A pillar pod is the cleanest way to add gauges to a LandCruiser. It sits on the driver's A-pillar, keeps readings close to your line of sight, and doesn't mean cutting the dash. The catch is that LandCruiser pillars changed shape over the years, so the right pod depends on exactly which model you have.
This guide matches each SAAS pillar pod to its LandCruiser and covers which gauges are worth fitting for touring, towing and off-road work.
Quick fitment table
| Your LandCruiser | Pod | Gauges |
|---|---|---|
| 75 Series cab chassis (1985β1999) | SGP1210 3-gauge pod | 3 Γ 52 mm |
| 70 Series Troop Carrier, fixed windscreen (1985β2009) | SGP1209 | 2 Γ 52 mm |
| 70 Series (2009 on), one-piece trim replacement | SGP1205S single piece | 2 Γ 52 mm |
| 70 Series (2009 on) | 2009βcurrent 70 Series pod | 2 Γ 52 mm |
| 70 Series with curtain airbags (2016 on) | SGP1211 | 2 Γ 52 mm |
| 80 Series (1990β1998) | 80 Series pod | 2 Γ 52 mm |
| 100 Series (1998β2007) | 100 Series pod | 2 Γ 52 mm |
Fold-down windscreen Troop Carriers use a different pod, so message us with your build date before ordering.
Why the curtain-airbag 70 Series needs its own pod
From 2016, 70 Series LandCruisers gained curtain airbags that deploy along the roofline and down past the A-pillar trim. A pod designed for the earlier trim can sit in the wrong place on these vehicles. The SGP1211 is made for the later pillar cover, so if your 70 Series is 2016 or newer, start there.
Single-piece vs overlay pods
Most SAAS pods fit over your factory pillar trim. The SGP1205S is different: it replaces the factory A-pillar trim on 2009-on 70 Series with a single moulded piece, which gives the most factory-looking result. Either way you're working with tough ABS plastic that can be painted to suit your interior.
On the 75 Series 3-gauge pod, a factory grab handle on the pillar has to come off for the pod to fit.
Which gauges should you run?
All of these pods take standard 52 mm gauges. What you put in them depends on how you use the vehicle:
- Turbo diesels (factory turbos and turbo conversions): boost and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) are the classic pair. EGT tells you when to back off on a long climb or while towing.
- Towing and touring: water temperature and, on autos, transmission temperature help you catch heat before it becomes a problem.
- Dual battery and camping setups: a volt gauge shows at a glance whether your charging system is keeping up.
- Older engines: oil pressure is cheap insurance on a high-kilometre motor.
We stock SAAS 52 mm water temperature, oil pressure, volt and fuel gauges. SAAS also makes boost, EGT and transmission temperature gauges; ask us and we can order them in with your pod.
Installation tips
- Run gauge wiring down the pillar, under the dash and through an existing grommet in the firewall. Avoid drilling near airbag components.
- Take switched power from an ignition-on circuit so the gauges don't drain your battery.
- Connect the gauge lighting wire to the parking-light circuit so the gauges dim with your dash.
- Paint the pod to match before fitting the gauges; it's much easier with nothing installed.
Our aftermarket gauge installation guide covers wiring and sender placement in more detail.
FAQ
Will a pillar pod affect my airbags?
The SAAS pods listed here are designed with airbag-equipped LandCruisers in mind, and the 2016-on curtain-airbag 70 Series has its own model. Always fit the pod that matches your build date and don't modify airbag trim.
Can I fit 60 mm gauges?
No. These pods are made for 52 mm gauges.
Restoring an older LandCruiser?
See our 60 Series restoration parts guide.
See our full LandCruiser parts and accessories range, or send us your model and build date and we'll confirm the right pod.