Rebuilding Hema Maps’ iconic 76 Series LandCruiser: Part 4

Words Tim van Duyl Pics Capture Factory and Josh Hanger

In this multi-part series we follow the rebuild of Hema Maps’ iconic 76 Series Toyota LandCruiser. In the fourth episode, we head to Ironman 4X4’s Melbourne headquarters to talk suspension and barwork with their experts. Stay tuned for more updates on the rebuild process every two weeks.

In episode four, we get the LC76 up on a hoist at Ironman 4X4 to check over and talk about the suspension that goes into their GVM upgrade kit and premium barwork.

Recap: Episodes 1, 2 and 3 

In the first episode, we introduced the project — a complete rebuild of the ‘Cruiser, focusing on its engine, gearbox, suspension and diffs. With a worn-out 1VD V8 under the bonnet and multiple outdated components, the goal was to extend the life of our workhorse and equip it for the most challenging conditions. 

With our partners at the 4WD Workshop, we stripped down the engine and began reconditioning the core components, including a new gearset, suspension upgrades and a diff and brake refresh.

In the second episode, we saw a deep dive into reconditioning the 1VD turbo diesel V8 engine, focusing on replacing worn injectors, bearings and other critical parts. Using high-quality genuine components, we ensured durability, reliability and a power boost to handle the toughest terrain.

In the third episode, we dropped by Adrenaline Ironman 4X4 Accessories Pakenham who have been helping out with the fit out of the 76 Series LandCruiser to run it through what accessories Justin and the Hema Maps team have chosen to complete the build.

Episode 4: Ironman suspension and barwork 

We met with Sean Spencer, Suspension Development Engineer at Ironman and keen offroader. 

Sean Spencer from Ironman 4X4

Sean is most at home re-valving shock absorbers and testing them to failure on the in-house test bed, but before he went back to his lab, he gave us some insight into the details that go into Ironman's bestselling gear for the venerable 70 Series LandCruiser. 

Sean pilots a 70 Series LandCruiser too, his is a stout-looking LC79 complete with, you guessed it, Ironman gear. He runs a Raid Bar, a style of front protection that is hoopless and angular in its design. 

Why we chose the Premium range is simple. The 76 Series does a lot of remote work and unfortunately, animal strikes are a real risk (and likelihood). To protect the headlights and radiator, we needed the complete coverage a hooped design like the Premium offers. 

76 Series Ironman barwork

Up front it is not the latest and greatest for the 70 Series range, that’s the Apex, an evolution of what we have in the Premium Bull Bar. The Apex bar is what you’ll want to order if you have a 70 Series built after 2022, but for our rebirthed 2017 LC76, we have the Premium. 

Like the Apex, the Premium uses 3mm plate steel and 60.3mm tube for its hoops. It has three aerial or sand flag mounts which Justin is making the best use of. From the factory, it comes in black powder coat which we had stripped back so we could paint the barwork in factory GXL silver. 

In the previous episode, we learned that Justin has a pair of Nighthawk 9in driving lights and a Bushranger Revo winch which both slotted straight into the Premium bar with ease. If you already have a winch and are thinking of a Premium bar, reach out to Ironman who will be able to tell you if it will bolt in. 

The Premium Bull Bar retails for $2098. Ironman sells a patch loom for $170 to make it plug and play with your existing lighting. We’d highly recommend it as it takes the hassle out of fitting a bar. 

Down the sides of the 76 are Premium Side Rails made with the same, tough 60.3mm tube. They meet at the Side Steps which are chassis mounted and designed to take a hammering offroad. 

Ironman springs, shocks and GVM kits 

It’s no surprise that our 76 Series is a bit over its factory GVM. With its massive fuel reserves (310L), extra spares, RTT, fridge and power system, plus the huge wheels and tyres, the 76 can sit well over 3500kg on a typical trip so it needed a GVM upgrade. 

Ironman specialises in kits that offer more than stock suspension can provide, plus the ability to have them passed by an engineer for the all-important GVM upgrade plaque. 

The 76 is now rated to a maximum of 3900kg, a jump of 600kg through the use of the kit TOY062CKP which carries an RRP of $3085. It is money well spent. 

The kit is made up of constant-load front springs designed to offset an additional 50–100kg while offering a lift of about 50mm. In the rear is the same idea, constant load leaf springs designed to take an additional 300–600kg while offering a small lift.

The shocks are Ironman’s best and, arguably, the best non-remote-reservoir shocks in the Foam Cell Pros. They have an impressive 45mm-diameter piston and 3mm-thick external tube making them exceptionally durable. 

Recovery points and rear bar 

Under the front bar is a new bash plate and a pair of 8000kg-rated recovery points. Previously the LC76 had only one ARB recovery point and with the weight of the 76 now being so high, we felt it wasn't safe to do recoveries off only one. 

Not seen in the video above is the rear bar on the LC76. It is carried over from when the vehicle was first built. It is a Kaymar with twin swing arm mounts. One side carries a spare Monster alloy and Radar tyre while the other carries a pair of water jerry cans. It got a lick of paint while the rest of the 76 was being touched up and has come out great. 

What’s next?

The fifth and final episode — which will be released in two weeks — will be a sit down with Justin to talk about how comfortable the Alu-Cab rooftop tent is, how good the awning is and what the LC76 has been like to live with. Justin will have covered more than 20,000km of mostly remote work so he’ll be well placed to tell us what has worked and what he’d do differently. 

Related articles

Rebuilding Hema Maps’ iconic 76 Series LandCruiser: Part 1

Rebuilding Hema Maps’ iconic 76 Series LandCruiser: Part 2

Rebuilding Hema Maps’ iconic 76 Series LandCruiser: Part 3

21 years of adventure with the Hema Map Patrol