Modified 79 Series LandCruiser: The Complete Guide to Building Your Dream Rig
The 79 Series Landcruiser is one of the best touring platforms ever built, but stock from the dealer it is also one of the most basic. Every modification you fit affects how the next one performs, so the order matters more than most owners realise when planning a build. Fit drawers and a canopy before the suspension is sorted and you end up with a truck that rides badly under load and is potentially over GVM before the build is finished. Fit lighting and roof rack accessories before the electrical system is run and you spend twice on the wiring. Skip the mechanical baseline and you discover serious issues halfway through a $50,000 build that should have been caught and fixed for $500 at the start.
This guide is the canonical build sequence that experienced 79 Series owners and reputable workshops actually follow. The structure works for current-production vehicles (post-September 2022 with 3,510 kg factory GVM and the new 2024 facelift) and for older V8 era vehicles (2007 to late 2024). Pre-September 2022 vehicles benefit even more from the suspension and GVM stage because their factory GVM was lower (3,300 kg Single Cab, 3,400 kg Dual Cab) and the upgrade headroom is bigger. Pre-2007 1HZ vehicles follow the same sequence but with different engine-specific considerations.
The total build budget varies enormously by use case. A working dual cab tradie build with protection, suspension and basic touring kit lands at $30,000-$50,000 on top of the vehicle. A serious touring build with full canopy, electrical system, long-range fuel and the lot lands at $60,000-$120,000+. Whichever budget you set, follow the sequence below and every dollar gets to do its work.
1. Mechanical Baseline
Before any accessories go on, the vehicle needs to be mechanically sound. That means a full major service: engine oil and filter (using the correct ACEA C2/C3 Low-SAPS 0W-30 or 5W-30 for DPF-equipped V8s post-September 2016 and the new 2.8L; ACEA A3/B4 5W-40 or 15W-40 for pre-DPF V8s), front and rear differential oil (75W-90 GL-5, approximately 2.8 L per diff), transfer case oil (75W-90 GL-4, approximately 2.2 L), manual gearbox oil (75W-90 GL-4, approximately 4.5 L) or automatic transmission fluid (Toyota WS, approximately 4 L typical refill), brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4, replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage), and fuel filter. Total service cost $400-$800 in parts.
While the truck is on the hoist for the service, do a thorough chassis inspection. The known failure point on heavily-loaded 79 Series is the rear leaf spring hanger - cracking can develop at the weld where the hanger attaches to the chassis. Any visible crack is a major issue that needs welded repair and engineering certification ($2,000-$5,000) before further build work proceeds. Other inspection priorities: chassis rust at body mount points and floor drains, A-pillar rust on coastal or tropical vehicles, suspension bush condition (worn bushes degrade handling and cause premature shock wear), wheel bearing play (front and rear, 150,000-250,000 km service life), driveshaft and CV condition, and cooling system pressure (radiator and hoses).
The other baseline item is tyres. A serious touring 79 Series needs quality light-truck all-terrain tyres - BFG KO2, Toyo Open Country AT3, Cooper STT Pro, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss in 33-inch sizing are the proven touring choices. Factory 265/70R16 (31.6 inch) is adequate for sealed road and gravel touring; 285/75R16 or 33x12.5R16 transform off-road capability. Tyres go on at this stage because suspension, GVM and lift calculations all assume a specific tyre size - putting cheap tyres on now and replacing them later means redoing the suspension setup. Cost $1,800-$3,200 for a set of five quality 33-inch all-terrains.
2. Suspension and GVM Upgrade
The single highest-return upgrade on any 79 Series build is a properly matched 2-inch suspension lift paired with a GVM upgrade. Factory GVM since the September 2022 update is 3,510 kg on both Single Cab and Dual Cab variants - it was 3,300 kg Single Cab and 3,400 kg Dual Cab before. Either way, the factory GVM is exceeded the moment a bull bar, canopy with drawers, fridge, recovery gear, fuel and water load go on. A GVM upgrade to 3,950 kg (the popular touring target) adds 440 kg of legal payload over current GVM. A 4,200 kg upgrade adds 690 kg, suited to heavy canopy and pop-top builds.
