The present study uses a predictive model to design a heavy-duty metal rubber (MR) shock absorber used to mount the powertrains of heavy-load mining vehicles. The microstructural characteristics of the wire mesh are elucidated using fractal graphs. A numerical model based on virtual fabrication technology is established to inform a design scheme for the proposed wire mesh component. Four sets of wire mesh shock absorbers with various relative densities are manufactured. A predictive model based on these relative densities is established through mechanical testing. To further enhance the predictive accuracy, a variable transposition fitting method is introduced to refine the model. Residual analysis is employed to quantitatively validate the results against those obtained from an experimental control group. The findings demonstrate that the improved model exhibits higher predictive accuracy than the original model, with the coefficient of determination (R2) reaching 0.9624. This study provides theoretical support for designing wire mesh shock absorbers with reduced testing requirements and enhanced design efficiency.