Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series 6x4 and 6x6 by Multidrive Technology

Overview

Land Cruiser 6x6

Multidrive Technology (MDT) does convert Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series vehicles into 6x4 and 6x6 vehicles by replacing the rear of the chassis by a custom one. Both the rear axles receive a track correction. A load sharing mechanism spreads the weight equally over the leaf springs on both the rear axles. The 6x4 conversion is almost identical to the 6x6. The third axle is a tag axle (or lazy axle).

Multidrive Technology (MDT)
MDT 6x6 conversion
MDT 6x4 conversion
MDT 6x6 Middle East specification
MDT Southern Scorpion
International sales
Applications
Specifications
- 6x4
- 6x6
- 6x6 Middle East
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Multidrive Technology (MDT)

Multidrive Technology (MDT) started converting vehicles into 6-wheelers back in the ‘80. Over the years, it used various models and manufacturers. Now it does focus its conversions on the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series and the Hilux. Over the years, the MTD 6x6 conversion has evolved into multiple generations.

Other products from Multidrive for the Land Cruiser 70 series are a GVM upgrade, rear axle track width correction and chassis (wheelbase) extensions. Multidrive does also offer chassis extensions for the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.

The company does also build steel and Aluminium trays (truck bed) and small custom trailers.

MDT 6x6 conversion

MDT 6x6 rear frame and suspension

The 6x6 conversion starts as a Land Cruiser single cab, double cab or as an SUV. Multidrive converts the SUV into a double cab. This option is for customers who find the Land Cruiser 79 double cab a bit too cramped.

Frame

The original frame stops behind the driver’s seat. From there on, the frame is a custom one from Multidrive. Two wheelbase options are available. (500 mm difference)

Suspension

Land Cruiser 6x6

The rear of the leaf springs on both rear axles is connected to a pivoting beam, to provide a load sharing between the axles. The springs on the third axle are mounted in a narrow track, to clear space for the leaf springs on the second one.

Axles and 6x6 drive

A second transfer case (called the “Power Divider”) drives both the rear axles, using two prop shafts. This transfer case is a product from Multidrive, and it uses a Detroit Locker to drive both the rear axles permanently.

The rear axles are modified to strengthen the axle housings and to correct the track width (to follow the front axle). These reinforced axles retain their factory rating of 2300 kg. However, these axles do have a higher load rating in other applications (up to 2500 kg). The revised third axle its differential has an offset to the left. This offset allows the rear prop shaft to clear the differential of the second axle.

MDT 6x4 conversion

The 6x4 conversion is almost identical to the 6x6. The third axle is a tag axle (or lazy axle), which is custom made for the conversion.

The vehicle does have only one transfer case, which drives the second axle directly.

MDT 6x6 Middle East specification

The 6x6 conversion sold in the Middle East has a GVM of 6300 kg.

MDT Southern Scorpion

Update: The Southern Scorpion is no longer available. This information is for archive purpose.

The MDT Southern Scorpion builds on the Multidrive MTD 6x6 conversion. It adds an upgraded interior (Paradrive seats) and a custom truck bed (tray), to transform the utilitarian Land Cruiser 70 series into a more upmarket vehicle. This vehicle is for private customers, mainly in the Middle East.

The truck bed has a fibreglass skin over a steel frame. It is custom made for the Southern Scorpion and has LED taillights.

The vehicle does have 35-inch tyres on 16-inch wheels. These large tyres require subtle changes to the front bumper.

International sales

NSV auto is the international sales agent for Multidrive. They do convert vehicles in the Middle East, using conversion kits from Multidrive Australia.

Applications

The Multidrive 6x6 conversion is in use in various applications. These include mining, fire and rescue vehicles.

The 6x6 conversion is available across multiple army vehicles, with the help of NSV auto. These include cars from Jankel and Mezcal (armoured). Some of these military vehicles have a GVM of 6300 kg.