The suspension package must be specified for the loaded weight, not the empty weight. Most owners get this wrong on their first build and end up with springs that sag within 6 months under touring loads. The procedure is: estimate the final loaded weight (vehicle plus bull bar plus canopy plus drawers plus fuel plus water plus occupants plus gear), tell the suspension supplier that number, and let them spec the spring rate. The supplier's catalogue typically lists kits by approximate loaded weight category - 0-300 kg constant load, 300-600 kg constant load, 600+ kg constant load. Choose the right category for your build, not the lightest available.
Brands worth shortlisting in 2026 are Lovells (widest Australian dealer network, mid-range pricing), Marks 4WD (engineered for heavy touring, premium price, strong for canopy-loaded dual cabs), Multidrive (Toyota dealer network pre-rego favourite), Tough Dog (budget-friendly mainstream), EFS (price-competitive on wagons and singles), Pedders (chain coverage and standard parts availability), and JMACX (engineering-heavy custom builds at the top of the price range). Get three quotes from different brands before committing. Pre-rego GVM upgrades cost $3,500-$9,500 fitted depending on supplier and target rating. Post-rego adds $800-$2,000 for individual engineering certification.
3. Bull Bar, Recovery Points and Underbody Protection
Once the suspension is sorted, the next priority is protection. A steel bull bar protects the radiator, intercooler and headlights from wildlife strikes and trail impacts, and provides mounting points for the winch, driving lights, UHF antenna and any aerial work lights. Quality 79 Series bull bars come from Ironman 4x4 ($2,500-$3,800 fitted, the mainstream value pick), Offroad Animal ($3,500-$5,000, Australian-made with strong recovery-point engineering), TJM ($3,000-$4,500, well-established with broad dealer network), ECB ($2,800-$4,200, alloy options available), Hamer 4x4 ($3,500-$5,500, premium tube-style), and Phat Bars ($3,000-$4,500, multiple style options). All include rated front recovery points integrated into the bar design.
Underbody protection is the other half of the protection layer. The factory plastic sump guard on the 79 is adequate for sealed roads but inadequate for serious off-road trails. Steel or alloy bash plates from suppliers like Kaymar, Brunswick 4x4, Rival or Roadsafe protect the sump, transmission and transfer case. Three or four-piece bash plate kits cost $800-$1,800 fitted and add 5-15 kg of weight depending on material. Steel is heavier but cheaper and more impact-resistant; alloy is lighter and looks better but costs more.
Rated rear recovery points are essential for serious off-road work. The factory tow ball mount is not a rated recovery point and using it as one is dangerous. Aftermarket rated recovery points bolt to existing chassis hardware and provide proper anchor for snatch straps and winch extension lines. Cost $200-$500 fitted. Rear recovery hitch receivers ($300-$700 fitted) are an alternative that also provide a tow point.
4. Tyres and Fender Flares
If you went with stock-size tyres at the mechanical baseline stage, this is when you upgrade to a touring set. 33-inch tyres in 285/75R16 or 33x12.5R16 sizing are the touring sweet spot - significantly more capability than stock without the drivetrain stress of 35-inch tyres. Quality choices: BFG KO2 (the most popular touring tyre, strong sidewall, decent road manners), Toyo Open Country AT3 (good all-terrain compromise), Cooper STT Pro (more aggressive mud terrain), Mickey Thompson Baja Boss (premium mud terrain), Falken Wildpeak AT3W (value option).
Fender flares become legally required at this stage. Any tyre wider than the factory 265 mm section is outside the factory guard line in most Australian states, requiring fender flares for ADR compliance. The 70 Series Store stocks slim, mid and wide profile flare kits in tinted finish. Slim flares ($600-$900 fitted) cover 285/75R16. Wider flares ($1,000-$1,500 fitted) cover 33x12.5R16 and similar wider sections. The 78 Troopy fender flare kit (FRP brand) covers 30-mm wider tyres than stock. Confirm compliance with your specific state's rules - Victoria and NSW are strictest.
5. Sound Deadening and Door Seals
The 79 Series cabin runs loud at highway speed and the factory pinch-weld door seal is the main culprit. The Soundproofing Door Seal Kit from 70 Series Store ($87-$137 depending on door count) replaces the factory rubber with a bulb-style seal that compresses fully on closure. Independent testing shows up to 3.5 dB noise reduction at 110 km/h plus dramatic dust ingress improvement. Install in under an hour with a clean wipe and firm press.
