Now the Hyundai Terracan is not everyones cup of tea, but you’d really struggle to find a better value for money 7-seater 4WD. Slip on a new set of rubber, a suspension kit, a few custom mods, and you’ve got a value for money truck, that can take it right up to the big boys. Jon Chilton tells us more about his Terrain Taming Terry…

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Owner Profile

Name: Jon Chilton
Nickname: OGJON
Place you call home: Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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The Rig

• Make: Hyundai
• Model: Terracan SLX V6
Year: 2005
• Color: Maroon

The Mods

• 80 Series 16×7 6 stud alloys
• 32” Wrangler RTS A/Ts
• Custom rock sliders
• Nudge bar
• Nite Stalker spotties
• Custom guards
• 2” Ironman suspension lift
• Integrated rear view mirror/ reverse camera
• Custom draw system

How did the project begin?

My wife and I wanted to get some more clearance for off road and we also wanted to set the 4wd up for touring.

How long has the project taken?

We’ve only had the Terracan for 6 months, but it didn’t take long for the mods to start.

What’s been the mod that’s make the biggest difference?

The bigger tyres gives us good boost in clearance and the rock sliders helped protect the doors and sills. Prior to the sliders we had silly little alloy steps that I destroyed very quickly.

What was your biggest challenge

Saving for the mods (both my wife and I are on a pension) and hunting down a company that did a full suspension kit.

What was your build budget?

We don’t don’t have a specific budget for the mods. If we find we need to do some thing to the 4wd we’ll save for it and get it done.

What’s next?

• Bull bar
• Custom snorkel
• UHF
• Arb air locker up front
• Finish my rock crawler…

Who have you got to thank for the build?

Big thanks to Grant @ TJM Newcatle for tracking down a suspension kit and giving heaps of good advice.

Thanks Jon for taking the time to tell us all about your terry.

With a fresh new set of 35 inch MTR’s, some wicked flex, and multiple hand made mods this is one capable bush track tamer. Graham takes a minute to tell us more about his black beauty.

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Owner Profile

Name: Graham Malone
Nickname: Gib
Place you call home: Perth, WA, Australia
Years Driving Off-Road: 2
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The Rig

• Make: Toyota
• Model: Landcruiser BJ71
• Year: 1987
• Color: Black

The Mods

• 35×12.5r15 Goodyear Wrangler MTR’s
• Painted ROH rims
• EFS Anti inversion shackle lift
• Sway-bar removal
• Beefed up rear springs
• Custom guards
• Diff relocation (1 inch forward)
• Bunning’s garden edging flares
• Homemade drawer system
• GME UHF with 4.5Db fibreglass aerial
• Custom winch bar with PTO winch
• Spotties
• 24volt to 12volt inverter
• Safari snorkel

How did the project begin?

The truck came with a few bits already fitted, I have added the tyres, the drawers, shackles, and winch bar myself.

How long has the project taken?

The projects been going on for about 6 months so far

What’s been the mod that’s make the biggest difference?

Extended shackles and removed the sway bar, it flex’s great now, and the tyres of course.

What was your biggest challenge

The winch bar as it is the first attempt welding and working with metal.

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

I would have probably got the mid wheel base landcruiser as the short wheel base is a bit of a handful but it is all a learning experience.

What was your build budget?

My budget stretched as far as the purchase of the car. As for modifications they were done on the cheap, making everything myself, installing everything myself, saving up for every modification has been slow though.

What’s next?

Lockers both ends, 2 1/2inch straight through exhaust, better spotties, new converter as I flooded the last one, fit my arb air compressor from my previous car, and new shocks all round. If I win lotto maybe I will chuck in a set of reduction gears.

Who have you got to thank for the build?

Perth4×4.net , Ih8mud.com, and 4wdaction.com.

Thanks Graham for taking the time to tell us all about your terrific 4×4.

