A 1991 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser Driven by Passion

Colten Stephen’s 1991 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser

Colten’s 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser is more than just another overlanding build. For him, it is the realization of a childhood dream made possible by several focused years of hard work and dedication to perfecting his craft.

Growing up in Park City, Utah, Colten was surrounded by the great outdoors for as long as he can remember, racing mountain bikes, skiing, and camping.

As he grew up, Colten’s love for the outdoors remained constant, and as he wrapped up high school, he began his journey as a photographer/videographer in the automotive and off-road world.

Colten recalls, “The 80-Series has been a dream car of mine since I was first able to drive. I always knew that one day I would figure out a way to call one mine.”

For Colten, the Land Cruiser’s reputation for durability and capability was always front of mind. “I’ve owned Toyota trucks and cars since I was 20, and every one of them has been a solid vehicle,” he shares. Years before this build, Colten watched countless 80-Series tackle tough trails and rack up mile after mile, earning a legacy as the ultimate overland platform.

A result of Colten’s concentration on developing his skills, combined with his well cultivated love of the outdoors, he quickly found success shooting photo and video for brands across the off-road space.

This meant that when the opportunity arrived in 2021, he had the resources to move on it and start a build he’d dreamed of since he was in his teens.With nearly a decade of Toyota ownership already under his belt, committing to the 80-Series was a natural step in both his overlanding journey and his own personal story.

Advice for Choosing Your Own Overlanding Rig

Colten’s journey with his Land Cruiser taught him a valuable lesson: the “right” rig isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. He encourages anyone eyeing their own adventure mobile to consider not just what’s cool or popular, but what actually fits their lifestyle and ambitions.

Picture yourself—and maybe your family—out on the trail. What kind of terrain do you want to tackle? How much gear will you bring along? Sometimes, a capable crossover like a Subaru with proper tires and a sturdy roof rack is all you really need to access the places you dream of. With electric rigs entering the scene, adventurous options are only expanding.

Colten’s seen it all out in the wild, from compact two-wheel drive pickups bouncing through the backcountry to Humvee-sized behemoths lumbering along the same routes. Ultimately, what matters most isn’t the badge on the grille, but your skills behind the wheel and how prepared you are for the journey ahead.

Engine and Drivetrain: 3FE Reliability Meets Modern Touches

The heart of the build remains a Toyota 3FE 4.0L inline-6, now sporting a “light” 308,274 miles.

A few key components have been upgraded or replaced to prolong the life of this Land Cruiser—some by choice, and others by necessity.

New cooling system components, including a modern radiator, were the result of a recent dry lakebed outing gone sideways.

Integrating a performance cone filter snorkel setup now ensures that the Land Cruiser runs cool, even on deep water crossings or dusty trails.

Colten says that his main priority has always been to keep his 80-Series on the road—not in the shop—so he prioritizes improvements that diminish reliability doubts, while increasing smiles per mile during his journeys.

Read More: 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Transformation

Armor and Lighting: Trail-Ready Protection

Powerful lighting and body armor play a crucial part in this build.

To protect the steel body panels, and increase the vehicle’s utility, the Land Cruiser is fitted with aftermarket front and rear bumpers.

Up front, an ARB steel bumper carries a pair of Baja Designs LP6 Pro driving lights, with flush-mounted S2s serving as fog lights.

Tucked within the front bumper, a Warn Evo VR 12,000-lb winch handles vehicle recovery duty. It is paired with synthetic rope, a Factor 55 Hawse fairlead and, of course, Factor’s UltraHook.

Out back sits an Australian-made Kaymar dual swing-out bumper, which carries a full-sized 35-inch spare, and features mounts for additional accessories and tools like the chainsaw Colten says “is on its way!”

Crowning the Cruiser is an Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack that carries the vehicle’s light bar, tent, and awning.

An 8-light Baja Designs linkable light bar slices through the darkness ahead, and the Wasatch tent from Sterling Adventure Co. houses integrated lighting, plus all of the blankets one could need for those early spring camping trips.

