4WD Builds
The Fleet
In the 4xAdventures shed, “the fleet” might only consist of two vehicles, but they punch well above their weight. The Toyota FJ Cruiser brings the fun, agility, and modern reliability that makes long days on rough tracks feel effortless, while the LandCruiser Troopy stands as the ultimate outback workhorse—simple, tough, and built for the kind of remote travel where backup just isn't an option. Together, they’re iconic, capable, and perfectly suited to every adventure we throw at them.
2015 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Vehicle
- Australian-spec FJ Cruiser with crawl control and 159L long range fuel tank
Build Status
- COMPLETE (Is it ever really complete though?)
Build Sheet
External - Tyres and Suspension
- BF Goodrich TA/KO2 All-Terrain tyres 265/70/17
- OME BP51 shocks with remote reservoir and adjustable compression and rebound
- OME 2" lift
- Terrain Tamer heavy duty upper and lower control arms
External - Protection
- ARB Deluxe bull bar
- ARB bash plates
- ARB diff breathers
- Safari snorkel
External - Recovery
- Warn Evo 9500lb synthetic winch with Bluetooth remote
- MaxTrax
External - Lighting
- Upgraded LED fog lights
- Lazerlamps Sentinel 7" Elite Spotlights
- Lazerlamps Linear 36" Elite LED Light Bar
- NovSight 3" LED floodlights
- Awning LED strip lights
External - Other
- Rear wheel tray
- Rhino backbone
- Rhino heavy duty load bars
- Alu-Cab Gen 3 Rooftop Tent
- Alu-Cab 270 Shadow Awn
- Quickpitch quick ensuite
- Bandi rear door antenna mount>
Engine Bay
- ARB diff breathers
- Glind marine heat exchanger
- 12V 10L pressure sensing water pump
- ARB single air compressor
- ARB pressure module
- ARB 4L air tank
- Custom electrical distribution boxes and additional fuse boxes
Internal - Storage
- Custom rear drawers
Internal - Electrical
- 12V Direct 200AH slimline LiFePO4 battery
- Redarc 1240D DCDC charger
- ePro Battery monitor
- Redarc 2000W pure sine wave inverter
- Safiery 1850W induction cooktop
Comms
- GME UHF Radio with general use whip antenna
- Cel-Fi Go mobile phone signal extender
- Starlink
- GME EPIRB personal locator beacon
- Hema HX2 Navigator
- Hema HX1 and HX2 maps for iPhone
Internal - Water
- Frontrunner 40L water tank
- 12V 10L pressure sensing water pump
- John Guest plumbing
- Carbon water filter
- Guzzle H2O Stealth5 water filter with UV
- 4xAdventures shower system
Internal - Other
- Wetsuit seat covers
Documenting the build of the FJ
Ths FJ Cruiser build has been captured in the following series of videos. As the FJ is a smaller, more compact 4WD, I found it difficult to accept the off-the-shelf offerings of many companies, who found it too troublesome to cater for the FJ cruiser. As an example, most manufacturers of rear drawers will take their standard set of drawers with side rails and thick chunky wood with huge gaps either side and, as long as it fits, call it suitable for the FJ. In my opinion, this is simply inefficient use of space and can be done a much better way. Hence, I have custom built the whole fitout in an effort to make it the most efficient use of space as well as to cater precisely for my needs. I think the end result is fantastic!FJ Cruiser Touring/Overlanding Build
This is a brief look at the culmination of 2+ years of gradual modifications to my FJ Cruiser with the aim of making it the most efficient and hassle-free touring/overlanding vehicle possible.
Built-in Hot Water Shower System
A new twist to an old design. This may well be the perfect setup!
Over the years, I have experimented with many different hot water and shower systems. Overlanding/Touring has certain challenges when it comes to water usage. I designed and built this hot water and shower system to be extremely quick to set up ~1 min), heat water instantly and to not waste a single drop of water with trying to get the temperature right. As a bonus, it doesn't take up any room at all in the 4WD.
FJ Cruiser Touring/Overlanding Build - Long-term review
This video has been 6 years in the making. in 2017, I completed the bulk of the touring build and have been travelling extensively all across Australia for the past 6 years, in all kinds of terrain. I have one 150,000km+ with this setup and it is time to review how all of these modifications have been performing. What have I learnt over this time? What has worked, what has not worked? Would I make the same choices again today?
