The Toyota Land Cruiser has long been celebrated for its robust off-road capabilities and comfortable on-road manners. But what happens when you take this iconic SUV and push its boundaries even further? This isn’t just about owning a Toyota Land Cruiser; it’s about understanding what makes it exceptional from the inside out and transforming it into the greatest sport-utility vehicle imaginable. This is the story of a Land Cruiser meticulously built for extreme adventures, focusing on enhancing its inherent strengths and delving into the details that make it truly special.
The Essence of a True SUV
The original vision of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was a machine capable of transporting families and their gear across challenging landscapes and through harsh weather conditions, all while maintaining comfort and reliability. However, over time, the SUV market shifted, often prioritizing aesthetics and on-road performance over genuine off-road prowess. Many modern SUVs lean towards car-like handling and fuel efficiency, sometimes sacrificing the very off-road capabilities that defined the archetype. This evolution has led to a disconnect, where the public often overlooks the true purpose and potential of vehicles designed for serious capability.
For those who genuinely require a vehicle for demanding conditions, the need is clear: something that not only looks like an SUV but performs like a true off-road champion. Our family, consisting of two adults and three dogs, frequently explores the rugged terrains of the western United States, Mexico, and Canada. Living in Montana, where extreme weather is a constant, and daily off-road driving is the norm, we actively seek out challenging environments. Our ideal vehicle must be more than just fashionable; it needs to be exceptionally capable. This quest for ultimate performance led us to the Toyota Land Cruiser, a platform renowned for its strength and adaptability.
Why the Land Cruiser? Delving Deeper
Last year, we detailed our decision to choose a 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting its unique blend of Jeep Wrangler-level off-road ability and Range Rover-like on-road comfort. The 200-series Land Cruiser stands out for its long-term durability, modern conveniences, and the towing capacity of a full-size pickup. Yet, as a stock vehicle, it inherently operates within factory limitations.
This is where the Land Cruiser’s modification potential comes into play. It possesses unique features that make it remarkably adaptable, notably the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). KDSS automatically disconnects the sway bars during off-road driving, significantly improving wheel articulation. On paved roads, sway bars enhance cornering stability by reducing body roll. Off-road, however, they restrict wheel movement, hindering traction. While other capable off-road vehicles feature disconnecting sway bars, the Land Cruiser’s KDSS is exceptionally robust and user-friendly. It operates through hydraulic pressure between axles, sensing force differences and adjusting sway bar engagement without driver intervention or electronic complexity. This ingenious system seamlessly integrates with aftermarket suspension upgrades.
Another significant advantage for modification is the parts commonality within Toyota’s truck range. Toyota strategically uses standardized parts across its vehicle lines to streamline production. This design choice inadvertently empowers owners, creating a “Lego-like” system where components can be interchanged, opening up fascinating modification possibilities.
Alt text: Hudson Hall expertly modifying the Toyota Land Cruiser suspension, showcasing the detailed work involved in upgrading the vehicle’s inner mechanics for enhanced off-road performance.
Unlocking Long Travel Suspension: The Inside Story
Historically, solid axles were standard in trucks for their simplicity, strength, and ability to provide significant wheel articulation. However, solid front axles compromise on-road ride and handling, particularly outside of extreme rock crawling. Independent Front Suspension (IFS) was developed to improve on-road dynamics. IFS mounts the front differential to the frame and utilizes complex Constant Velocity (CV) axles that flex while rotating. IFS employs upper and lower A-arms to control wheel movement, and a coilover unit combines the shock and spring. Stock suspension is a compromise between cost and performance, limiting articulation.
Desert racers recognized IFS’s potential for high-speed off-road performance. By extending the upper and lower control arms, they achieved “long travel” suspension, increasing wheel articulation and high-speed stability over rough terrain. This setup necessitated longer CV axles and remote reservoir shocks to accommodate the increased travel. Longer wheel travel effectively reduces the impact of bumps, dramatically improving ride quality and control at high speeds.
While race-spec suspension excels in specific conditions, it often requires frequent maintenance and may not be ideal for daily driving. Ford addressed this with the F-150 Raptor in 2010, incorporating desert racing suspension principles into a production vehicle. The Raptor offered factory-quality durability, ride comfort, and the ability to handle both daily driving and extreme off-road conditions, revolutionizing the truck market.
Inspired by this approach, we aimed to apply similar principles to our Land Cruiser, focusing on creating a robust and reliable long-travel suspension system without compromising daily usability.
