If you're running a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series ute, you know it’s built tough for the long haul. But after clocking up the kilometres, some modest upgrades pay off smarter and faster than others — especially when it comes to protecting your engine and improving towing safety. Having spent over a decade working on these beasts, from pre-2023 models to the latest releases, I can confidently tell you there are two upgrades that consistently return solid value on dust, water, and towing fronts.
In this post, we’ll dig into those two key upgrades, explain why they’re the first upgrades that matter, and highlight fitment quirks by year and engine type. I’ll also naturally bring in some top product brands, including Toyota’s OEM approach, Safari’s snorkel kits, and ARMAX’s Safari range for the serious off-road and towing crowd.
The Two Best Upgrades for Your 79 Series
A Quality Snorkel for Dust Management and Engine Breathing Towing Mirrors for Safety and Blind Spot ReductionWhy These Two Upgrades? What’s the Real Payback?
If you’re anything like me, you’re sick of hearing vague, buzzword-filled advice about "off-road upgrades". The reality? The snorkel and towing mirrors pay off because they directly reduce risk, prevent costly mechanical repairs, and make your daily driving safer. Here’s the rundown:
- Snorkel: It’s not just about looking mean on the tracks. The snorkel dramatically improves your engine’s breathing by drawing in cleaner, cooler, and less dusty air. This keeps your air filter cleaner for longer, reduces engine wear from dust and dirt, and significantly lowers the risk of hydrolock when crossing creeks or flooded tracks. Towing mirrors: When you’re pulling a hefty trailer or caravan, good towing mirrors aren’t just a nice-to-have — they’re a safety-critical upgrade. Quality towing mirrors reduce blind spots, improve rear visibility, and help avoid accidents on highway or bush tracks.
Upgrade 1: Snorkels – The Unsung Hero of Dust and Water Protection
Why Bother With a Snorkel on Your 79 Series?
Dust is a silent killer for diesel engines, especially in outback NSW dirt and gravel roads. A factory air intake near the engine bay sucks up dusty air, which clogs filters faster and abrasively wears internal components. The snorkel relocates the air intake point to roof height, where air is cleaner and cooler.
But don’t fall for these myths: a snorkel is not an instant horsepower booster nor a gimmick. Instead, it improves reliable engine breathing and keeps dust out of the engine over thousands of kilometres, paying for itself in reduced service costs and improved longevity.
Snorkel Brands: Safari and ARMAX
Two big names dominate the snorkel scene for 79 Series owners:
- Safari Snorkel kits: Synonymous with quality fitment and durability. Safari’s kits are designed specifically for Toyota Land Cruisers, with attention to detail around engine years and model variations. They start from around $526, a smart investment given what’s at stake. ARMAX Safari range: If you need a full Safari range solution — including heavy-duty bumpers and snorkel combos — ARMAX is the go-to. Their snorkels are manufactured to the same high standards and come with great fitment accuracy, minimizing those dreaded “shed-on-a-Saturday” mistakes.
Fitment Accuracy by Year and Engine
Here’s where I have to pipe up like a broken record: Always ask “what year and what engine?” before buying a snorkel. The 79 Series saw subtle but critical design tweaks pre-2023 and post-2023, especially around the turbo-diesel setups. An older snorkel model won’t fit your new 1VD-FTV one tonner without modifications — and therural.com.au vice versa.
Model Year Range Engine Type Snorkel Fitment Notes 2016-2022 1VD-FTV (3.0L turbo-diesel) Standard Safari snorkel kits fit well, minor trim work needed 2023 Onwards (Facelift) 1VD-FTV (3.0L turbo-diesel updated) Requires new snorkel designs with revised mount points, ARMAX offers tailored kits Pre-2016 1VD or 1HZ diesel engines Older snorkel kits available, fitment varies—check closely for model specificsMessy wiring jobs and cut looms near the snorkel base are one of my pet peeves. If you want the snorkel to last and function, avoid dodgy installations and insist on tidy, weather-sealed wiring and clips as per Toyota and Safari standards.
Upgrade 2: Towing Mirrors – The Ultimate Safety Net for Your 79 Series
Why Invest in Towing Mirrors?
Towing isn’t a casual exercise in the 79 Series—it’s often a core function of the ute’s life. Whether you’re towing a horse float, caravan, or camper trailer, factory mirrors rarely cover all blind spots, especially when the trailer width exceeds the vehicle’s profile.
Investing in quality towing mirrors pays for itself by:
- Reducing blind spots and improving lane-change safety Lowering stress during reversing and tight manoeuvres Helping you spot hazards, pedestrians, or wildlife quicker when towing on country roads
Fitment and Model Year Considerations
Similar to snorkels, mirror fitment depends heavily on your 79’s build year and trim level. Some aftermarket mirrors attach to the base mirror housing; others replace the entire mirror assembly. Both fitment styles need to match door handle and trim configurations, which differ slightly between pre- and post-facelift models.
- Pre-2023 models: Mirror bases and mount points are fairly standard; towing mirrors can usually clip on without cutting or splicing wiring. Post-2023 models: Newer mirror designs have integrated indicators and sensors, requiring plug-and-play towing mirror models designed for the facelift.
Always purchase towing mirrors labelled explicitly for your year and engine model — otherwise, you risk poor fitment and electrical headaches on a weekend install. No one wants a "shed-on-a-Saturday" job turning a simple upgrade into a major headache.
Comparing the Value: Snorkel vs Towing Mirrors
Which upgrade pays back faster? It depends on your primary needs and environment:
Upgrade Initial Cost Payback Factors Typical Payback Period Safari Snorkel Kit Starts from ~$526- Reduced air filter replacements Lower engine maintenance from dust wear Hydrolock risk reduction in creek crossings
- Improved towing safety Potential to avoid costly accidents Less driver stress on long hauls
Final Thoughts: The First Upgrades That Matter
As someone who fits hundreds of 79 Series upgrades and has seen it all—dust-choked engines and towing incidents included—the snorkel and towing mirrors top my list every time. They address practical, everyday risks without the fluff and marketing buzzwords clogging up the conversation.
Before you choose parts, remember my cardinal rule:
“What year and what engine?”
Skip the generic advice and shiny but poorly fitting gear. Invest in quality, correctly fitted snorkels and towing mirrors from reliable brands like Safari and ARMAX — your 79 Series will thank you for it with years of dust-free, safe hauling.
Where to Next?
- Check out Safari’s snorkel kits designed specifically for your 79 Series engine and year Explore ARMAX’s Safari range for serious off-road snorkel and protection combos Ensure towing mirrors are year-exact to keep wiring and fitment clean—and safe
Get these two upgrades done right, and you’re set up for trouble-free motoring and towing across the toughest NSW terrain.
Happy building and safe drives, mate.
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