2024 Toyota LandCruiser Troopy
Vehicle
- Toyota LandCruiser 4.5L V8 TroopCarrier Military GXL
Build Status
- IN-PROGRESS (Commenced March 2025)
Build Sheet
External - Roof Conversion
- Headspace High-Top Roof Premium Roof Conversion from Headspace Campers
- XploreAus roof rack from Headspace Campers
External - Engine Bay
- Bonnet struts from The Cruiser Store
- Electronic Rust Protection from Couplertec
External - Water Storage
- 85L under-body hybrid water tank from Ark Earth
External - Access
- Utility Hatches from Odyssey Custom Fitouts
External - Exhaust
- 3.5" DPF Back Exhaust from Torqit
Internal - Sound Deadening
- Sound deadening and insulation from Car Builders
- Additional door seals from The Cruiser Store
Internal - Comfort
- Arm rests from One Stone Armrests
- Bedrock heavy duty floor liners from The 70 Series Store
- 70 series dash mat from The 70 Series Store
- Stainless Steel door trims from The 70 Series Store
Internal - Audio
Documenting the build of the Troopy
The LandCruiser Troopy build commenced in March 2025 and is being captured in the following series of videos. It is an exciting time to be building a 4WD because there are so many new innovations in the 4WD industry - everything from storage, power, water, fuel, communications and camping solutions.
Whilst there is nothing wrong with the typical 12V battery and a solar blanket, I think we can do better - alot better! This build will utilise many of the latest innovations whilst still keeping things straightforward and rock solid in terms of reliability. I will utilise everything I have learnt from building my previous 4WD and knowledge gained over the last 10 years of being active in the 4WD industry.
This build will most likely take a few years to complete, but as they say, good things take time!
I can't wait to bring these ideas to life. Stay tuned!
Bring On Adventure! New Vehicle Revealed & Why I Chose It
The time has come where I have finally outgrown my beloved FJ Cruiser. In this video, I reveal what the new vehicle will be and, most importantly, why I decided to choose this specific vehicle.
Rust Protection
The day has finally arrived! The 4xAdventures Troopy build starts today! Since I'm planning on keeping this car for 20-30 years, I want to give it the best chance of being protected from rust. This video is all about rust protection.
Sound Deadening and Insulation
Troopies are known for being basic, rugged and reliable and that's what we love about them, however their rugged basic nature means they are also noisy and, if you are living out of the vehicle, really hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. In this video, I remediate this by installing noise deadening and thermal insulation.
THIS is the Troopy Toyota SHOULD have released! - Head unit upgrade, bonnet struts, and more...
The LandCruiser Troopy is an expensive vehicle. It's a fantastic 4WD, but you really don't get a lot of modern comforts for your money. Here are a few relatively simple mods to transform the Troopy into a modern, comfortable vehicle.
Headspace Roof Conversion for LandCruiser Troopy
Ever since I first saw someone cut the roof off a LandCruiser Troopy 11 years ago and install a roof conversion, I was hooked! THIS is what I want! The roof conversion allows you to stand up inside the vehicle, and live inside the vehicle should you need to get away from the flies or bad weather. In this video, we head to Headspace Campers in Brisbane and cut the roof off the Troopy.
Headspace High Top Troopy Roof Conversion
Ever since I first saw someone cut the roof off a LandCruiser Troopy 11 years ago and install a roof conversion, I was hooked! THIS is what I want! The roof conversion allows you to stand up inside the vehicle, and live inside the vehicle should you need to get away from the flies or bad weather. In this video, I show you the completed roof conversion and explain why this was the best choice for me.
Awesome Touring Troopy Upgrades: Water Storage & 3.5" Exhaust
The Troopy build is moving into the next phase, and this episode covers two major upgrades that make a real difference out on the tracks.
First, I install the Ark Earth 85L Hybrid Under-Body Water Tank — a clever design that combines durability, smart weight distribution, and serious water capacity without sacrificing clearance. I walk through the installation and why this tank is such a unique solution for long-range touring.
Then it's time to let the V8 breathe a little easier. I remove the factory exhaust and fit the Torqit 3.5” DPF-back exhaust, giving the Troopy improved flow, a deeper note, and better performance under load. If you're considering this upgrade, I cover the fitment process and what to expect once it's installed.
If you're building a capable touring Troopy or looking for practical upgrades that actually matter in the real world, this episode is for you.














































































