Lifted Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Overland Build – Ultimate Off-Road Expedition Rig

The legendary Toyota Land Cruiser has earned a reputation for being one of the most rugged and reliable SUVs ever made. Originally designed for military use in the 1950s, the Land Cruiser has evolved into a comfortable yet highly capable vehicle that can conquer the toughest terrain.

Our feature today is dedicated to a lifted Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Overland build outfitted for long-distance expeditions. This rig exemplifies why these vehicles are some of the most popular choices for off-road enthusiasts around the world. Read on to find out what makes a 100-Series Land Cruiser so well-suited for multi-day overlanding!

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Land Cruiser 100 Overland Build – Parts List

Engine specs, modifications

• Stock 4.7L V8 engine, trying to keep it original for Reliability

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Lift height and suspension modifications

• Slee Offroad 2.5” heavy-duty lift kit
• Total Chaos upper control arms for 2.5” shocks

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Wheel specs

Rims: Method NV305 18×9
Tires: BF Goodrich T/A KM3 35×12.5R18

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Exterior mods

• ARB front bumper
• 12k Smitybuilt winch front and rear
• Custom rear bumper
• Dual swing-out
• Full-size spare tire
• 10lb propane tank with power tank mount
• Front runner 5gal water can
• 5gal gas can
• Dual canister CBI Offroad Mount
• Custom rock sliders
• ARB awning
• Maggiolina Rooftop tent made by Autohome Italy
• Rock lights

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Interior

• Built-in drawer system 2 bottom drawers and 1 upper
• ARB fridge with a tilt slide out
• Switch Pro 9100

Land Cruiser 100 Model Heritage

It’s no surprise that the Land Cruiser is one of the most popular SUVs in the world. It’s Toyota’s longest-running nameplate, and no matter what type of vehicle carries it, you can be sure that it is reliable, tough, and capable of delivering people or cargo over the roughest terrain safe and sound. What started in the 1950s as a simple compact SUV designed for military purposes evolved into a modern, comfortable vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities.

The 100 Series was introduced to the market in 1998. It was the first Land Cruiser model featuring independent front suspension which improved the vehicle’s abilities to tackle challenging terrain. People loved it but still wanted more comfort, so Toyota updated the model in 2002 with a new suspension system. The changes were subtle but noticeable, especially on long-distance trips.

Interview with the Owner

Even life-long Jeep fans were jumping ship enjoying traveling on Land Cruisers. Just one trip is all that it took for Alex from Portland, Oregon to realize that the 2005 Toyota’s Land Cruiser 100 is perfect for him. Alex always enjoyed outdoor activities, was involved in extreme sports, but years and injuries took their toll. Now he found a new passion in modifying and upgrading his trusted SUV that could take him anywhere.

“Just one trip is all that it took for Alex from Portland, Oregon to realize that the 2005 Toyota’s Land Cruiser 100 is perfect for him”

How did you become interested in off-roading?

I was always interested in any type of power sports like motocross snowmobiling, done that for years but when you get a bit older and after couple of big injuries you move on to something safer. So after doing a lot of local wheeling I started to venture out further and further exploring, and overlanding was a good fit.

Why did you choose this particular model for your project?

After driving Jeeps for years, I went on a long road trip with some friends on a Land Cruiser. That’s all it took to make a switch. A Land Cruiser is a very capable rig on any obstacles from Moab to sand dunes to high mountain passes Colorado, but the main thing was all the road travel between destinations. I don’t think much can compare to a Land Cruiser, it’s the best of both worlds.

What inspired you to choose this modification style?

I think it’s probably one of the best overland vehicles. The capabilities and reliability are hard to beat, no wonder it’s used all over the world. A big inspiration was Australian-built Land Cruisers. I always liked that style.

What challenges did you face while putting it together?

I think the rear bumper. I couldn’t find anyone who makes a rear bumper for a Land Cruiser 100 with a tow hitch and a rear winch, so I had to build my own from scratch. Similar story with rock sliders. I didn’t see anything that I like, so I had to build my own. I wanted them to be strong on rocks and also, convenient to step in any condition, mud or snow.