Debunking Internet Myths and Building a Custom Setup
Intrigued by online forum discussions suggesting Toyota Tundra front suspension parts could be swapped into a Land Cruiser for a long-travel setup with added track width, we investigated further. These reports promised enhanced performance and clearance for larger tires. After consulting with individuals who had undertaken this modification, we decided to proceed.
With a new Land Cruiser secured, and word of our ambitious project spreading among friends, the commitment was set. Recognizing the complexity of designing a custom suspension system, especially for a vehicle of this caliber, we sought expert assistance. Graeme MacPherson from GoFastCampers connected us with Hudson Hall, a former Dakar Rally mechanic for Robby Gordon. Hall’s confident “No problem” set the project in motion. Plans were made for him to travel to Montana, and the parts sourcing began.
Further support came from Ed Loh of MotorTrend, who shared our enthusiasm and connected us with Toyota. Remarkably, Toyota provided parts support for this unconventional project. However, while leveraging stock Tundra components, the setup also required aftermarket upper control arms, front coilovers, and rear shocks and springs. We opted for ARB’s BP-51 internal-bypass suspension system, known for its exceptional ride quality, long service life, and weather resistance. BP-51’s 50,000-mile rebuild interval significantly exceeds race-oriented alternatives, while its internal-bypass channels offer progressive damping for both smooth rides and handling large impacts.
Despite initial skepticism from ARB, we secured Tundra-length coilovers and Land Cruiser-specific rear suspension. Total Chaos Fabrication, accustomed to building high-performance Toyotas, readily provided upper control arms designed for a unique application.
Alt text: Method 702 wheels paired with Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, initially considered for the Toyota Land Cruiser modification, highlighting the selection of high-performance components.
The Suspension Swap and Tire Fitment Challenges
Hudson arrived at a friend’s garage, where a collection of Tundra and aftermarket parts awaited. While Hudson tackled the suspension conversion, the task of wheel and tire selection proved more complex than anticipated. Despite advice suggesting zero-offset wheels would fit within the stock fenders with larger tires, test fitting revealed the tires protruded significantly, risking body damage during articulation.
Wheel offset, the rim’s position relative to the hub, is crucial. Aftermarket off-road wheels often come in zero offset for aesthetic reasons, but stock Toyota wheels have a +56 offset, positioning tires further inboard. It became clear that the stock +56 offset was necessary to maintain fender clearance with the wider suspension. Even with stock wheels, tire width was limited to 11 inches. Ultimately, 33.2-inch tall and 10.8-inch wide tires were chosen.
This tire size, while slightly smaller than initially planned, offered benefits in reduced unsprung weight. The stock wheels, now flush with the body due to the wider suspension, provided a subtle, understated look, effectively concealing the extent of the suspension modifications beneath.
Importantly, using Tundra components enhances parts availability and reduces costs for potential replacements. The wider suspension also reduces stress on CV axles by allowing them to operate at less extreme angles, improving overall system reliability. Achieving a significant performance increase while enhancing reliability is a remarkable outcome of this modification.
Alt text: Toyota Land Cruiser with newly installed long-travel suspension, showcasing increased ride height and flush wheel fitment, demonstrating the visual impact of the internal modifications on the vehicle’s stance.
The Transformative Results: Inside the Ride Experience
Was the complexity and expense of the modification worthwhile? Measuring wheel travel post-modification revealed 11.4 inches, a 26 percent increase over the stock 9.05 inches. This seemingly modest increase translates to a significant 26 percent reduction in the perceived impact of every bump, every mile, every day.
Comparing to other 4x4s, the new Ford Bronco boasts 10.2 inches of front wheel travel, slightly exceeding the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Our modified Land Cruiser surpasses the Bronco by over 10 percent, achieving superior articulation.
This enhanced travel, combined with the BP-51 suspension and larger tires, creates a synergistic effect. The 33.2-inch tires further reduce bump impact by 5.4 percent, while the advanced shocks provide superior control.
Alt text: Close-up view of the Toyota Land Cruiser’s upgraded suspension components, including Total Chaos upper control arms, illustrating the intricate engineering inside the wheel well for enhanced off-road capability.
The transformation in ride quality is remarkable. Rough dirt roads, typically driven at 35 mph in stock trucks, are now effortlessly traversed at 65 mph. Observing the Land Cruiser in motion reveals wheels and tires working intensely, while the body remains remarkably stable, almost oblivious to the terrain below.
