What is Project Leia

We (well, more Shelly) gave alot of thought as to what this new 4WD should be named and we went through quite a few ideas.  We knew it was a 'she' as she was always going to be splattered with pink!  So we needed a name that was lady-like, but also tough.  We finally settled on 'Leia Lux', as in Princess Leia.

Project Leia documents the build up of this 2010 Toyota Hilux that we purchased and follow the process as she transformed into the tough little 'Leia Lux'.

All the stats

  • Year:  2010
  • Make:  Toyota
  • Model:  Hilux
  • Series:  KUN26R
  • Badge:  SR
  • Body Type:  Dual Cab
  • Engine:  3.0L Turbo Diesel, 4 Cylinder
  • Transmission:  Auto
  • Drive:  4x4

What it looked like when we bought it

Like our 2010 Prado, this Hilux is an ex-mining vehicle and it therefore came with quite a few of the accessories we would have needed to add anyway.  Below is a list of what came on the vehicle when we purchased it: 
  • Roll Cage
  • Dual Battery System
  • ARB Winch Compatible Bull Bar
  • 16 x 7 Black Steel Wheels
  • 265/70x16 Yokohama Tyres
  • Rear Steel Tray and Cage
  • 2" Tough Dog Suspension Lift
  • 3" Ironman Exhaust
  • Trailer Brake Controller
  • Reverse Camera
  • UHF Radio
  • Narva Spotlights
  • 140 litre Long Range Fuel Tank
  • Rhino Roof Racks

The first mods!

The first mods didn't take too long to happen, in fact most occurred during the drive home from Newcastle! 
  • The Roof racks were removed
  • We changed the colour on the stereo screen to pink
  • We swapped the UHF mic to a pink one
  • We changed the colour on the UHF screen to pink
  • Once home we swapped the black UHF antenna for a pink one
  • We removed the canvas cover off the rear cage
Next up it was a visit to our mechanic to get the full once over.  Although we had paid for an NRMA inspection prior to purchasing the vehicle, we wanted our mechanic to check it out and give it a full service.

It was then time to give a bit of love to all the fluids with products from our mates at Cost Effective Maintenance.  When they heard we'd purchased a new 4WD, they even sent us a few products to get it up to scratch, thanks guys!

This was one of the first things we did when we purchased the 150 series Prado and it made a huge difference so we were always going to show the same love to the Hilux.

New Wheels & Tyres

For Shelly's birthday she got some new wheels, tyres and flares for Leia. 
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17x9 Dirty Life 'Theory' wheels in black with 265/70x17 Dick Cepek Trail Country EXP tyres.
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BEFORE
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AFTER

Side steps removed

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BEFORE
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AFTER

New Flares

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BEFORE
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AFTER

Cage removed, tray shortened & backboard modified

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BEFORE
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AFTER
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AFTER

ARB Side Steps

ARB Extended Diff Breathers

ARB Rear Air Locker & Air Compressor

Safari Snorkel

ARB Full Underbody Protection & Rated Recovery Point

Domin8r X Winch fitted

Upgraded Suspension

We wanted to upgrade the suspension to obtain a more comfortable ride on-road and more flex off-road!  We fitted new front and rear Bilstein shocks and 2” raised springs, complete lower control arms and all new bushes, ball joints and camber pins. 
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Before and After photos

New Kenwood Stereo

12 months on .......

Leia The Lux has changed a lot in the 12 months since we purchased her and the major mods have now been done, as well as a few mechanical issues and cosmetic repairs and paint touch-ups. Check out the video below to see how she's transformed.  Few more smaller things still to go, so stay tuned for what happens next .......
...... Making memories one track at a time