What do you love about your vehicle?

I think that it can go anywhere and do anything in style while providing an enjoyable ride for both single-day and a long 2-week trips.

See Also

OBS BRaptor – a 1996 Ford Bronco Pre-runner with a Modern F150 Front End

Is it your daily or a weekend ride?

It’s a weekend ride. There is no perfect vehicle for everything with everything you have on it. I wouldn’t drive it every day, but it’s perfect for any trip.

Do you take it off road? If so, where and how often?

Yes, it goes Offroad all the time from one of our most favorite places like Moab Utah been there more then at lest 5 time to Colorado mountain passes we do go out on Oregon sand dunes on the coast or in high desert plus we do a lot of snow camping.

What are your future plans about this vehicle?

I want to finish all the exterior lights roof rack light also have some amber lights front and rear and install:
– Prinsu aluminum roof rack
– 270 awning
– Rigid lightbar
Do a regear front and rear
Finish dual battery set up

Heated seats are a big plus when doing snow wheeling. A small thing that you don’t think you need, but after getting used to one, it’s hard to go back.
The main thing in off-roading is to get out and explore your local areas and explore your state because there are so many cool places to see that are only a couple of hours away. At least it has been my experience talking to so many local people about the places in our state they never knew existed.

Off-Road Capability Score: 60/70

As a lifted body-on-frame 4×4 with 35-inch all-terrain tires (+30 points), center locking differential (+10 points), low range transfer case (+10 points), body-on0frame layout (5 points) and heavy-duty off-road accessories like steel bumpers (+5 points), this Land Cruiser 100 overland build earns an excellent off-road capability score of 60 out of 70. The only deduction is for lack of the front locking differential.

With its rugged construction, upgraded suspension, and terrain-gnawing tires enabling confidence over rugged routes, this expedition rig is ready to conquer remote trails less-travelled. Capable of traversing terrain that would leave lesser vehicles stranded, it provides safety and self-sufficiency for multi-day journeys into the wild.

Complexity Level: Advanced

Significant upgrades to major systems like the suspension, drivetrain, and chassis demonstrate this is far beyond an entry-level build. With custom solutions like the steel bumpers and rock sliders fabricated to meet the owner’s exact specifications, it’s clear that no expense has been spared to optimize overlanding capabilities. We classify this Land Cruiser as an Advanced level build.

Modification Budget: $$$$

While this rig has been invested in extensively, spending has focused on core improvements that expand practical abilities over cosmetics. Utilizing the Vehicle build budget to fund capabilities over comforts has been a wise investment that pays off tremendously out on the trail. With quality components and custom gear that will provide years of rugged service exploring, this well-equipped adventure rig delivers outstanding return on investment.

Author’s Opinion

As a professional mechanic who has worked on many Land Cruisers over the years, I can confidently say the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 is an excellent platform for off-road adventures. These trucks are known for their legendary reliability and durability to handle traversing rugged terrain while hauling heavy loads.

However, at around 175k miles, just about everything on a 100 series will need replacement as OEM parts reach the end of their lifespan. If you don’t work on vehicles yourself, maintenance costs on an aging Land Cruiser can add up quickly. Based on typical wear items I’ve replaced, you may want to plan for new rubber components, suspension parts, alternator, AC compressor, cooling system, starter, brake booster, belt drive system, fuel pump, CV axles, wheel bearings, and more.

The key things I look for are minimal rust, a solid maintenance history, and a clean frame. Mileage means almost nothing on these trucks. If you have those three critical aspects covered, a Land Cruiser can easily last 400k+ miles.

Overall, a well-maintained 100 series is a smart foundation for off-road projects. Just be diligent with preventative repairs before adding modifications. And refer to Toyota’s maintenance manual if doing your own work. With care and upgrades, a Land Cruiser will provide years of reliable adventures on the trails less traveled.

Watch the progress and find out more about this Toyota Land Cruiser 100 project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @westoverland!

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