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76 Series LandCruiser Build: The Ultimate Work and Touring Setup

  • Haydn
  • 14 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

If you're looking for the perfect blend of work practicality and weekend adventure capability without the extra cost of a tray and canopy, the 76 Series LandCruiser deserves your attention. Let's dive into why this wagon variant might just be the ultimate all-rounder in the 70 Series lineup.

Front three-quarter view of a white 76 Series Toyota LandCruiser with bull bar, GVM upgrade, and roof rack parked on gravel with trees in background.
David’s 76 Series – Built for work and play, with 3700kg GVM upgrade

This 76 Series Build = Perfect Balance of Work & Play

The 76 Series offers something special: all the rugged capability of the 70 Series platform but in a more versatile wagon body style. As highlighted in a recent build for a customer named David, this vehicle can seamlessly transition from workday duties to weekend escapes with just a few thoughtful modifications.


Front End Essentials

The build featured an ATD bumper replacement bar - a sleek, no-hoop design that perfectly complements the 76's lines while providing mounting points for:


  • Roadvision S8 Stealth lights

  • Carbon Off-Road 12,000lb winch

  • GME UHF antenna (or "two-way" as the old-timers call it)


This setup maintains the iconic 70 Series look while adding practical functionality without going overboard.

Front-on photo of the 76 Series LandCruiser showing the ATD bull bar and Roadvision spotlights.
The ATD bull bar with Roadvision lights gives this Cruiser protection and visibility in one clean setup.

Practical Suspension & Wheel Setup

For an all-rounder, the suspension setup is critical. The featured build uses:


  • Dobinson 3700kg GVM upgrade

  • 33-inch Yokohama Geolander X-AT tyre

  • 17x9 Method Race Wheels 312 HD rims


This combination hits the sweet spot - enough clearance and capability for off-road use without sacrificing too much fuel economy or putting excessive stress on the driveline.


(Remember, if you're getting a GVM upgrade, make sure your tyres load and speed ratings comply with regulations.)

Side-on profile view of a 76 Series LandCruiser with upgraded suspension and accessories, rated to 3700kg GVM.
Sitting on a 3700kg GVM upgrade, this 76 is built to haul serious touring gear while staying compliant.

The Ultimate Work Setup

While the 76 Series wagon isn’t your typical tradie’s rig, David’s setup proves it can pull double duty. Most of his work tools live in a trailer, but the rear cargo area is still smartly laid out - one side for recovery gear and camping kit, the other side set up for site essentials. There’s a fridge on a slide and 12V outlets that work whether he’s heading to the bush or backing into a jobsite.


And for those times he needs to haul longer materials? He’s added a removable ladder rack to the bullbar so he can still carry timber to site without turning the wagon into a ute.

Rear view of the 76 Series with both back doors open, showing a basic drawer system and fridge slide installed.
A no-fuss drawer system with a fridge slide keeps the back of David’s Cruiser practical and organised.

Power Management Made Simple

The electrical setup follows the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Secondary battery in the engine bay with a REDARC BC/DC Charger behind the front grille. Basic but effective dual battery setup powering the fridge and auxiliary lighting.


Interior Comfort Upgrades

The interior doesn't need to be complicated to be functional:

  • Leather seat upgrade with custom stitching

  • Center console (an absolute must-have for 70 Series owners)

  • Roof console for added storage

  • Wirless PolyAir Airbag control for towing

Interior roof view showing the T-shaped Department of Interior roof console inside the 76 Series LandCruiser.
The T-shaped roof console adds storage, lighting, and comms space up top.

Performance Enhancement

Under the bonnet, David’s 76 Series is running the full Safari ARMAX Performance Package - it’s a serious upgrade for both daily driving and towing. The ARMAX ECU delivers noticeably better throttle response and power when you need it, whether you're overtaking on the highway or dragging a loaded trailer up a hill.


To handle the extra torque, we’ve paired it with the Safari 4x4 heavy-duty clutch, giving the driveline the strength it needs for long-term reliability. A pre-line fuel filter adds crucial protection against bad diesel (especially important when you’re remote), and the oil/air separator helps reduce engine blow-by and extend service life.


(The Safari ARMAX snorkel was installed after these photos were taken. They were out of stock)


The Verdict

The 76 Series strikes that perfect balance between tough work ute and family SUV. With thoughtful modifications like these, it truly becomes the ultimate all-rounder, ready for work during the week and adventure on the weekends.


Thinking about building your own 76 Series work/tourer? Whether you’re chasing the perfect weekday rig or a full-blown weekend warrior, we can help bring it to life. Call us on 0417 783 415 or GET A QUOTE to start your build today.

 
 
 

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