Gunnar

Back in February, we fitted a set of 7-inch Scope NEO driving lights from Ironman 4x4 and loved the result. But as the front end evolved with the addition of the new Apex bullbar, the proportions started to shift.

Combined with the large 76 grille, the 7-inch lights began to feel slightly undersized.

The move to the 9-inch Scope NEOs brought everything back into balance. The larger diameter fills the front end far better and gives the build a more purposeful, integrated look while adding even more performance for night driving.

It’s a subtle change on paper, but one that completely transformed the presence of the vehicle.

We’ve always loved the factory 76 alloy wheels, especially finished in gloss black. But as the build evolved and more modifications came together, it became clear that we needed something more aggressive to match the new aesthetic.

Enter the steelies.

Imported from Australia through Viper Group, we chose the Soft8B steel rims from Dynamic Wheels Australia. To widen the track and improve stability, we went with the deep-dish -50mm offset across all four corners. In the rear, we run 30mm spacers to compensate for the different axle lengths, a quirk of the 70 series platform that many owners know all too well.

At first, we weren’t sold on the gold bolts designed to mimic a beadlock look, so we ordered a set of black replacement bolts before the rims had even arrived. But once mounted, our opinion changed. As the gloss finish settled in, the gold details started to work surprisingly well, picking up tones from the tan accents and tying the whole build together in a way we hadn’t expected.

New year new look. The first set of mods for 2026 brought about a brand new suspension system as well as modernised front end.

With the additional weight of an ever-growing build, it was time to not only raise the 76, but also beef up the suspension components. Working closely with Ironman4x4, we opted for a 2 inch lift, Foam Cell Pro shock absorbers and a leaf and coil combo that supports a constant load of 300kg. Driving out of Safari Centre, the ride immediately felt firmer with less wallow in the corners and smoother dampening on sharp impacts.

Upfront, we installed Ironman's new Apex bull bar which is not only a very attractive bar but also robust and multifaceted. To complete the front end, we added a 12000 pound winch as well as the new 9 inch Scope NEO spot-lights. Hello darkness my old friend...

Certain mods are geared around small optimisations of an existing setup, this was not one of those, this is the kind that changes the game in more aspects than one.

Since 2019, we've been overlanding in a simple canvas fold-out roof top tent. A great tent that served us very well, however as the years went by we were drawn to the hardtop style tents. The ease of access, the pop-top time efficiencies, the internal storage and the blackout that comes with better insulation.

As part of a new partnership with Ironman4x4, the first fitment we made was their impressive Orion 1400 rootftop tent. Aesthically, it's modern and sleek and features a lower profile than most. Practically, it's spacious, comfortable and the perfect sleeping quarters for us, our daughter and our Staffy.

In the same install, we also added the Deltawing 270 degree awning, also from Ironman4x4. The additional shade is one thing, but the simplicity and speed of opening it means we use it far more frequently. Our favourite feature though, is the built-in lighting strips that span the length of the legs. The perfect solution for in-camp lighting at night.

When we started the 76 build, we brought over the Front Runner 55l fridge slide from our previous build. While nothing was wrong with it, when Front Runner sent us their latest slide, which comes with a built in chopping board / wooden counter, it was a no brainer to swap them out.

At the time, Front Runner had also just launched their new fridge cage, so in an effort to bag them some fresh content, we built one up and installed it. Neat piece of kit if you're looking to optimise the storage on top of alongside your sliding fridge.

A simple mod we added to our previous build was a 3/4 cargo net that ran from behind the front seats all the way to above the rear door. With Gunnar geared up for family adventure, we opted for a 1/2 net this time round.

For us the cargo net is one of those mods that comes in clutch, time and time again. Perfect for towels, jackets, blankets and even a camp-cot mattress for our daughter.

If you've ever heard a stock Land Cruiser's sound system, you'll know just how badly it needs an upgrade. Opting for 6x9 JBL speakers up front and an 8000w powerbass amp and sub combo in the back, we've elevated our on-board entertainment experience substantially.

Having teamed up with Takla in 2021, they were another essential partner for our 76 build. Dash and seat covers are essential for any trip off road, so this time around we opted for their new at the time, River Rock range, a robust, comfortable canvas cover that is fully waterproof.

Gunnar is the third of our vehicle builds to visit Mild2Wild in Visantekraal, Cape Town. Gareth and his team offer top tier quality and their installation of our dual battery system and work lights was of the highest calibre.

For the battery, we've installed an Enertec 105ah lithium ion battery along with an Intervolt DC-DC charger. The work lights are 10 inch LED bars from Front Runner and are controlled by an 8-Gang switch panel which also connect to ones phone for remote access.

In our opinion, drawer systems are essential for every overlanding SUV, especially those with rear seats. Whilst there are plenty of options on the market, we found a more affordable custom solution via RadRaxx in Somerset West, Cape Town.

Working closely with their team, we designed our ideal twin drawer system that is optimal height, lockable, light-weight and also offers additional storage panels on either side of the drawers.

With Front Runner roof rack installed in update 004, next up it was time to install the Front Runner mounts and accessories such as the rooftop tent, 180 degree awning, 40inch Osram light bar, two wolf packs, one typhoon bag and an under rack table. The tent and the awning are both on quick release brackets.

Front Runner have been a partner of ours since 2017 therefore it was a matter of priority to have their 76 series specific roof rack and rear ladder fitted to Gunnar. In the same fitment, we also installed their centre console safe, a nifty game changer for storing valuables in these vehicles.

While the silver trim remains a classic look, it feels a littel dated.

Given the military aestehtic we were after with this build, we prefer the more aggressive aesthetic that comes with blacked-out trim and accessories. Opting for gloss black, Smokem Garage in Paarden Eiland did a superb job at re-spraying our front bumper, rear bumper, side-steps, rims, door handles and roof gutters. We also had all vehicle lights smoked for the stealth effect.

The previous owner spec'd the 76 with BFGoodrich KO2 All Terrain tyres in a size of 265/70R16. While they still offered 60% of their tread, we felt it was time for a fresh start and also a bigger size.

We're firm believers in the KO2 platform so we stuck with these and opted for one size bigger in 285/75R16. Stance game strong.

Introducing Gunnar, our 2015, Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series LX V8.

Previously owned by one of Toyota's Financial Managers in Centurion, South Africa, the 76 arrived on our doorstep in Cape Town with a mere 82 000km on the clock. Not bad for a 9 year old vehicle.