Portal Axles Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started with portal axles
What 4x4 vehicles can portal axles be fitted to?
Portal axles can be fitted to the following 4×4 vehicles:
– Toyota Land cruiser VDJ Series 76, 78, 79 SSM and post registration with engineer certification
– Nissan Patrol 1997 + GU Y61 series
What is the price of portal axles?
The price of portal axles installed on Toyota Landcruiser VDJ 76, 78, 79 start from $34,000 (excluding wheels and tyres). The price of portal axles installed on Nissan GU Patrol starts from $28,000 (excluding wheels and tyres).
(As you can choose your preferred wheels and tyres, we can confirm the final price when you finalise your quote).
are portal axles legal in australia?
Pre-registration (new builds) are completed on SSM (second stage of manufacture).
Post-registered vehicles can have portal axles installed with engineer certification. The engineer will follow the SSM approval for specifications.
Can I purchase the portal axle kit and fit it myself ?
All portal axle kits (both second stage and post registered), must be installed in-house at Mick Tighe 4×4 & Outdoor and certified prior to departure. You’re unable to purchase a portal axle kit and fit it yourself.
All about portal axles
Where are portal axles made?
Portal axles are proudly made in Australia. You’re supporting Australian manufacturing when you purchase Marks 4wd portal axles from Mick Tighe 4×4 & Outdoor. All components are manufactured in Dandenong, in Victoria, Australia.
What is included in a portal axle kit?
A Toyota Landcruiser portal axle kit includes:
– New front diff housing and new larger, stronger rear diff housing manufactured to the correct wheel track
– One piece swivel housings for the front axle
– Portal axle system front and rear
– Forged chrome molly heavy duty spindles
– ARB single air compressor and switches
– Track increase of 80mm
– Air operated front freewheeling hubs
– Transmission drum brake system with bash guards
– Radiator underbody protection plate
– GVM Increase to 3950kg (VDJ79 series)
– GVM Increase to 3780kg (76/78 series)
– Delios slotted front and rear brake rotors / high temp brake pads
– Stainless braided brake lines
– Rubber wheel arch flare/wire retainer for front wheels only
– Breather system for portals, diffs, transmission and transfer cases
– SSM Approval for new vehicles
– Legal in all states of Australia
Portal axles can be installed post registration with engineer approval and mod plate.
What weight will the portal axle kit add to my vehicle?
A portal axle kit will add 120kg in weight to your vehicle (for the portal axle system itself), and approximately an extra 120kg for wheels and tyres.
What will the overall height of my vehicle be once fitted with portal axles?
The overall height of your vehicle once fitted with portal axles will vary between landcruiser models.
The vehicle heights below are based off the Toyota specifications for GXL models of the following vehicles:
Toyota Landcruiser VDJ76 Wagon 2090mm
Toyota Landcruiser VDJ78 Troop Carrier 2265mm
Toyota Landcruiser VDJ79 Dual Cab 2105mm
Toyota Landcruiser VDJ79 Single Cab 2105mm
Nissan Patrol Y61 Gu 1997 < 2005mm approx.
(Please Note: The overall height measurement is taken from the highest point which is the top of the snorkel. It does NOT take into account suspension lifts/roof rack accessories or any other accessories that will add to the vehicle height).
What tyres and wheels can I add when installing portal axles?
what does ssm stand for?
SSM is an abbreviation for the second stage of manufacture.
SSM only applies to new vehicles that have not yet been registered.
Manufacturers apply, test and meet all conditions put to them by the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. All ADRs (Australian Design Rules) must be adhered to. SSM approvals do not affect state and territory jurisdictional requirements.
For example, Toyota Australia imports the Landcruiser as the first stage manufacturer. It meets all Australian design rule criteria.
A Marks 4wd portal axle system is then installed to the landcruiser pre-registration. We then apply to the department for the new VIN plate under our SSM approval. The department then issues the VIN plate after all quality control obligations have been met.
The vehicle is then recognised federally as having the equipment installed under the approval, and this is recorded on the Federal government database. The vehicle can then be registered in any state.
If you wanted to sell your vehicle then this process is very straight forward as it can be registered in any state due to the SSM fit-out.
The booking process for portal axles
Do I need a deposit to order my portal axles?
A 50% deposit is required to secure your portal axle kit installation.
What is the lead time to get my vehicle fitted with portal axles?
The current lead time to have portal axles installed is approximately 8-12 weeks (which can be impacted by supplier stock levels, post registration requirements and a variety of factors depending upon the overall build requirements).
How long will you need my vehicle to install the portal axles?
Can I add other 4x4 accessories to my portal axle build?
Here at Mick Tighe 4×4 & Outdoor, we can add any 4×4 accessory to your portal build.
We’ll help you build your dream 4×4 and can add 4×4 accessories including bullbars, suspension, spotlights, tow bars, custom made canopies and our exclusive custom flares.
How do I book my vehicle in to be fitted with portal axles?
To book your vehicle in for a portal axle installation, the first step is to contact our team for a quote. We will work together to organise your build and all the accessories you would like fitted. After accepting the final quote, a 50% deposit is required up front to secure your portal axle installation.
Portal Axle After Care
Does my portal axle system require servicing?
Portal Axle Warranty
What is the warranty for portal axles?
Portal axles warranty is three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.