Best Upgrades for LandCruiser 70/75/79 Series in Australia

Few vehicles are as iconic — or as enduring — as the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series. Built for the world’s toughest conditions, it’s become the backbone of rural Australia — from farms in Dubbo to mine sites in the Pilbara and touring rigs crossing the Simpson Desert. The 70, 75, and 79 Series models are known for one thing above all else: reliability.

But as capable as these workhorses are, many owners quickly discover the same truth — the factory setup isn’t perfect for real Australian conditions. Whether it’s harsh corrugations that punish suspension, cabin noise on long highway drives, or the need for more power when towing up steep country roads, the standard configuration leaves room for improvement.

That’s why upgrading a LandCruiser isn’t about vanity — it’s about function, safety, and endurance. With the right enhancements, these vehicles can be transformed into purpose-built machines that last decades longer and perform better than ever before.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best upgrades for the LandCruiser 70, 75, and 79 Series — backed by expert advice, owner experience, and Australian market insight — to help you get more comfort, performance, and resilience from your next adventure.

1. Suspension & Ride Comfort Upgrades

The first upgrade most 70 Series owners consider is suspension — and for good reason. The factory suspension on Toyota’s workhorses is designed for load-carrying reliability, not everyday comfort. While it’s tough enough for rough paddocks or unsealed mine roads, it can feel harsh and unyielding once you start adding accessories like bullbars, canopies, or roof racks.

In real-world conditions — think corrugated gravel near Broken Hill, towing a dual-axle caravan down the Hume, or carrying a 300 kg canopy setup — the stock springs and shocks start to show their limits. The rear tends to sag, steering becomes less responsive, and driver fatigue sets in faster.

Upgrading the suspension not only improves ride quality but also enhances handling stability and load safety. Popular options in Australia include:

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade kits, which legally increase the load-carrying capacity — essential for touring setups or trade vehicles.

• Heavy-duty shock absorbers such as Dobinsons, Old Man Emu, or Tough Dog, engineered for Australian terrain.

• Airbag or coil-assist systems (like Polyair or Airbag Man) for balancing rear-end height when towing.

According to 4WD Action’s suspension testing, properly tuned aftermarket suspension can reduce vibration transfer to the cabin by over 40% on corrugated tracks, translating to smoother rides and less wear on vehicle components.

When set up correctly, a suspension upgrade doesn’t just improve comfort — it transforms how your LandCruiser handles the realities of Australian driving.

2. Body Protection & Exterior Armour

Australia’s landscapes are beautiful—but brutal on metal. From the sandstone ridges of the Blue Mountains to the spinifex plains of the NT, the 70 Series LandCruiser regularly faces stones, branches, and red dust that test its durability. Without proper protection, body panels, guards, and undercarriage components can deteriorate quickly under constant impact and corrosion.

Why Protection Matters

Factory panels offer limited defence against Australia’s harsh terrain. A single trip down a gravel station track can sandblast the paint off your sills and chip your lower doors. In coastal regions like Wollongong or the Central Coast, salt-laden air accelerates rust formation—especially on older 75 Series tubs and bonnets. Once corrosion sets in, even the strongest steel begins to lose structural integrity.

Recommended Upgrades

To preserve both performance and resale value, consider these essential exterior reinforcements:

• Bullbars & Brush Bars: Provide impact protection from wildlife and scrub. Steel bars from ARB, TJM, or Ironman 4×4 are engineered to comply with ADR safety standards.

• Rock Sliders & Bash Plates: Shield sills and underbodies from rock strikes on steep fire trails.

• Snorkels: Raise the air intake to prevent dust and water ingress when crossing creeks or desert tracks.

• Guards & Fender Flares: Deflect gravel spray and protect paintwork—critical for long gravel hauls.

• Rust-Resistant Replacement Panels: Modern galvanised or seam-sealed doors, bonnets, and tubs offer OEM-grade strength with superior corrosion resistance.

Real-World Payoff

A 2023 4×4 Australia durability survey found that vehicles with underbody and side protection suffered 60 percent fewer structural repairs after extended outback use compared to stock models. That translates to more kilometres between panel repairs and a longer service life overall.

Body protection upgrades aren’t about styling—they’re about longevity. By reinforcing weak points now, you safeguard your LandCruiser for the next decade of touring, towing, or worksite abuse across Australia’s toughest terrain.

