4x4s we'd buy, and how we'd modify them: Toyota LandCruiser 76 GXL wagon

When it comes to the range of workhorse LandCruisers, the venerable LC76 GXL four-door wagon is my pick. Is it comfy? No. Is it a dream to daily, park and does it have a sweet-as interior? Also no.

But it crushes it off-road, is well-catered for by the aftermarket and is as simple as modern rigs get. My list of requirements for a 4WD, basically. The GXL is my choice because it comes with front and rear lockers, which are an absolute non-negotiable for the tomfoolery I get up to.

Now, the older V8 engine is still the pick, but given they’re thin on the ground these days, I’ll go with the 2.8L four-pot. Yeah, yeah, I know they’re not as fun as a big bent eight, but the kicker for me is that it comes with the eight-speed auto the 70s should have had a decade ago, so I’m going with it.

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The twin-lockers, super basic suspension and extra off-road capability from the auto (gotta love a torque converter that essentially acts as a giant low-range gear, eh?) make it one of the best out-of-the-box wheeling rigs on the planet from the get-go.

I’d chuck on a steel front bar and winch (because I do a lot of solo travel), plus a roof rack to hang a Boss 270 awning from so I have somewhere to set up the swag out of the weather. That round of mods would cost me in the vicinity of $6500.

From there, it’s adding a tune to get close to that 600NM mark ($1500), a Wholesale Automatics transmission cooler ($800), wire in some Great White LEDs and a 100Ah lithium set-up to run the fridge and camp lights ($2000), then a minor spring lift along with the best shocks I could get my hands on and a set of 35s to round things out (say $8500 all up).

If the budget stretches, I’d throw some good seats in too (I like the PWR suspension seats which retail for around $2000 with bases), which would save me in the long run on visits to the chiro.