With 39 inch rubber slotted under 8 inches of lift, if your wondering what a tuff Ford looks like I think you just found it. Owner Hugh ‘Mav’ Cartwright takes a moment to share more about his Mighty Ford Maverick.

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Owner Profile

Name: Hugh Cartwright
Nickname: Mav
Place you call Home: Albury, NSW, Australia
Years Driving Off-Road: 11
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The Rig

• Make: Ford
• Model: Maverick LWB
• 4.2 6cyl diesel. 5sp manual, manual hubs and shift on fly transfer case
• Year: 1990
• Color: White

The Mods

• 39.5” Interco TSL Super Swampers
• Dual transfer cases
• 4.625:1 diff ratios
• Adjustable panhards front and rear
• 3rds production rocks rod steering link
• Tuff dog heavy duty RTC steering damper
• 3rds production front control billet arms
• DBR slotted brake rotors
• Scalloped gearbox cross member
• 2” body lift
• 6” 4ways spring lift
• Rancho adjustable shocks
• Custom rear sway bar
• Custom rear bar to suit body lift
• Hayman-Reece tow bar
• Swing-away jerry can holder and tyre carrier
• LED lights on rear
• Custom guards to fit the rubber
• Custom made rubber over plastic flares
• Rock lights
• Mirror mounted front rock lights
• Custom rock sliders
• 4 Cibie Oscar lights
• Hot shower system
• Dual batteries
• Engine isolation switch
• Pumped custom front seats
• Engine isolation switch
• Switch panel
• Fire extinguisher
• ½ finished rear drawer system
• Full alloy roof rack
• APE bulbar
• 9000lb PTO winch

How did the project begin?

With a spring lift, then purchase of new 33” tyres. I knew a few people with some big rigs. Eg patrol Ute with 44” tyres and a 40 series with a 454 big block chev and 44’s. I joined the local club and became involved in comps.

How long has the project taken?

The project has been a going for about 8 years on and off. Until 2 years ago it was still my daily driver. Even with 6” springs, 35s and the billet control arms. It has much been trial and error and having time space and money to do the work. I have done all the work myself usually in the home driveway, with some help from friends.

How did you go about the build?

I haven’t set or had a timeline as such. Small projects have had a time frame. But it has been work as I go. I have a goal in mind of how I want the truck to turn out and a wish list and have worked for that.

What’s been the mod that’s make the biggest difference?

Originally the 2” springs made the difference; suspension is always going to be the best modification. I’ve been driving all this time without a locker and the suspension flex is what has kept me going.

What was your biggest challenge

Getting those dam 39’s to stop vibrating and causing the car to wobble. I wanted to be able to drive to the tracks on them and not change tyre when I got there. Travelling at 90km isn’t a big ask?

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

Considering this vehicle was still a daily driver during its build and never off the road any periods of time. I would be considering of a full strip and rebuild, this way it would be easier to reinforce brackets and mounts and wouldn’t have to weld upside down. I am really happy with the way the build up went the way it did.

What was your build budget?

Haven’t really had budgets, more what I could afford and save a lot to be able to afford the pieces. The build up was trial and error and a lot of parts that I haven’t need were sold to others, eg springs, arms, ideas…

What’s next?

Finish drawer system. Put an exo roll cage on and front locker. Maybe a turbo. Work on my GU wagon; give it a spring lift, fit up cargo barrier and find an end to list for that.

Who have you got to thank for the build?

Allan Cox, Ben Truran, Gerry De Ruiter, various websites and forums. People from companies whose brains I have rattled with questions over time. Fineline Automotive Refinishing; (Dan, Khy and Bayden) for the help with the guard work and a place to do some of the things. A very special thank you must to go to my fiancée Donna Venturato, for dealing with me and the hobby.

Thanks Hugh for taking the time to tell us all about your terrific 4×4.