3. Lighting & Electrical Upgrades

Ask any seasoned 4WD driver in Australia and they’ll tell you — good lighting can mean the difference between spotting a roo 200 metres ahead and writing off your front end. For LandCruiser 70, 75, and 79 Series owners who regularly tackle regional highways, unlit work sites, or bush tracks, upgrading your lighting and electrical system isn’t a luxury — it’s a safety essential.

Why Factory Lighting Falls Short

The 70 Series is legendary for its rugged mechanics, but not for its headlights. The halogen bulbs fitted from factory simply don’t deliver the illumination modern Australian driving demands. When you’re travelling through areas like the Monaro Highway or the Nullarbor at night, factory beams can fade quickly, leaving dangerous blind spots on the roadside.

Practical Lighting Upgrades for Australia

1. LED Light Bars & Spotlights – Modern LED systems project light farther and wider than halogens. A dual setup (one bar + two side spots) can extend visibility up to 800 metres, ideal for regional night driving or off-road touring.

2. Headlight Upgrades – Swapping halogens for ADR-compliant LED or HID conversions improves colour temperature and clarity, reducing driver fatigue on long drives.

3. Work Lights & Reverse Lights – LED work lamps mounted on canopies or rear bars are invaluable for loading gear, setting up camp, or reversing trailers in low light.

4. Dual Battery Systems – For touring setups, a dedicated auxiliary battery powers fridges, lights, and accessories without draining the starter battery.

5. Smart DC-DC Chargers (e.g., Redarc or Projecta) – Ensure safe charging from alternators and solar inputs, especially important in remote touring setups.

Compliance & Safety Notes

Any lighting modifications in Australia must meet ADR (Australian Design Rules) and local road authority standards. Overpowered or poorly aimed lights can dazzle oncoming traffic and lead to fines. When installed correctly, however, upgraded lighting systems can reduce nighttime collision risk by up to 35%, according to the Australian Road Research Board.

Real-World Impact

On long drives from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains or across the Hay Plains, upgraded lighting not only improves visibility but also reduces fatigue — your eyes strain less, and reaction times improve dramatically. For tradies or travellers who drive before dawn or after dusk, these upgrades translate directly into safer, more confident driving.

4. Performance & Drivetrain Upgrades

The LandCruiser 70 Series has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable 4WDs on the planet — but even the toughest engines have their limits. Many Australian owners discover that while the 1HZ diesel and 1VD-FTV V8 turbo diesel engines are bulletproof, they can feel underpowered once you start adding accessories, towing a caravan, or tackling long highway climbs with a full touring setup.

That’s where performance and drivetrain upgrades come in. Done properly, these enhancements can improve torque delivery, throttle response, and engine efficiency — without compromising reliability or compliance.

5. Interior & Cabin Comfort Improvements

The LandCruiser 70 Series was engineered for strength, not silence. While its mechanical reliability is unmatched, the interior experience can be, frankly, punishing — especially on long trips across Australia. Between wind noise, engine drone, and minimal insulation, even a short drive from Sydney to the South Coast can start to feel like a full day on a tractor.

Fortunately, modern upgrades can transform the cabin into a quieter, cooler, and more comfortable space without sacrificing durability.

6. Storage & Touring Accessories

One of the biggest appeals of the LandCruiser 70, 75, and 79 Series is its versatility. Whether you’re hauling gear for work or loading up for a cross-country adventure, smart storage and touring accessories can turn a capable 4WD into a self-sufficient outback machine.

Australia’s vast distances and unpredictable terrain mean organisation isn’t a convenience — it’s a survival tool. A well-planned setup helps balance weight, keeps recovery gear accessible, and protects expensive equipment from dust and vibration.

Conclusion

Owning a LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia is about more than getting from A to B — it’s about reliability, adventure, and pride. These vehicles have earned legendary status for a reason: they can handle the red dust, river crossings, and endless highways that define the Australian landscape.

But even legends benefit from refinement. Upgrading your Cruiser isn’t about vanity — it’s about making a great machine even better. Whether you’re chasing smoother suspension for corrugated roads, stronger protection for bush trails, or smarter touring setups for long-distance travel, each improvement helps your 70, 75, or 79 Series perform exactly the way you need it to.

Every modification adds a layer of safety, comfort, and endurance — extending the life of your Cruiser and deepening your connection to it.

At I Love Cruiser, we share that same passion. Our team lives and breathes LandCruisers, supplying high-quality panels, guards, bonnets, doors, and restoration parts built for Australian conditions. From small repairs to full rebuilds, we help owners across the country bring their Cruisers back to life — one part at a time.