It’s no secret that the 1GD-FTV 2.8L turbo-dizzle engine in our second-hand HiLux is a well-proven performer. 

However, they’re almost as well known for having a less-than-optimal seal on the factory air cleaner housing, and there are numerous examples of dust creeping past the air filter and causing all sorts of dramas. That’s not just on the mighty HiLux either. Prados, 70 Series, Fortuners, if your vehicle has one of these engines and drives in dusty conditions, chances are the airbox will develop a leak at some point.

Luckily, our air cleaner still looked brand new, and the engine-side of the box could have had a meal eaten off it. But still, we take this thing wheeling regularly and we didn’t want to tempt fate when we’re halfway through the High Country. Something had to be done.

Close-up of a black inspection flashlight clipped beside engine hoses under the car hood.
1

Airbox and air filter upgrade

Gotta love a HiLux, eh? These things have more aftermarket support than a Kardashian’s face.

After some quick duck-duck-going we latched onto Australian filter legends, Donaldson (↗). These guys have been making filters since the first Toyota 4x4s landed in this country and have an airbox and filter combo specifically for the N80 and N90 Luxies. Score. We’ve also fitted one to our 2026 HiLux, so we’ll be putting it through its paces in the months ahead.

This is not just a replacement either. It’s a full-on upgrade. The filters catch more contaminants than the OEM paper filters while maintaining the same or better airflow. They also don’t need oiling or any maintenance other than undoing the three clips on the new airbox and throwing a fresh one in. To make life even easier, there’s a handy filter gauge that tells you when it’s time to throw in a fresh one.

Airbox installation

Look, this took a seriously underqualified journo about 20 minutes to remove the old airbox and have the new Donaldson installed. It’s not difficult. 

All that’s required is a Leatherman, 10mm and 13mm sockets. The hardest part is removing the old MAF sensor screws that really wanted to chew out. Maybe because the incorrect screwdriver was used, but whatever. It mates straight up to the factory mounting points and air inlet, and there are adapters available for snorkels too. As far as preventative maintenance goes, fitting up one of these bad boys is a no-brainer.

Close-up of a car engine bay showing a large black battery housing with wires and a white reservoir in the background.
1

Key benefits

  • Better contaminant filtration
  • Same or better airflow
  • No oiling required
  • Simple filter replacement
  • Filter gauge shows when it needs replacing

Pricing

MORE Follow our N80 HiLux build!