The Toyota Hilux has been an incredibly desirable vehicle since it was first manufactured in the 1960s and has gone through eight iterations over the last 50 years. The latest models are always going to offer more modern tech and features and the eighth generation Hilux is a beautiful machine with major power under the hood.
However, if you’re looking for an absolute bargain, you could do a lot worse than looking back at the sixth-generation Hilux which was manufactured between 1997 and 2005. The best thing about the Series 6 Hilux is that there are so many after-market upgrades available for it that you could comfortably have it performing as well as a Series 8 having spent a fraction of the cost.
With that in mind, here are what we feel are the first five upgrades that would be ideal for any Toyota Hilux Series 6 (N140, N150, N160, N170) owner.
Suspension kit
Suspension kits improve the ride quality and handling of your vehicle by raising it further than stock suspension and utilising better quality components that will last longer. The Old Man Emu Premium Suspension Kit offers flexible options for varying degrees of weight and is designed to work with standard brakes so you don’t need to replace anything.
ARB bull bars and Sahara bumpers
Extra protection is never a bad idea and that’s why bull bars and bumpers are some of the first upgrades any 4×4 owner might decide upon. The Series 6 is by no means a fragile machine but by adding front and rear protection bumpers you’ll add not only greater protection but more towing options too.
Winches
Adding a winch bumper to your Hilux Series 6 could transform it from a serviceable 4×4 machine into a legitimate service vehicle. Simple to install and easy to conceal with a winch bumper, a winch will transform your Hilux into a truly capable off-road machine.
ARB air lockers
Air lockers are locking differentials that boost the traction of your ride and allow it to function better on all terrain types. The stock open differential of the Series 6 is designed to let each wheel turn independently, which can be a major burden in an off-road situation and leave you with zero traction. A locking differential, meanwhile, allows you to engage the lock at any moment and ensure your wheels spin as one system. Vital for getting you out of any tough off-road situations.
Wheel arch kits by Kut Snake
Wheel arch kits don’t just make your ride look tougher, they allow for the installation of wider tyres too. For our money, Kut Snake is the brand that offers the best kits for the Series 6. It’s the material that really makes the difference, with a build that will last for years in even the hardest conditions and most searing heat.