It didn’t take long for the spanners to come out and the mods underway. And the rest, as they say, is history…

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Owner Profile

Name: Shayne Tilley
Nickname: Tils
Place you call Home: Lilydale, Victoria, Australia
Years Driving Off-Road: 10+
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The Rig

• Make: Toyota
• Model: Landcruiser Sahara FJ62
• Year: 1986
• Color: Gun Metal Grey

The Mods

• 3 Inch Suspension Lift
• 2 Inch Body Lift
• 35 Inch Goodyear MTR;s
• Custom Drawer System
• 350ci Chevy Engine Conversion
• Custom Rear Drawers
• ARB Bull Bar
• DBR Slotted Brake Rotors
• SAAS Bucket Seats and Harness
• Front and Rear ARB Air Lockers
• and much much more…

How did the project begin?

I was happy playing around with a pretty standard truck. Then one hot new years eve the piston bearings went bang in the old 3F. So my long term plan for the chevy engine conversion got put on fast forward and the rest just snowballed from there.

How long has the project taken?

It’s still very much a work in progress, but I’ve owned the truck for about three years with most of the work being completed in the last two. I drive the cruiser to work every day so I’ve got to try and limit time off the road… Anything I can’t do in a weekend I tend to leave alone.

How did you go about the build?

To start of I rebuilt all the running gear, this included everything from the shocks, suspension to smaller stuff like new bearings, brake rotors, tie-rod ends, and bushes. From there I moved to the engine. It took quite a while to complete the conversation but I’m extremely happy with the result. Next was the interior, new seats, harness, roller drawers and so on. As I mentioned it’s still a work in progress, but it’s tough enough to hit the bush pretty hard and comfortable enough to drive an hour to work each day.

What’s been the mod that’s make the biggest difference?

I’m sort of split between two major mods. The 35 inch rubber made a huge difference. I’m extremely happy with the MTR’s. Second would be the ARB Lockers. On an old truck with no LSD the difference it makes is massive!

What was your biggest challenge

I’d have to say the engine conversion… No wait.. convincing my fiancee to let me spend the money. Yeah that was a challenge!

If you could go back in time, what would you change?

In hindsight, I would have probably opted for the chevy diesel. Don’t get me wrong, the power of the 350 is awesome but I ending up having to run straight LPG to satisfy the engineer so it’s limited the truck to weekenders rather than long journeys.

What was your build budget?

I’d say around 20K including the cost of the truck.

What’s next?

good question, I’m probably going to need to freshen up the shocks and springs, I’m considering a coil conversion but I’m not convinced it’s the way to go. I also need to fit some sliders and a custom rear step. Lastly a winch is on the agenda, when I can afford it…

If your interested in more information on the chevy conversion it’s available in a separate article

The number on thing I tell people when they ask for advice on buying a used 4X4 is if your asking for advice, then it’s essential you take someone along who knows what they’re looking at. And this doesn’t mean your friends friend the mechanic. It means someone who’s technically minded about 4X4’s.

Why? As there are certain things, as mentioned in the checklist above, that a normal mechanics not going to be looking for. Only a 4X4 enthusiast is going to able to give you the assistance you need.

Enjoy your off-roading!

The 200 series Landcruiser itcks a lot of boxes. Heaps on new technical wizardry, loads of creature comforts, improvements in off-road ability, and lots of choice. Time will be the only measure of if they’ve maintained their rock solid build quality to a level that we’ve all become so accustomed to.

But there are a couple of things I’m still not sure on…

Eats the rough stuff for breakfast

Do I really need to say any more? If you’ve been in a Landcruiser before, you know it’s just going to “work” off road. How’s this for a bag of goodies CRAWL (think auto pilot for 4wding), Downhill Assist Control, a new multi terrain ABS system, a Kinetic Suspension (KDDS), traction control (Sahara only), and Stability Control (Sahara only). Some might say that all this stuff takes away the fun and challenge going off road, and if you’re one of those people, don’t worry, you can turn most of them off, if not – then you’re going to find one the most capable mass produced off road vehicles on the planet.

