+300mm Chassis Extension
By adding 300mm to the chassis while keeping a standard length canopy this Cruiser has far better weight distribution than many. There is more weight forward of the rear axle and far less rear overhang.
The vehicle sits well proportioned, and the rear suspension works all the better for the extra chassis length. It seemed to shoulder the load through some steep and slippery high country tracks with ease.
79 Series LandCruiser Portal Axles
Beneath this super-tough 79 Series LandCruiser lies Marks 4WD Portal Axles. For those new to portal axles, they allow an additional 6″ increase in ground clearance beneath the differential when used in conjunction with 35″ tyres.
These portals also increase the front track 80mm and match the narrower rear wheel track of the 70 Series out to the width of the front. The resulting vehicle has additional stability and enviable clearance beneath the diffs.
ARMAX
With the driveline to go everywhere, Kris needed the power to match. To safely draw the most power from the 79 Series LandCruiser’s V8 diesel he fitted the Safari ARMAX ECU.
Is insurance against failure someplace remote, he also replaced the factory Toyota clutch with Safari ARMAX Heavy Duty Clutch.
Toyota’s factory raised air intakes aren’t water sealed, so this was replaced with a Safari ARMAX Snorkel that is both sealed and provides around 50% more airflow into the big capacity diesel.
Between the ground clearance and the power, this rig made light work of everything we encountered over our time exploring the high country.
Tyres & Suspension
This Cruiser is riding on the ARB Old Man Emu BP51 Shock Absorbers, coil and leaf suspension. We run the same in our 76 Series, they perform well and certainly bring some comfort to the agricultural 70 Series.
Gripping the tracks are the popular BFGoodrich KM3 in size 35".
Accessories
Kris has protected his vehicle with ARB Bull Bar, Side Rails and Steps. He’s also fitted an ARB Recovery Point and Warn ZEON Winch.
For increased range, a 180 litre ARB Frontier Tank has been fitted.
Camp
Kris is the Australian importer for iKamper and on this trip, his Cruiser was fitted with a prototype of the X-Cover rooftop tent.
Twin upright Engels are easy to reach on this big 4×4, and they provide plenty of room to keep the family fed on their regular trips, including recent trips into the High Country and the Simpson Desert.
It’s great to see a Cruiser that’s this modified still so well suited to exploring Australia, and it’s even better to see Kris spending lots of time doing so.
