PERFECT CRUISER
LAND CRUISER 76 SERIES
BRETT ASHLIN and his partner Jodie knew exactly what they wanted when they got hold of a gold 2008 Land Cruiser 76 Series GXL V8: a properly set-up bush tourer. The duo also had the benefit of not having to use the big rig as a daily driver, allowing them to really go to town when building up the vehicle you see here. When Brett got his hands on the Cruiser, it was already sporting ARB colour-coded barwork and driving lights. One of the first mods Brett performed was fitment of a set of HID Projector lights to the ARB bar, before performing some metal surgery on the bar (which included cutting it down the middle and fitting an 8mm plate with supports) to allow fitment of a Warn high-mount winch. Not content with just a front-mounted recovery aid, Brett fitted a Warn XD9000 winch to the custom XLR8 Fabrications twin-wheel rear winch bar (this also houses a ground anchor).
The Cruiser’s 4.5TDV8 is no slouch, but Brett was still keen to extract more neddies, so he went to Brett O’keefe at Diesel Torque WA for fitment of a custom-tune DPU performance module, and he’s also added a threeinch exhaust system (although he’s now looking to fit a four-inch version). The focus of this mod was to balance more power and performance without sacrificing reliability for touring; the module has been tuned toward Brett’s preferred touring habits that entail towing a camper trailer, so there’s a tad more low-end grunt just for this purpose. Keeping all that power harnessed means the manual ’box is fitted with a NPC billet flywheel and Exedy clutch (rated for up to 1300Nm).
The LC76 has also copped an EFS three-inch lift, with extended shackles, triplebellow airbags and Brett’s own custom-made sway bar disconnects ensuring oodles of go-forward traction when needed – assisted by the Allied
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PLACE, REFLECTING BRETT’S AIM TO BUILD A TOP-NOTCH TOURER
Savannah 16-inch Beadlocks, shod with Toyo Open Country MTZ 315/75R16 rubber.
The interior also reflects the touring intention, with no space wasted, and includes the removal of the second row of seats, with false flooring fitted. Custom drawers in the rear contain an ARB air compressor and barbecue. It offers easy fridge access and there’s still room for Brett’s swag down one side. Power is taken care of via a dual-battery setup monitored by a Redarc controller and topped-up by a 200W solar panel on the roof. Quick stops are sorted with the awning and a Front Runner rear door table. Comms and nav gear (a Hema HX-1 in a custom-built mount) are housed in easy-access areas.
Everything has its place and purpose in this LC7, reflecting Brett’s determination to build a top-notch tourer. He’s done a bloody impressive job.