And what’s more you’re going to leave most of the others in your wake in absolute comfort.

Made by the worlds smartest car manufacturer

Argue all you want, Toyota manufacturing is years ahead of everyone else. They set the standards others in the industry aspire to. Companies are still trying to figure out what Toyota were doing 20 years ago. So what does this mean? Well to me it means quality. It’s a reputation that Toyota are not going to risk, so you can be assured that the unbreakable brand build on years of rock solid Landcruisers over the years will resonate to this model.

Time is going to be the only real great test, but if there was one company to put your faith in, it’s Toyota with their Landcruiser.

She’ll tow, carry a load, and work all day

Now if you’re going to be forking over your hard earned I hope it’s for more that hitting the local shops with the 2.3 children. So that’s going to either be to tow something heavy, get off the beaten track, or go touring over long distantness. You’re going to be surprised how comfortable this big beast is and how hard you can work it. The towing capacity is 3500kg which is nothing out of this world, but hook up a horse float and the real test begins.

Being so big and heavy and having such a big footprint, stability is a non-issue, all the electronics will kick in to level you out anyway, but the biggest bonus is the big V8. Now the diesel has the edge in mid RPM range, but the petrol is more than capable. So that towing in check, what about the long hauls. We’ll Toyota are smart enough to know that these things are going to be driven on the black top more than on the dirt so they’ve ensured that they’ve refined the on road capability as well as the off. Chances are you’re in for you most comfortable ride ever in the 200 series.

Comfort like never before

Seems like a no brainer these days, but the boys at toyota have obvously responded to the top of the towners (BMW, Mercedes) improving their luxury off road models with some creature comforts of their own. There is the keyless entry and engine start, trip computer, the extra two seats out back, leather upholstery, dual zone air conditioning for starters, please of standard and optional air bags and much more…

Seats and mirrors are all electronically adjustable and there is a element of refinement and attention to detail I’ve not seen before in a Landcruiser.

She’s got a hefty price tag

Now this is all in Aussie dollars so it may vary from country to country. Starting at 80K for the base model, and then moving up (to over 100K!). This is edging the Landcruiser closer and closer to Luxury territory and further away from its traditional rivals. The Landcruiser always been “a little more”, but for the extra cash, you got a lot more car. I just wonder if the 80K for the base model has put the price tag just a fraction out of their target markets reach.

The 10K extra for the Diesel is a silly move in my book too. They’re cheaper to run, last longer, more reliable, so the more people talking up their diesel experience the better. But at 10K, I’d say the market will be dominated by the petrol version.

A heavy right foot will cost you

It’s a choice between a V8 or a V8 and with the 200 series coming in at 2.6 tones you’re going to keep the oil companies profitable for some time yet. With petrol prices going through the roof and predictions of worse to come, these things are becoming more of a consideration.

You need to do your maths on what it’s going to cost you to cover the K’s. If you’re comfortable with it, fine, but don’t run into the dealer with a least having thought about what this means to you.

It’s not the most stunning thing

Honestly I’ve got to say the overall look of the new cruiser it not doing it for me. If seems to me that they’ve taken on to many of the Kluger characteristics. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but this new model has lost some of the individuality that’s made the car and icon. Think through the models you’ve seen on the road, and your left with no doubt it’s a Landcruiser. Will this new model achieve that, I’m not sure.

But as always with design, you need to make up your own mind if you like it or not.

Although the exterior gets a big cross from me, the interior is a different story. As I’ve already mentioned, the interior feels a lot more refined the its predecessors, but let’s just hope his refinement won’t fall apart the sight of a rocky road.

In summary

So would I buy one – Absolutely! I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be taking the beast off track if I was to fork out the $80-100K of my own coin. But hey, that’s what their built for. From what we can see so far – the Landcruiser Dynasty will live on, but for just how long is anyone’s guess.