Beyond the door seal, 8-12 metres of quality sound deadening mat (Dynamat, Car Builders, Stinger) applied to door cards and cabin floor adds another 1-2 dB cabin noise reduction. Materials cost $300-$600. Install best done with door cards removed and floor mats lifted. Total cabin sound deadening package $400-$700 in materials and a long Saturday of work. The result is most noticeable on long highway sections where conversation becomes easier and fatigue reduces.
6. Long-Range Fuel Tank
Factory 79 Series fuel tank is approximately 130 L, giving 800-1,000 km of realistic touring range. For Cape York, the Simpson Desert, the Gibb River Road and most serious outback routes, 1,200+ km of range is the practical minimum. The Brown Davis 180 L replacement fuel tank is the standard upgrade ($2,500-$3,500 fitted pre-rego, extends total fuel capacity by 50 L for ~1,400 km range). The 110 L auxiliary tank is the other option ($2,000-$3,000 fitted, mounts under the rear of the chassis, gives 240 L total capacity for ~1,700 km range).
Long-range tanks go in at this stage because they mount on or near the chassis and removing later-stage canopy or fitout to install them is significant additional labour. ARB and The Long Ranger both offer 79 Series specific tanks. Confirm fitment for your engine variant - the V8 1VD-FTV and 2.8L 1GD-FTV have slightly different mounting layouts. The tank install includes new fuel lines, sender wiring and gauge calibration.
7. Canopy or Tray
Single Cab gets an aluminium tray (typically $4,000-$8,000 fitted, replacing the factory tub with a longer flat work surface). Dual Cab gets a canopy - this is the most significant single upgrade on a 79 Dual Cab build and the most cost-variable. Premium aluminium canopies from Norweld and M2 Overland run $18,000-$30,000 fitted. Mid-range from Trojan, Campking, AluCab Hercules and AP Boxes run $10,000-$18,000. Budget composite from Explorer Canopies and similar suppliers run $6,000-$12,000.
The canopy houses the drawer system, fridge slide, water tanks and electrical control panel. Layout decisions here determine usability for the life of the build. Common drawer system suppliers: Drifta (premium plywood), MSA 4x4 (aluminium frames with steel hardware), Outback Roamer (mid-range Australian-made), custom flat-pack builders (cheapest, requires more DIY). A typical premium canopy plus drawer system plus fridge slide and water tank fitout lands at $25,000-$40,000 fitted.
8. Electrical System
The electrical system is the most build-specific stage and the most prone to cost creep. The standard package is an under-bonnet auxiliary battery (lithium becoming common at $1,200-$2,500 for 100 Ah, AGM still the budget option at $400-$800), a DC-DC charger from the main battery (Redarc BCDC, Projecta, Enerdrive at $300-$600), a solar input on the roof rack or canopy roof (200-400 W panels at $400-$1,500), an inverter for camp appliances (1,000-2,000 W at $300-$1,500), and a labelled distribution panel with USB outlets, 12 V sockets and switches mounted in the canopy or cargo area.
The critical principle is to run the wiring loom for every future load before the canopy fitout goes in. Once drawers are installed, retrofitting wiring means pulling the fitout back out. Most reputable Troopy and 79 fitters pre-wire to a labelled distribution panel even if the actual loads (lights, fridge, fan, water pump, USB outlets, awning lights) get added later. Total electrical system cost $2,500-$8,000 depending on battery size, inverter capacity and load complexity.
9. Snorkel and Air Intake
A snorkel does two jobs on a touring 79 Series. It relocates the air intake to roof height (cooler air, much less dust ingestion, longer air filter service intervals). It also gives the vehicle a meaningful water-crossing capability on Cape York and similar routes. Quality choices: Safari ARMAX (the established premium at $800-$1,200 fitted), Airflow Snorkels ($550-$900, popular Australian-made), Stedi Power 5 ($600-$900, newer high-flow design), ARB Safari ($850-$1,250, ARB-acquired Safari product). Install takes 4-6 hours in workshop labour - drilling through the front guard with a template, sealing the cut, plumbing the intake to the airbox.