The Sterling 270-degree awning provides ample cover from sun and rain, and also features integrated lighting to increase visibility after the sun sets.

Wheels, Tires, and Suspension: Balanced for On- and Off-Road

For wheels and tires, this 80-Series is rocking 35-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers on KMC’s 17-inch Tank beadlock rims.

A center-locking differential keeps the vehicle moving when traction becomes sparse. The Cruiser does not feature any type of aftermarket lift component.

Instead, Colten relies on the wheel and tire combo to provide the grip and clearance he needs to take on most trails, while preserving on-road stability and comfort as he travels.

Interior: Function, Comfort, and Storage

Inside, the build balances Colten’s outdoor roots with the road-tripping realities of his work.

Upgraded Corbeau leather seats ensure that Colten and a passenger are comfortable during long stretches on the highway, and a Hest dog bed does the same for his Labrador puppy (and Internet b-list celebrity), Bear.

Equipped with the Goose Gear Ultimate Chef and Sleeping Package, the back half of this 80-Series is the pinnacle of utility.

Comprising a rear seat delete, full deck system, fridge compartment, and kitchen pull outs to the rear, Colten says that the Goose Gear kit has transformed the space into one massive storage solution.

Recovery Gear and Trail Essentials

Often carrying two or more Pelican cases with camera gear, a Howl propane fire pit, Factor 55 recovery gear, duffle bags, and of course, the dog, it is easy to see the need for practical storage.

The Goose Gear system also houses a National Luna DC-25 Power Pack, providing vehicle accessories power through a secondary lithium battery.

To ensure meal times aren’t disappointing, Colten’s home on wheels keeps important ingredients chilled in a National Luna 52-liter dual-zone fridge.

The Goose Gear kitchen system stacks a second set of slides underneath the fridge, extending out to offer more prep surface and room for accessories like a camp stove.

Next to the fridge is a 40-inch deep drawer that pulls out to accommodate additional tools, cooking gear, and dry food storage.

Read More: Top Overlanding Gear Picks for 2025 Expeditions

Staying Connected on the Trail

Reliable communication is key when venturing off the beaten path, especially during solo or group overlanding excursions. Outfitted with an assortment of Midland radios and antennas—covering both GMRS and HAM frequencies—Colten’s setup ensures dependable contact whether coordinating with fellow travelers, guiding recovery efforts, or simply checking in with home base. This comprehensive comms kit adds peace of mind and keeps every adventure connected, wherever the journey leads.

Future Upgrades and Plans

With his dream now a reality and on the road, you might think that Colten’s Land Cruiser build story is coming to a close.

After hearing him talk about the project, however, it’s clear that he has only just begun.

“I have so many more plans for this build. I’ve always wanted to do something more with the suspension, and maybe add some solar.”

And while he knows 80-Series engines are often good well past 300,000 on the clock, “I also can’t help but wonder what it would be like to go over 60 on the highway without being on a downslope!” Oh my gosh! The gas mileage is killing me, though granted, with 250k+ miles on the odometer, it could probably use some freshening up in the engine bay.”

Regardless of what he does next, expect to see Colten’s iconic 80-Series at Overland Expos, off-road events, and anywhere that puts him out in nature with his camera and products from the companies that trust him to make them look good on film.

As Colten continues to invest time and energy perfecting his professional skills and growing his resume, if the past is any indication of the future, you can bet we’ll see some investments in his iconic Toyota as well.

