How to Customise Your 79 Series LandCruiser for Australian Roads
The Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser has built a legendary reputation in Australia. Tough, dependable, and built for extremes, it’s a UTE trusted by tradies, adventurers, and travellers tackling everything from remote outback tracks to steep alpine trails.
With its V8 diesel engine, heavy-duty chassis, and proven off-road pedigree, the 79 Series is already one of the most capable vehicles on the market. But with the right customisations, it can be transformed into an even more versatile workhorse or touring rig — perfectly suited to Australian conditions.
Here’s how to get the most out of your 79 Series.
Power and Reliability Where It Counts
At the core of the 79 Series is its torquey V8 turbo-diesel, known for pulling power and endurance. From towing heavy trailers along country highways to crawling over rocky bush tracks, the engine is built for long life and dependable performance — an essential factor when you’re hours away from the nearest mechanic.
Off-Road Capability for Australia’s Toughest Tracks
Australia’s roads are anything but ordinary. Corrugated outback highways, sandy desert crossings, and muddy rainforest tracks demand a vehicle with clearance, traction, and resilience.
The 79 Series delivers with solid axles, heavy-duty suspension, and locking differentials. On steep climbs in the High Country or sandy stretches in the Simpson Desert, it provides the grip and control needed to stay confident behind the wheel.
Essential Customisations for Aussie Conditions
One of the biggest strengths of the 79 Series is its ability to be customised. Popular upgrades among Australian owners include:
- Canopies – Secure, weatherproof storage for tools, camping gear, or recovery equipment.
- Bull bars – Vital protection against kangaroos and other hazards on country roads.
- Snorkels – Allow safe water crossings and keep the engine breathing clean air in dusty environments.
- Upgraded suspension – Improves comfort and load-carrying performance across corrugations and rough ground.
These modifications make the LandCruiser more practical and resilient, whether for remote touring or day-to-day work.
Hauling and Towing Strength
The 79 Series is built to carry weight. Its payload capacity makes it a favourite for tradies carting heavy equipment, while its 3.5-tonne towing ability means it can easily haul boats, campers, or work trailers. Importantly, it maintains stability under load, even on uneven tracks.
Built for Australia’s Diverse Landscapes
Few vehicles can claim to handle the sheer variety of Australia’s terrain. The 79 Series takes on:
- Deserts – Maintaining traction in deep sand while resisting heat extremes.
- High Country – Tackling steep, rocky climbs with low-range gearing.
- Rainforests – Handling muddy tracks and slippery creek crossings.
- Coastal regions – Enduring salt, sand, and corrugations without compromise.
It’s a vehicle that feels equally at home on a cattle station, a construction site, or a remote touring expedition.
Reliability in Remote Areas
In Australia, reliability isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. The LandCruiser’s mechanical simplicity and proven durability make it easier to service and repair in isolated regions compared to more electronics-heavy vehicles. For those travelling into the outback, this peace of mind is invaluable.
The Ultimate UTE for Australian Roads
From its off-road muscle to its ability to haul heavy loads, the 79 Series LandCruiser is built to thrive in Australian conditions. Add in the right customisations — canopy, bull bar, snorkel, suspension upgrades — and it becomes a true all-rounder: a UTE that works hard, travels far, and refuses to quit.
For Australians who demand reliability in the toughest environments, the 79 Series remains one of the most trusted vehicles on the road.
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