How a 79 Series Touring Build Comes Together

If you’re researching a 79 Series touring build, chances are you don’t want a show car. You want something that can carry everything you need, travel long distances, and keep working when conditions get tough.

Stage 1 of a 79 tourer build - decked out with basics you need to start exploring.

This blog walks through how a 79 Series touring build comes together from day one — not as a parts list, but as a proven process we’ve refined after building LandCruisers for years.

Ready To Build Your 79 Series Touring Build?

If you’re planning a new 79 Series or already have one on order, the smartest move is to plan the touring build before the vehicle hits the road. Payload, compliance, and layout decisions made early save money and headaches later.

Boss Aluminium half canopy & tray - perfect for those who need storage without the bulk of a full canopy.

👉 Talk to our team about a 79 Series touring build before you take delivery. Early planning opens up the cleanest and most compliant options.

Step 1: Start A 79 Series Touring Build with Payload, Not Accessories

Every successful 79 Series touring build starts with weight. Not wheels. Not suspension brand names. Not how tall it looks.

Touring adds mass quickly — tray, canopy, water, fuel, fridge, recovery gear, passengers, and often towing weight. If payload isn’t addressed first, everything else becomes a compromise.

Superior Engineering suspension making this 79 series ready for anything off-road!

That’s why the foundation of this 79 Series touring build is a properly engineered GVM upgrade designed around the finished vehicle, not the empty one.

Learn more about our GVM upgrade options here.

Step 2: Build The Suspension System to Match The 79 Series Touring Load

Once payload targets are clear, suspension selection becomes straightforward. This 79 Series touring build uses a complete suspension and GVM system designed to work as one package:

• Rear suspension built for constant touring weight

• Lift height engineered alongside tyre size

• Track correction to maintain stability and drivability

Proof that no matter where you drive - left-hand or right-hand—the 79 is king of the touring scene.

When done pre-registration, this approach keeps the build compliant and avoids having to undo or redo components later.

Step 3: Engine Breathing and Heat Management for A 79 Series Touring Build

Touring isn’t about peak power figures. It’s about keeping the engine healthy under load — especially at low speeds, in sand, or over long distances.

With the ARMAX Snorkel in installed, this 79’s ready to breathe easy in the deepest dust and wildest water crossings.

In a 79 Series touring build, this means:

• Improving airflow into the engine

• Supporting that airflow with correct tuning

• Upgrading the clutch so power actually reaches the ground

• Managing heat during slow, heavy-load driving

Additional cooling is often added to reduce heat soak when airflow is limited but engine demand is high — a common scenario in touring conditions.

Step 4: Turning A 79 Series into a True Touring Platform

This is where the vehicle becomes liveable. A properly set up 79 Series touring build includes:

• Secure tray and canopy storage

• Integrated water capacity for extended trips

• Space for fridge and camp gear

• Rooftop tent and awning coverage

• Solar support for off-grid travel

Built for chasing sunsets and waking up to the best views in the country - this 79 is the dream touring rig.

The key is layout. Gear should be accessible without unpacking half the vehicle every time.

Step 5: Keep The 12v System Simple and Reliable

One of the most common mistakes in a 79 Series touring build is overcomplicating the electrical system.

Cold beers and full batteries - this canopy fit-out has the 12V gear to keep you powered up off-grid.

Touring reliability comes from simplicity:

• A quality auxiliary battery

• DC–DC charging with solar input

• Power for fridge, lighting, and essential outlets

• This setup is easy to diagnose, easy to expand later, and proven to work long-term.

See our approach to 12V electrical systems here.

Step 6: Comfort And Safety in a Long-Distance 79 Series Touring Build

A touring build isn’t finished until it’s comfortable to drive. Common comfort and safety upgrades in a 79 Series touring build include:

• Full sound deadening

• Seat and interior trim upgrades

• Practical centre console solutions

• Reversing and canopy camera systems

• Towing mirrors for improved visibility

Comfort meets class. These ProSeat custom re-trimmed buckets bring modern comfort to a classic cabin.

None of these are about luxury - they’re about reducing fatigue and improving safety over long distances.

The End Result: A Properly Planned 79 Series Touring Build

When each step is done in the right order, the result is a 79 Series touring build that:

• Carries weight legally

• Drives properly when loaded

• Handles touring conditions confidently

• Can evolve over time as needs change

Not a show vehicle. Not a trend-driven build.

Just a tour-ready 79 Series LandCruiser built to be used.

Portal axles, canopy access, and full touring spec—this 79 is as capable as it looks.

THINKING ABOUT YOUR OWN 79 SERIES TOURING BUILD?

If you’re planning a new build or want advice before committing to parts, speak to our team early. The right decisions up front make all the difference.

👉 Get in touch