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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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!”

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.

UPGRADES

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser

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