THAT'S A WRAP

WHAT BEGAN AS A BRAND-NEW LC79 BECAME ONE OF OUR MOST CAPABLE TOURING BUILDS AND, WITH THE PROJECT COMPLETE, IT’S READY FOR ITS NEXT CHAPTER

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The build of our Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series was the most exciting project we've undertaken to date.

There's nothing like the 70 Series LandCruiser, and in many ways it's the ultimate base on which to build your perfect touring 4x4. Its basic heavy-duty construction and V8 engine are unrivalled in the 4x4 sphere, making it the go-to platform for creating the ultimate all-road tourer.

FROM THE BENINING

We started with a brand-new double-cab LC79 GXL in plain white as our blank canvas, but before we took delivery and before it was registered, the team at Brighton Toyota shipped it to Terrain Tamer for its suspension and GVM upgrade.

The hardware included Terrain Tamer shock absorbers, TT coils for the front end, a steering damper, and TT parabolic leaf springs for the rear.

We'd heard good things about Terrain Tamer's parabolic springs from others using them on 70 Series LandCruisers and were keen to try them ourselves. I've got to say I was impressed with the ride quality from the start, even when the Cruiser was stock and unladen, and that solid, controlled feel from the suspension has continued as the build progressed and the Cruiser gained more gear and weight. I'd happily recommend them and use them on any 70 Series in the future.

The next step under the truck was a wheel track-correcting rear differential from Multidrive. This replacement diff housing and axle assembly bolts in place of the OE unit and brings the rear wheel track in line with the front.