Driveline Services Australia offers a complete conversion kit to upgrade the factory auto freewheeling hubs on VDJ76, VDJ78 and VDJ79 LandCruisers (built from 09/2016 onwards) to industry-preferred manual freewheeling hubs. This all-in-one kit includes all seals, gaskets, bearings and studs as well as genuine Toyota manual wheel hubs to complete auto to manual hub conversion.
Call Driveline now with the part number to find out more.
Why Did Toyota Switch to Auto Hubs in 2016?
In August 2016, Toyota updated the 70 Series LandCruiser’s 1VD-FTV V8 turbo diesel engine and introduced a number of running changes, one of which was switching from the Aisin manual freewheeling hubs to automatic freewheeling hubs on the front axle.
From a factory perspective, automatic hubs offer convenience. Engage 4WD, and the hubs lock automatically without the driver needing to exit the vehicle. For urban buyers and casual off-roaders, this can seem like a step forward. However, for farmers, miners, commercial fleet operators and serious 4WD enthusiasts, the change created real problems.
The Problem With Factory Auto Hubs on the VDJ 70 Series
The 70 Series LandCruiser is a part-time 4WD vehicle. Unlike a full-time 4WD, the 70 Series has no centre differential, meaning it can only run in 4WD on surfaces where slip between the front and rear axles is possible (e.g. dirt, gravel, mud, sand). On sealed roads, the vehicle must run in 2WD.
Because of this design, the factory auto hubs introduced in 2016 have two significant downsides:
1. Durability Issues
The factory auto hub design is known to be significantly weaker than the manual hubs that preceded it. Field reports from commercial users and 4WD enthusiasts consistently show that the auto hubs are prone to failure, particularly under the stress of heavy towing or regular off-road work. Replacing a failed auto hub is expensive, not to mention the inconvenience of leaving a vehicle stranded in the middle of nowhere.
2. Loss of 4WD Flexibility
With manual hubs, you could engage low range or high range 4WD without locking the front hubs, which is useful for reversing caravans or trailers on concrete or bitumen. The factory auto hubs eliminate this option. As soon as 4WD is selected, the hubs lock automatically, restricting how you can use your vehicle.
The Solution: Driveline's Manual Hub Conversion Kit
Our conversion kit directly addresses both of these issues. By replacing the factory auto hubs with genuine Toyota manual freewheeling hubs, you restore the proven reliability and operational flexibility that the 70 Series was famous for in earlier generations.
What’s Included in the Kit
This is a true all-in-one kit. You won’t need to source components separately. The Driveline conversion kit includes:
- 2 x Genuine Toyota manual freewheeling hubs
- All required seals
- All required gaskets
- All required bearings
- All required studs
- All hardware needed to complete the conversion
The Driveline kit uses genuine Toyota manual hubs, not aftermarket or generic replacements. This means direct fit, OEM quality, and long-term reliability.
Benefits of Converting to Manual Freewheeling Hubs
- Restored 4WD flexibility: You can engage low range or high range without locking the hubs. Ideal for when you need gearing without drivetrain binding.
- Easy hub engagement: Manual hubs lock with a simple hand twist. No need to find a wheel brace to manually override an auto hub.
- Reduced running costs: Manual hub assemblies are simpler with fewer failure points. Over the life of the vehicle, this typically translates to lower maintenance costs compared to auto hub replacements.
- Peace of mind off-road: Knowing your hubs won’t fail due to vacuum system issues, solenoid problems, or weak components is critical when you’re kilometres from the nearest town.
Vehicle Compatibility
This conversion kit is designed specifically for the following Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series models fitted with automatic freewheeling hubs from the factory:
Model | Body Style | Build Date |
|---|---|---|
VDJ76 | Wagon | August 2016 onwards |
VDJ78 | Troopcarrier | August 2016 onwards |
VDJ79 | Single/Dual Cab Chassis & Pickup | August 2016 onwards |
Please Note: This kit is NOT compatible with earlier VDJ 70 Series models built before August 2016. It is also not suitable for vehicles that have had a Part Time 4WD kit installed. Vehicles fitted with alloy rims may require modification to the rim cap.
Contact our team to discuss your specific setup before ordering.
Who Should Consider This Conversion?
This kit is particularly well-suited for:
Farmers and rural property owners: 70 Series LandCruisers are a workhorse in the bush, but hub failures on a working farm or remote property can halt operations entirely.
Commercial fleet operators: Mining companies, drilling contractors, and other operators who put serious hours on their 70 Series vehicles benefit enormously from the reduced downtime and improved durability of manual hubs.
Caravanners and tourers: Caravanners and tourers: If you tow a van or trailer on your LandCruiser, the ability to engage low range without locking the hubs is genuinely useful when manoeuvring on sealed surfaces.
Off-road enthusiasts: Anyone who takes their 70 Series into challenging terrain wants reliability over convenience. Manual hubs deliver exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this kit fit my 79 Series built before 2016?
No. Earlier 70 Series models were already fitted with manual hubs from the factory. If your pre-2016 vehicle needs hub replacement, contact Driveline for the correct part for your application.
Can I still engage 4WD normally after converting?
Yes. In fact, you’ll have more control. With manual hubs, you lock them before engaging 4WD via the transfer case, exactly as owners of pre-2016 70 Series vehicles have done for years.
What if my vehicle has alloy rims?
Vehicles with alloy rims may require the rim cap’s inner hole to be enlarged to accommodate the manual hub. This is a straightforward modification, but it should be factored in. Contact the Driveline team if you’re unsure about your specific wheel setup.
Can I fit this kit myself, or do I need a workshop?
This is a mechanical modification that involves the front hub and axle assembly. Driveline recommends professional installation to ensure correct torque settings, sealing, and alignment, particularly for vehicles used in demanding commercial or off-road applications.s
