There are a fistful of factory, inbuilt oddities and design failures with the 70 Series LandCruiser line-up. Let’s forget the lack of cupholders, the rear track dimension and update the supposed air cleaner issue whereby it lets dust into the engine instead of filtering it as it should.
Yes, many companies have redesigned the complete airbox, and some have even changed the style of the air filter element, all to rid the dust ingress issues. Some custom-designed airboxes retain the standard panel filter element, while some swap to a pod or barrel-style filter within a reshaped airbox.
Others have tried to eliminate the dust ingress problem by way of different brand filters, attempting to seal the top lid to the base of the airbox with improved fixtures and some simply by greasing the filter in an attempt to create a better seal.
How to fix the LandCruiser airbox?
For my Troopy, I decided to retain as much original equipment as possible and look into a far simpler and cheaper fix.Â
The fix… for what exactly? One of the problems with the Toyota airbox is the flexing of the whole unit, which allows a gap through which the unfiltered air passes. The mating surface of the lid to the main body is too narrow to effectively seal with the said slight flexing of the main body of the airbox.
Three years ago, I installed a Terrain Tamer air cleaner insert kit. The kit overcomes the dusting issue by permanently gluing a smooth, flat stainless steel ring into the airbox lid. While this doesn’t prevent the main body from flexing, it does increase the width of the mating surface to effectively seal the air cleaner mating surfaces to prevent dust or other contaminants from getting into the clean side of the filter housing and then down into the engine.
Does the Terrain Tamer Insert work?
Having just completed a service, including replacing the air filter, I’ve noted how clean the inside of my airbox lid is compared to how dusty the main body is. That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be: the unfiltered air enters from the snorkel via the lower section of the airbox, the air is filtered through the element, and clean air flows into the lid, then into the engine – perfect!
I ran my finger over all the surfaces of the inside of the lid, and not a speck of dust was present, indicating the filter was working as it should because the Terrain tamer insert kit has helped with the sealing.
Verdict
No, this kit doesn’t create more power, improve fuel economy or even allow for a decent-sized cup to rest in the centre console, nor does it in any way correct the rear wheel track. Instead, it offers a relatively inexpensive solution to potential engine dusting problems and keeps the under-bonnet looking all stock.
I am totally happy with the results of this Terrain Tamer kit, as it keeps my engine internals clean, and I change standard filters as needed.
For the kit, you’ll be looking at just over $100, with the current retail being $109. That’s cheap insurance if I’ve ever seen it. Take a look at the Terrain Tamer website for more information CLICK HERE