Snorkels go on after the canopy but before the roof rack, because some snorkel designs intrude on roof rack mounting points. A high-flow airbox and quality air filter complete the intake side. The combination gives the engine the cleanest air supply possible in Australian conditions, which translates to longer service intervals and reduced engine wear over the long term. Engine-specific fitment - V8 1VD-FTV and 2.8L 1GD-FTV use different snorkel kits.
10. Roof Rack, Awning and Lighting
The roof rack is the final structural stage. Quality options: Front Runner Slimline II ($1,800-$3,500 fitted, premium pick), Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform ($1,500-$3,000), Wedgetail ($2,000-$3,800, Australian-made), ARB BASE Rack ($1,800-$3,200). Length sizing matters - 79 Dual Cab takes a full 2,200 mm platform; Single Cab is shorter at 1,800 mm. Static load rating typically 350 kg; dynamic 100-150 kg.
The awning goes on the side of the rack - 270-degree wraparound is the popular Dual Cab choice for maximum shade coverage ($800-$1,800 fitted). Driving lights ($500-$1,500 fitted pair) and a roof-mounted light bar ($800-$2,500 fitted) finish the lighting setup. Stedi, Lightforce, ARB and Narva are the established premium brands. Wire all lighting into the pre-run loom from stage 8 - clean, serviceable, no retrofit pain.
This is also the stage to fit the LED tail lights upgrade ($267-$300 from 70 Series Store), the LED headlight upgrade if you have a pre-2024 vehicle, and any cab interior upgrades that did not get done earlier - Cup Holder Armrests Pro, Centre Console Armrest Lite, Heavy Duty Floor Mats, Dash Mat, Weather Shields, Bonnet Protector. Total cab interior upgrade package $1,800-$3,000 from 70 Series Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a modified 79 Series cost in 2026?
A complete touring build typically costs $40,000 to $100,000 on top of the vehicle. Working ute tradie builds focus on essentials (suspension, GVM, bull bar, tyres, cab interior) at $20,000-$35,000. Mid-range touring builds with canopy and basic electrical $50,000-$70,000. High-spec touring builds with premium aluminium canopy, full electrical system, long-range fuel and complete lighting exceed $100,000.
What is the right order to modify a 79 Series?
Mechanical baseline first, then suspension and GVM upgrade, bull bar and recovery points, tyres and flares, sound deadening and door seals, long-range fuel tank, canopy or tray, electrical system, snorkel and intake, roof rack and lighting. The order matters because every stage affects the ones after it.
Do I need a GVM upgrade for my 79 Series build?
Yes if you fit any meaningful touring accessories. Factory GVM is 3,510 kg post-September 2022 (3,300 kg Single Cab and 3,400 kg Dual Cab pre-update). The moment a bull bar, canopy, drawers and full fuel/water load go on, you are at or over factory GVM. Pre-update vehicles need the upgrade even more because they start from a lower base. GVM upgrades to 3,950 kg or 4,200 kg are the popular targets.
Which canopy is best for a 79 Dual Cab?
Premium aluminium: Norweld or M2 Overland ($18,000-$30,000 fitted). Mid-range aluminium: Trojan, Campking, AluCab Hercules ($10,000-$18,000). Budget composite: Explorer Canopies or AP Boxes ($6,000-$12,000). Premium options have 6-12 month lead times; mid-range 3-6 months; budget typically 4-12 weeks.
What is the highest-return single upgrade on a 79 Series?
Suspension and GVM upgrade. Transforms ride quality at load, lifts legal payload by 440-690 kg, and is the foundation that all other accessories sit on. Without it, every accessory you fit just takes you further over factory GVM.
Can I do a 79 Series build pre-rego?
Yes - and it is the cheapest path. Pre-rego GVM upgrades use the manufacturer's federal SSM approval and skip individual engineering certification. Order through a Toyota dealer who offers pre-rego GVM packages from Lovells, Marks 4WD or Multidrive, and add other accessories before first registration. Saves $800-$2,000 vs post-rego pathway.
How long does a complete 79 Series build take?
3-12 months elapsed time depending on supplier lead times. The suspension and GVM stage is typically 4-8 weeks. The canopy is the longest single lead time (3-12 months for premium aluminium). Mechanical baseline through to a touring-ready vehicle is realistically 6 months minimum, often 12+ months for high-spec builds.
