Here at NZ4WD, we’re not shy about proclaiming undying love and admiration for Toyota’s 70 series. Bluff fronted, flat-screened, cab-on-chassis old school 4WD. Like Suzuki’s Jimny, the 70 has built itself a massive cult following among those who want or need to ‘go bush’ into gnarly places on a regular basis. It turns out we are by no means alone. Among the devotees of this tough, nuggety 4WD is Darryl Eastgate, who has built himself a little ripper.

Darryl traded his 200 series Cruiser around the time that Covid started messing with our lives. Describing himself as “a bit of a luddite at heart”, he wanted a truck that “wasn’t fussy inside with all the leather like the 200”. He wanted something he could invite his dog into, and something in which he could have some off-road adventures.

Also important for the outdoorsy family: a truck that could haul the camper/toy hauler, and initially also take a couple of dirt bikes on the tray.

With some cash from the Cruiser trade, Darryl started to create the personalised 70. Working between Manukau Toyota and Papakura Auto Electrical/Auckland 4X4, the truck received a progressive upgrade that included radiator protection screens, fog lights, a winch, snorkel, suspension lift, and a massive swag of ARB gear.

The first big trip not long after delivery was a three-week camping holiday in the South Island with dog, camping trailer, two mountain bikes, two dirt bikes and most importantly Darryl’s 15 year old son. 

“We had an epic time from the top to the bottom and my wife and daughter flew down to Queenstown for a few days too and did Macetown with us.  That’s great fun in a 4WD but even better on a dirt bike.”

Darryl says the best camping spot of the trip was the Oteake Conversation Park where they were able to ride the bikes up past the snow line to an altitude of over 2100 metres. 

Following that trip Darryl’s son – with fresh driver’s licence in hand – bought a 1999 Hilux and the pair have travelled together on shorter trips.

The family has been developing a bush block in Hunua (southeast Auckland) and the 79 has been working hard on that project.
At some point during this work Darryl’s dog and his daughter’s lady dog had a romantic interlude, and having “for some reason unbeknown to me we kept one of the pups.”

Revised plan: add M2 Overland 3 quarter tool boxes and a dog box in-between them.  With the M2 toolboxes he lost the tray for dirt bike hauling, but the change enabled him to add an ARB Esperance hard top tent and Bush Company 270-degree awning.
“This has improved camping as we no longer need the camping trailer.”

DarrylI has also managed to have 35 inch tyres fitted and certed on the truck’s 50mm lift – not a simple matter as anyone who has entered that process will know.

Inside the truck the rear seats have made way for a Waeco fridge Darryl already owned, and the coupled-in centre console chiller bin is used as a freezer now.

Darryl also managed to get an ARB 100 amp/hr lithium Go-Block out of Australia. 
“What appealed to me with the Go-Block was the ability to pull it out easily with the fridge and lend them to my son when he goes away with his mates.  I’ve also added a Go-Block mount to my boat so we are looking forward to see how that works this summer.

The Go-Block and its mounts can also be moved from vehicle to vehicle.
“That means you don’t lose the investment if you ever change vehicles.”
Plans coming up are either a trip back to the South Island with wife, daughter and son or – depending on University holidays – to head up north camping with the boat in tow. 

“I’ve also been a bit naughty and a long time ago ordered a new 70th anniversary 79 in Sandy Taupe as I could see them moving to a V6 at some point and whilst I told myself I’d flick it on and make a few bucks I am not sure I can bring myself to as it’s pretty stock with a colour coded Toyota tray, colour coded guards and bumper.”
 

Darryl Eastlake’s 70 series project specification

• ARB Deluxe 60mm winch bar
• Radiator protection screens
• LED fog lights
• ARB Intensity Solis spot lights
• ARB side rails and steps
• ARB recovery point
• Kingone Raptor 9500lbs winch
• ARB Portable compressor
  (“So I can lend it to my son”)
• Armax snorkel, ECU + clutch pack, three inch exhaust
• OME 50mm lift
• Dynamic Brutal wheels with STT Pro 33’s
• Rhino rack platform
• Clearview mirrors
• M2 Overland tray and toolboxes plus trundle drawer
• Cruiser Consoles door speaker pods with bottle holders, console fridge, gear stick surround with 2 USBs + 12v accessory plug