Forged for Freedom

Some restorations are about bringing a truck back to life. Others are about giving it a new reason to exist. Project Freedom is both—a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 transformed from a faithful classic into a long-range grand tourer, equal parts endurance and elegance. It’s a Land Cruiser that doesn’t just take you off the beaten path—it invites you to chase the horizon.

Off-Road Heritage, Next-Gen Engineering

At its core lies a 6.2-liter GM LS3 V8 paired with a modern 5-speed manual transmission, breathing effortless power and torque through every gear. The integration is seamless, with a re-engineered crossmember, custom engine mounts, and a retuned ECU that makes the LS3 feel born to the chassis. The result is smooth highway composure, mechanical precision, and commanding acceleration that redefines the long-distance cruiser.

The chassis was renewed for comfort and control—Old Man Emu springs, new suspension bushings, steering overhaul, and rear disc brakes—all designed to make the 60 glide with modern civility while keeping its mountain-ready stance. Every system has been touched, from the refreshed braking lines to the recalibrated fuel and cooling systems, ensuring durability on the road and reliability off it.

Inside, the transformation continues. The cabin was reimagined as a quiet, leather-lined retreat, anchored by heated and powered Recaro Orthopaed seats. Every surface has been retrimmed—dash, console, door cards, and headliner—wrapped in supple two-tone leather. A CarPlay system with integrated amp, subwoofer, and multi-speaker layout brings modern connectivity and high-fidelity sound to the cabin. Even the smallest details—stitching, weatherstrips, and switchgear—reflect a build executed with purpose and restraint.

Outside, the FJ60 now wears a striking Freeborn Red finish—its panels meticulously straightened, gapped, and polished before the final ceramic topcoat. The color radiates warmth and purpose, grounding the build’s grand-touring spirit in Toyota’s most iconic heritage shade.

More than 1,400 hours went into Freedom’s creation—hours of fitting, wiring, testing, and tuning to deliver a machine that carries the timeless honesty of the FJ60 while elevating it into something enduring, capable, and beautifully composed for the open road.

Project Freedom embodies Legacy Overland’s approach to craftsmanship—where engineering precision meets aesthetic restraint. A grand-touring Land Cruiser built not just to travel far, but to make every mile feel like purpose.

Highlights of the build:

  • Powertrain & Driveline

    • GM LS3 6.2L V8 engine conversion

    • Modern 5-speed manual transmission with custom fitment

    • Advance Adapters integration to Toyota transfer case

    • ECU reprogrammed for manual transmission control

    • Custom-fabricated engine and transmission mounts

    • Stainless-steel dual exhaust system with heat shielding

    • Full cooling system rebuild with new radiator, hoses, and sensors

    • Custom air intake and filtration assembly

  • Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

    • Old Man Emu spring suspension system for improved ride and handling

    • Full steering box teardown, reseal, and adjustment

    • New tie rods, ends, and steering damper

    • Rear disc brake conversion

    • Stainless brake line set throughout

    • Master cylinder and booster replaced and bench-tested

    • Complete chassis service, lubrication, and alignment

  • Fuel, Electrical & Cooling Systems

    • Long-range 43-gallon fuel tank

    • New fuel pump, lines, and filter system

    • Complete re-looming of wiring harness with OEM-style sheathing

    • ECU calibration and tuning for power delivery and throttle response

    • Refreshed alternator, starter, and battery setup

    • Upgraded A/C system with new custom lines and full recharge

  • Interior & Comfort

    • Recaro Orthopaed heated/powered front seats on custom brackets

    • Rebuilt and re-foamed rear seat

    • Full two-tone leather and alcantara interior—seats, dash, console, and door cards

    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel, dashboard and console

    • New marine-grade carpet kit and full sound/thermal insulation

    • Headliner and pillars retrimmed

    • LED interior lighting throughout

    • New seat belts, switches, and cabin trim

  • Audio & Connectivity

    • Pioneer CarPlay multimedia head unit

    • Rockford amplifier and JBL speaker set

    • Discreet subwoofer integration

    • Backup camera with console display

  • Exterior, Body & Trim

    • Complete repaint in Freeborn Red

    • Undercarriage refinished with protective liner coating

    • Full rust remediation and seam resealing

    • New glass seals, weatherstripping, and door rubbers

    • Panel alignment and gap calibration

    • Dissent Offroad rear bumper with swing-out carrier

    • Euro-style wide mirrors with reinforcement brackets

    • Final paint correction and ceramic coating

  • Finalization & Testing

    • Complete electrical and mechanical systems verification

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