Smooth operator

Land Cruiser 100 Series VX

2004 model

Mileage at purchase: 269 000km

Current mileage: 272 000km

Astandard 4x4 vehicle can take on the rigours of mild overlanding, but its suspension limitations become clear as loads increase. If you want to fit body armour to protect the vehicle (think bullbar, rear-wheel carrier bumper, underbody protection), you use up load capacity. Add passengers and camping equipment, and soon your ride is settled far too low and hitting the bump stops on every dip.

Fitting an aftermarket suspension is the ideal solution here. Heavier-duty springs will take care of the added loads, while beefier shock absorbers will keep the damping and ride characteristics under improved control. The extra ride height will enable you to clear bigger obstacles – and perhaps fit larger tyres. Those are the principal advantages, with the massive