What Are the Two Upgrades That Pay For Themselves Fastest on a 79 Series?
If you ride or work around 79 Series Land Cruisers, you already know these rigs are as tough as nails — but when it comes to optimising their longevity and safety on dusty outback tracks or creek crossings, not all upgrades are created equal. After 12 years of setting up 70 Series work utes for dust management, towing, and creek crossings, and having extensively worked with both pre-2023 and post-2023 models, I’ll tell you straight: two upgrades consistently pay for themselves faster than you think. Spoiler: it’s all about dust and water ingress protection and towing safety through better visibility.
Before We Dive In: What Year and What Engine?
Right off the bat, I want to stress this – and it’s something I’ve seen ignored far too often: fitment details vary significantly based on the model year and engine variant. The 2023 79 Series changeover brought tighter factory tolerances and some trimmed panels, which affect snorkel kits and towing mirror fitment. Always confirm which year and engine your 79 Series has before ordering parts, or you risk a shed-on-a-Saturday install or having to cut into factory wiring looms. Toyota models from 2016-22 are different animals compared to the 2023+ variants, especially with the VDJ79 versus VDJ78 (diesel) engine setups.
Upgrade #1: Snorkels – Dust Management & Water Ingress Prevention
Why a Snorkel matters to your 79 Series
Dust is the silent killer for any diesel engine, particularly in the outback where 79 Series Cruisers thrive. The air intake systems stock from factory sit quite low and ingest dusty, engine-bay-hot air, which compromises air filters rapidly and dumps more contaminants into your engine. A proper snorkel elevates the air intake point, ensuring cleaner, cooler air delivery and significantly reducing engine wear.
On top of that, snorkels are vital for creek crossings and flood plains. Water ingestion leads to catastrophic engine damage — think hydrolock incidents that can destroy engines in seconds. A correctly matched snorkel kit stops unwanted water ingestion, transforming creek crossings from risky to routine.
Safari and ARMAX Safari Range Snorkels — The Value Champs
If you want real, no-fluff snorkel protection for your 79 Series, the Safari snorkel kits are an industry benchmark. Companies like Safari have perfected fit and finish over decades, meaning their kits bolt on with minimal trimming and no cut wiring looms (which, by the way, is a mark of a quality installation). The ARMAX Safari range 79 series snorkel is a sub-brand extension offering excellent options for both pre-2023 and post-2023 79 Series models.
Prices for these kits start from around $526 AUD, which might seem steep at first glance. But consider the cost of replacing an engine air filter multiple times or more importantly, the potential for turbo and engine failure from water or dust ingestion — that’s when you realise snorkels truly pay for themselves fast.
Fitment Accuracy by Year and Engine
- Pre-2023: Snorkel kits from Safari and ARMAX are optimised for the VDJ79 and VDJ78 engines but may require minor panel adjustments.
- Post-2023: Due to tighter panel fits and factory updates, Safari designed their latest ARMAX snorkels to slap on without trimming or modifying any original wiring looms, saving you time and headache.
In summary, your first upgrade that matters on dust management and creek crossing safety? It’s a correctly fitted Safari snorkel — matched to the year and engine.
Upgrade #2: Towing Mirrors — Safety and Blind Spot Reduction
Why towing mirrors are a must-have upgrade
Most 79 Series utes carry heavy loads and often tow trailers, caravans or boat rigs. Stock mirrors are notoriously narrow in coverage, causing blind spots that lead to nervous driving or worse, accidents when lane changing or reversing.
Upgrading to dedicated towing mirrors isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety — for you, your mates, and anyone else on the road. You’ll get a much clearer view down the side of your trailer, which significantly reduces the risk of mishaps.
Brands and Options to Consider
While Toyota offers factory options, aftermarket towing mirrors designed specifically for the 79 Series are where fitment accuracy really shines. Look for mirror kits that:
- Fit your 79 Series year and engine type (especially post-2023 models with updated mirror arms)
- Don’t require cutting or splicing the factory wiring loom — no shed-on-a-Saturday jobs here
- Are sturdy and weatherproof, built for Australian conditions
- Have good customer reviews and straightforward warranty support
The value here is less about initial price and more about avoiding accidents and downtime, which on physically demanding regional roads can cost you far more in stress, repairs, and lost time than the upfront investment.
Fitment Tips by Year
Model Year Key Fitment Notes Recommended Type 2016-2022 (VDJ79/VDJ78) Standard mirror arms, easier aftermarket replacements Adjustable slide-on plug-and-play towing mirrors 2023 and Later Factory mirror arms updated; need specific-fit kit OEM-matched or ARMAX designed towing mirrorsWhy These Two First Upgrades Matter More Than Looks or Buzzwords
Too often, I see people buying parts based purely on appearance or marketing fluff — you know the type: flashy light bars “built for every terrain”, or snorkels purporting “ultimate airflow” without credible fit or dust protection. I call out these shed-on-a-Saturday mistakes because while they look good superficially, the fitment and functionality let you down when it counts.
Investing in a properly fit snorkel from a trusted Safari or ARMAX Safari range, plus dedicated towing mirrors matched to your 79 Series year and engine, will keep your cruiser running strong and keep you safe towing. These upgrades aren’t just cosmetic; they directly improve engine longevity, reduce maintenance costs, and provide peace of mind when towing big rigs or crossing creeks.
Summary: The Two Upgrades That Pay for Themselves Fastest on a 79 Series
- Safari Snorkel Kit: Start from around $526, offering unbeatable dust filtration and water ingress protection — critical for long engine life and safe creek crossings.
- Towing Mirrors: Safety-critical for towing, reducing blind spots and accident risks, with fitment dependent on your 79 Series year and engine.
Both of these are 'first upgrades that matter' if you’re serious about running your 79 Series hard in Regional NSW or any Australian off-road environment.
Remember — always ask: what year and what engine? before buying parts. It prevents lots of headaches and ensures you get a clean, reliable install that ticks all the right boxes.
