79 Series Upgrades: What Actually Makes a Difference
The 79 Series aftermarket is enormous and not every product on it earns its place. This guide covers the modifications that genuinely change how the vehicle drives, performs and lasts - based on what experienced owners actually do, not what marketing suggests.
1. Suspension and GVM Upgrade
The single highest-impact upgrade. Transforms ride quality at load, raises legal payload from 1,315 kg (Single Cab, post-September 2022) to 1,755 kg (3,950 kg GVM) or 2,005 kg (4,200 kg GVM). $3,500 to $9,500 fitted pre-rego from Lovells, Marks 4WD, Multidrive, Tough Dog, EFS.
2. Soundproofing Door Seal Kit
The cheapest measurable comfort upgrade. $87 to $137 from 70 Series Store, fits in under an hour, delivers up to 3.5 dB noise reduction at 110 km/h and dramatic dust ingress improvement.
3. Bull Bar and Recovery Points
Steel bull bar from Ironman, Offroad Animal, TJM, ECB, Hamer or similar. Protects the radiator and headlights, provides mounts for winch, lights and antennas. $2,500 to $4,500 fitted.
4. Quality All-Terrain Tyres (33-inch)
BFG KO2, Toyo Open Country, Cooper STT Pro, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss in 33-inch sizing transform off-road capability and ride quality. Requires fender flares for ADR compliance. $1,800 to $3,000 for a set of five.
5. Long-Range Fuel Tank
Brown Davis 180 L replacement tank or 110 L auxiliary tank gives 1,200 km+ touring range. Essential for outback routes. $2,500 to $4,000 fitted pre-rego.
6. Canopy or Tray
Single Cab gets an aluminium tray ($4,000 to $8,000); Dual Cab gets a canopy. Norweld and M2 Overland for premium aluminium ($18,000 to $30,000); Trojan, Campking, AluCab for mid-range ($10,000 to $18,000); Explorer, AP Boxes for budget ($6,000 to $12,000).
7. Throttle Controller (V8 Era)
Plug-in via OBD port, remaps pedal response without modifying the engine ECU. $299 from 70 Series Store. Particularly worthwhile on the V8 era where the factory pedal calibration is conservative. Less useful on the new 2.8L which has different pedal response.
8. ECU Tune and Exhaust (V8 Era)
3-inch stainless exhaust ($1,800 to $3,500 fitted) plus reputable ECU tune ($800 to $1,800) typically lifts V8 1VD-FTV output from 151 kW / 430 Nm to 175-195 kW / 580-650 Nm. Less responsive to peripheral mods on the new 2.8L.
9. Centre Console Armrest and Cup Holder Armrests
70 Series Store's Centre Console Armrest Lite ($247) plus Cup Holder Armrests Pro ($197) fix the two biggest factory cabin frustrations - the empty centre tunnel and the missing door armrests. Together the best-selling cabin upgrades on the platform.
10. Sound Deadening Package
Beyond the door seal kit, 8 to 12 metres of sound deadening mat applied to door cards and cabin floor reduces highway noise by another 1 to 2 dB. $300 to $600 in materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best upgrade for a 79 Series?
Suspension and GVM upgrade. Transforms ride quality at load and lifts legal payload by 440 kg (3,950 kg GVM) or 690 kg (4,200 kg GVM).
What is the cheapest upgrade that makes a real difference?
The Soundproofing Door Seal Kit at $87 to $137. Measurable noise reduction and dust ingress improvement, fits in under an hour.
Are throttle controllers worth it?
On V8-era 79 Series, yes - $299 transforms pedal response without modifying the engine ECU. Less useful on the new 2.8L.
What upgrades should I skip?
Chrome trim packs, decorative wheel spacers, oversized light bars beyond functional need, generic eBay tuning modules without dyno verification. Spend the money on suspension, GVM, fuel range and cabin instead.