Off-road, the increased articulation and Toyo Open Country A/T III tires provide unparalleled grip and control. The Land Cruiser now navigates challenging terrain with ease, making conditions that once tested even a built Ford Ranger feel almost trivial.
The three-inch wider track enhances stability, counteracting the increased height. Off-road, it inspires confidence in off-camber situations, while on-road, it compensates for the raised center of gravity. KDSS further enhances performance, maintaining flat cornering on pavement while allowing for impressive articulation off-road. The combination of KDSS, long-travel suspension, advanced shocks, and grippy tires excels on rough dirt roads, dynamically adjusting to varying conditions for optimal handling. No other vehicle suspension system manages these conflicting demands as effectively.
Alt text: The Toyota Land Cruiser at Overland Cruisers awaiting the installation of a new ARB Summit bumper, showcasing the vehicle’s robust build and preparation for further external enhancements.
Adding Protection: Bumper Upgrades and Safety Inside and Out
Living in the Yellowstone ecosystem brings frequent wildlife encounters, posing a driving hazard. While cautious driving is paramount, equipping vehicles for animal strike protection is essential. Steel bumpers and powerful driving lights are crucial additions.
For this Land Cruiser, the ARB Summit bumper was chosen for its superior protection and compatibility with vehicle safety systems. It provides robust defense against animal collisions without compromising airbags or emergency braking. ARB’s finish quality seamlessly integrates with the Land Cruiser’s aesthetics. The bumper also accommodates Lightforce HTX2 driving lights and a Warn Zeon 12-S winch.
Alt text: Rear view of the Toyota Land Cruiser with an ARB bumper installed, emphasizing the added protection and integrated brake and turn signal lights for enhanced safety on the road.
Rear ARB bumpers further enhance protection from off-road scrapes and improve approach and departure angles. Integrated brake light and turn signal repeaters increase visibility and safety. Opting for a rear bumper without swing-out carriers improves daily practicality, maintaining rearview visibility and streamlining hatch access, while an auxiliary fuel tank addresses extended range needs.
Alt text: Frontal view of the modified Toyota Land Cruiser at Revenue Flats, Montana, highlighting the vehicle’s commanding presence and enhanced stance achieved through suspension and tire upgrades.
Further Enhancements: Sliders, Skid Plates, and Lockers
Future additions include sliders for body protection and skid plates for undercarriage safeguarding. Sliders will replace the plastic stock steps, protecting vulnerable body panels. Skid plates will guard the exhaust, transfer case, and vital cables, prioritizing lightweight options.
An onboard air compressor and a locking rear differential are also planned. While Toyota’s electronic traction control is effective, a rear locker will improve performance in loose sand and provide on-demand locking at higher speeds. ARB air lockers, powered by onboard compressors, offer seamless integration and activation at any speed. Front locker installation is currently not feasible due to front differential housing limitations without re-gearing, which would compromise high-speed cruising ability.
Alt text: Switch-Pros 9100 control panel installed inside the Toyota Land Cruiser, managing electrical accessories and demonstrating the integration of advanced technology within the vehicle’s interior.
The Ultimate Balance: Capability and Responsibility
This Land Cruiser build prioritizes driving experience and capability without excessive modifications. By avoiding oversized tires, roof-mounted weight, and unnecessary accessories, the focus remains on balanced performance. The result is a vehicle uniquely capable of transporting family and gear through challenging conditions with unparalleled confidence and comfort.
Addressing environmental concerns, while large, modified trucks can symbolize climate change impact, a nuanced view of carbon footprint is necessary. The Land Cruiser’s fuel consumption is approximately 13 mpg in real-world driving conditions, comparable to other modified trucks. Annual mileage of 10,000 miles equates to about six metric tons of carbon emissions. However, a single round-trip flight for two can easily surpass this annual emission. Responsible consumption involves considering the broader impact of lifestyle choices. For those needing extreme capability, a vehicle like this Land Cruiser is a justified choice, but broader societal solutions are essential to address climate change effectively.
Ultimately, this modified Toyota Land Cruiser offers a unique blend of performance, reliability, and responsibility. It’s built to explore remote landscapes, ensuring safety and comfort while minimizing environmental impact through thoughtful design and usage. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to thoughtful engineering and a commitment to experiencing the world’s most challenging environments with confidence.