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser Upgrades

OWNER:

Colten Stephens
Provo, UT

Engine & Drivetrain: 3FE 4L I-6; Performance radiator; Air inlet snorkel

Suspension: Factory suspension components

Wheels & Tires: 17-inch KMC Tank beadlock wheels; 35×12.50R17LT Nitto Ridge Grappler tires

Body & Armor: ARB 80-Series deluxe bumper; Kaymar dual swing-out bumper with tire carrier; Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack

Lighting: 8-light linkable bar on roof; Baja Designs LP6 and flush-mount S2 lights on bumper

Exterior Accessories : Sterling Adventure Co. Wasatch aluminum double-channel roof top tent; Sterling Adventure Co. 270-degree free-standing awning

Interior Accessories: Goose Gear Ultimate Chef and Sleeping Package; Rear seat delete; Pelican hard shell cases; National Luna DC-25 Power Pack and 52-liter dual-zone fridge; Corbeau leather bucket seats; Hest dog bed

Recovery Gear & Safety: Warn Evo VR 12,000-lb winch; Factor 55 fairlead, UltraHook, and recovery kit

Choosing the Right Overland Vehicle

Selecting your adventure rig is more than chasing the most popular build—it’s about matching the journey to your needs. While I’m a Land Cruiser enthusiast, the reality is that one size rarely fits all in the world of overlanding.

Think About How You Travel
Picture your typical trip. Are you rolling solo, bringing the family, or packing fur-covered co-pilots? Your setup should be comfortable for your crew and suited to the terrain you plan to explore. Sometimes, a well-equipped Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 with all-terrain tires and a sturdy roof rack does the trick for forest roads and light trails—no need for a behemoth unless you crave serious rock crawling.

Consider Fuel Economy
Let’s talk fuel: big, heavy vehicles with big tires are thirsty, and that can take a toll on your wallet and travel range. If your route is long or remote, factoring in miles-per-gallon is key, especially if gas stations are few and far between. Newer hybrid or electric options—like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning—are starting to enter the overland scene, and they just might fit the bill if you’re looking to reduce your fuel stops (and carbon footprint).

Maintenance Matters
With any high-mileage rig—mine’s clocked well past 250,000—keep in mind that reliability is crucial. Regular checkups and, yes, occasionally refreshing the engine go a long way. A dependable vehicle means more memories around the campfire and fewer headaches on the side of the trail.

So, weigh your real needs, think about efficiency, and choose a platform that matches your vision of adventure. It’s your journey—build it your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1991 80-Series Toyota Land Cruiser a great overlanding platform?

The 80-Series Land Cruiser is renowned for its durability, solid axle suspension, and powerful 3FE 4.0L I-6 engine. Colten’s build takes full advantage of these features with thoughtful upgrades in lighting, recovery gear, and interior storage, making it a versatile and capable overlanding vehicle for extended off-road travel.

How is Colten Stephens’ Land Cruiser equipped for off-road recovery?

Colten’s setup includes a Warn Evo VR 12,000-lb winch with synthetic rope, Factor 55 Hawse fairlead, and an UltraHook. These, combined with robust front and rear bumpers from ARB and Kaymar, ensure his Land Cruiser can handle self-recovery and assist others in tough off-road scenarios.

What storage and camping solutions are integrated in 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser build?

The Goose Gear Ultimate Chef and Sleeping Package offers modular storage, a rear seat delete, pull-out kitchen system, fridge compartment, and deep drawers. Paired with a National Luna fridge and Eezi-Awn tent, it transforms the Cruiser into a fully self-sufficient mobile basecamp.

How does Colten maintain engine performance on an older Land Cruiser?

To keep his high-mileage 3FE engine (over 308,274 miles) running reliably, Colten installed a modern cooling system, upgraded radiator, and a snorkel with a performance cone filter. These mods help manage engine temperatures on rough trails and during deep water crossings.

What are the standout lighting and electrical upgrades on the build?

This Land Cruiser features an 8-light Baja Designs linkable roof light bar, LP6 Pros on the ARB bumper, and integrated S2 fog lights. It also includes a National Luna DC-25 Power Pack and a dual-zone fridge, making the vehicle ideal for night-time navigation and remote adventures.

What are the best upgrades for a Land Cruiser 80-Series?

Top upgrades include ARB bumpers, Goose Gear interiors, roof racks, snorkels, and Baja Designs lighting systems.