010 Owner’s Manual specifications. As a close platform mate, the RC Holden Colorado service manual of the same era lists the same front double‑wishbone/torsion‑bar arrangement, which aligns with the D‑MAX hardware.

Why no struts on this ute? It’s a body‑on‑frame workhorse built for heavy loads and rough tracks. MacPherson struts load suspension forces into a monocoque body tower, the D‑MAX uses a ladder frame, so wishbones with a torsion bar and a separate shock suit the chassis and duties better. That layout also gives robust travel, ground clearance, and durability for 4x4 use, without the packaging compromises a strut would bring around the front diff and CVs.

• Front: Independent double wishbone, torsion bar, stabiliser bar, separate shock absorber
• Rear: Live axle with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers

Owners sometimes call any front damper a “strut”, but on this model they’re conventional shock absorbers, not structural struts. If the front or rear shocks are tired, the ute will bounce more than once after a bump, nose‑dive under brakes, feel floaty on corrugations, or show cupped tyre wear. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—towing, corrugations, beach work—shocks can be past their best from around 60,000–100,000 km, sooner if it’s worked hard.

When servicing a 2010 D‑MAX, it’s worth:

• Inspecting shocks for oil misting, dents, or damaged bushes
• Listening for clunks from worn upper/lower wishbone bushes or ball joints
• Checking torsion bar adjusters and ride height side‑to‑side
• Getting a wheel alignment after any shock or front‑end work

Quality gas shocks matched to how the ute’s used (touring, towing, off‑road) will sharpen control and braking stability. Replace in axle pairs, reuse or replace hardware per the workshop manual, and torque fasteners with the vehicle at ride height to avoid bush preload.

Technical sources referenced: Isuzu D‑MAX Owner’s Manual (MY2010) – Specifications, Isuzu TFR/TFS (D‑MAX) Workshop Manual 2007–2012 – Suspension, GM Holden RC Colorado Service Manual 2008–2011 – Suspension (platform equivalent).

Popular questions about 2010 Isuzu D‑MAX “struts”

Does a 2010 Isuzu D‑MAX have front struts?
No. It uses double wishbones with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers. The shocks aren’t structural like a MacPherson strut, so they’re easier to replace and don’t set ride height—the torsion bars do.

What suspension does a 2010 D‑MAX run at the rear?
A solid axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. The leaves carry the load, the shocks control bounce and body movement. For towing or tradie loads, uprated shocks can improve control without changing payload legality.

When should the shocks be replaced on a 2010 D‑MAX?
There’s no fixed interval, but many see noticeable wear by 60–100,000 km in local conditions. If it’s bouncing, wandering in crosswinds, or showing uneven tyre wear, inspect and replace as a pair on the affected axle.