Loisir Evasion is a 4×4 garage located near Troyes (France), offering not only maintenance and repair services for 4×4 vehicles but also equipment installation and vehicle preparation. It is a family-run business established many years ago. Always ready with expert advice, Nicolas, the son, took charge of preparing this beautiful Toyota HDJ 100 Land Cruiser for clients who are passionate about 4×4 adventures, travel, and bivouacking.
Toyota HDJ 100
The “desert ship”—this could well be the nickname of the HDJ100. This large 4×4 is indeed heavy and big (4.89 m and 2.5 tons), but with its large interior volume and improved comfort compared to the HDJ80—particularly due to the triangulated front suspension—it has solid advantages that make it an ideal travel companion.
HDJ Preparation
At the heart of the vehicle is the legendary 1HD-FTE engine, a 4.2L inline-6 turbo diesel known for its reliability and performance. The stock power output is 204 hp at 3400 rpm with a tractor-like torque of 43.9 mkg available from just 1200 rpm. In this build, the engine has been boosted with an Adonis Technology raid-version tuning box, increasing the power to 275 hp and torque to 49.9 mkg. This extra boost makes overtaking and driving on soft terrains like sand much easier.
Engine upgrades include:
- Green air filter
- Adonis tuning box
- Snorkel
- Intercooler kit and silicone hoses by N4
- Stainless steel intercooler piping
- Racor 500FG pre-fuel filter
HDJ 100 Chassis & Suspension
Let’s start with the running gear and suspension.
To increase ride height and improve both on-road and off-road performance, a Pedders HD suspension kit has been installed. The “HD” (Heavy Duty) version was chosen due to the added weight from armor plating, bumpers, dual spare wheel carrier, rooftop tent, and interior storage setup. The HDJ100 is far from a lightweight 4×4 in its stock form.
To match the engine upgrade, Terrain Tamer performance brake discs and pads were installed to enhance braking power.
For protection, N4 Offroad skid plates were added. This French manufacturer provides a complete kit covering the front skid plate, engine, gearbox, and even rear axle arm protection. Additionally, “racing” mud flaps were installed at both the front and rear by Loisir Evasion.
Front and Rear Protection
The vehicle features steel bumpers at the front and a dual spare wheel carrier at the rear, both from Fabryka 4×4. This is a relatively unknown brand but their products are well-designed, robust, and reasonably priced. The bumpers include built-in housings for lights and reinforced recovery points with shackles.
A Warn EVO 12S winch is mounted on the front cradle, and a LED light bar is also installed.
Note: The headlights have also been upgraded with LED bulbs.
Travel and Bivouac Equipment
A rooftop tent has been mounted on the HDJ100 for several years, supported by Rhino Rack roof bars. On the side, a 2m x 2.5m awning from Equip Addict provides shade and shelter for comfortable bivouacking.
Inside, the cargo area features a dual-drawer setup from Fabryka 4×4. These metal drawers are carpeted and fitted with tie-down rings on top. One smart feature is a hidden storage compartment on the bench seat side—a clever use of space for storing valuable items.
Additional Onboard Equipment
To ensure air autonomy and quick tire inflation when needed, an ARB compressor is installed under the hood on a custom mounting plate.
The workshop also added a 1500W inverter and extra 12V power sockets to power and charge electronic devices.
Finally, the vehicle runs on BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires mounted on Braid Full Race wheels.
Upcoming Upgrades
In the coming months, the owner plans to add the following:
- Pedal box
- 175L auxiliary fuel tank
- Turbo boost pressure gauge
