Do I Need Different Mirrors if My 79 is Pre 2023?

If you’re running a Toyota 79 Series — whether for serious towing, creek crossings, or dust-heavy outback runs — you know every detail matters. One of the questions I get heaps is about mirrors: “Do I need different mirrors if my 79 is pre 2023?” Trust me, this isn’t just about swapping parts by looks or blagging with marketing fluff. The 2023 model changeover introduced real differences in mirror mounts and accessory fitment that you need to know.

Being a Regional NSW farm all-rounder and 4x4 parts fitter who’s spent a dozen years setting up 70 Series utes for dust, towing, and water crossings, I’m going to break this down for you. We’ll chat about dust management and engine breathing, water ingress prevention, towing safety, and why mounting accuracy matters depending on your 79 Series year and engine.

Why Mirror Fitment Matters on the 79 Series

First off: What year and what engine? Because a 2019 79 Series with the 4.5L V8Diesel isn’t the same as a 2023 79 Series with the updated chassis and tech. Toyota made significant updates during the 2023 changeover that affect mirror mounts, wiring looms, and even snorkel kits. If you ignore these details, you’ll end up with shed-on-a-Saturday mistakes — like having a mirror that doesn’t sit square or blocks your view when towing.

Pre 2023 79 Series Mirrors: The Basics

Toyota’s 79 Series (from the original 2007 build through the 2022 model year) had a relatively uniform mirror mount and wiring setup. This means aftermarket mirrors, spacers, or extensions made for pre 2023 models will fit straight onto the factory mirror arms. However, post 2023, Toyota changed the mirror mounts to integrate new sensors and improve aerodynamics — which throws a spanner in the works when mixing parts between eras.

Mount Differences by Model Year and Engine

The pre 2023 mirrors were designed to accommodate the engine bay ventilation and accessories available then, such as Safari snorkels and ARMAX’s Safari range of 4x4 gear. These parts sealed well around the factory mounts, preventing water ingress and protecting wiring looms from dust.

Feature Pre 2023 79 Series Post 2023 79 Series Mirror Mount Type Standard bolt-on, traditional wiring loom Integrated mounts with sensor accommodation Wiring Loom Simple, accessible; easier for aftermarket additions Complex, factory cut looms; less flexible for mods Compatibility with Safari Snorkel Kits Direct fit with ARMAX Safari range accessories Requires adapter kits or different mounts

Dust Management and Engine Breathing in Your Pre 2023 79 Series

Dust is the enemy of every bush-bashing ute. Especially in Regional NSW, where dirt roads and dry creek beds are the norm. That’s why snorkel kits from companies like Safari are so popular — they improve your engine breathing by pulling cleaner air from above the vehicle, instead of choking on dusty air near the wheelarches.

For pre 2023 79 Series owners, these snorkels aren’t just a “looks” upgrade. The fitment is precise, meaning they seal well around your mirrors and don’t create gaps that let dust or water sneak into the engine bay. On a practical note, Safari snorkel prices start from around $526 — a fair price for the protection and longevity these kits deliver.

When combined with the ARMAX Safari range accessories, including custom snorkels and mirror mounts made specifically to match the pre 2023 79’s factory points, you get peace of mind. No messy wiring jobs or cut looms needed:

• Perfect seal against dust and debris
• Better engine performance on dusty tracks
• Protection for electrical components inside the mirrors

Water Ingress Prevention and Risk Reduction

Water crossings? Creek crossings? You’re not just twice as likely to get your ute wet as a city car, you’re facing real water ingress risk that can wreck wiring, mirror motors, and electronic controls. Pre 2023 mirrors and snorkels (properly fitted) are designed to channel water away and keep wiring safe.

Many post-2023 owners have reported needing to adapt accessories due to new mount shapes and tighter raised air intake 70 series factory wiring looms that cannot be easily modified. If your 79 Series is pre 2023, stay with era-specific accessories. This reduces risk and keeps your wiring factory neat — none of those messy cut-looms or bodgy fixes a true 70 Series expert like me calls out straight away.

Towing Safety and Blind Spot Reduction

Running any 79 Series for towing means your mirrors must be crystal clear, stable, and correctly mounted. It's not just about what looks good on Instagram or some fancy marketing fluff about “wide angles” and “aero designs." Fitment must be dead-on because poor matchups cause vibrations, blind spots, and even accidents.

Pre 2023 mirrors and accessories like those from the ARMAX Safari range are designed with this in mind. The mirror arms sit at the right distance to reduce blind spots when towing trailers, boats or stock crates:

1. Ensure mirror mounts align with factory bolt holes — no forcing or drilling
2. Avoid aftermarket spacers that void wiring harness integrity
3. Match mirror style to towing width — some pre 2023 mirrors have extended glass options

Real-World Fitment Tips

If you're upgrading or replacing your mirrors on a pre 2023 79 Series, don’t just buy the first flashy model you see online. Ask:

• What year and engine is this mirror designed for?
• Does it come with factory-compatible wiring looms — no cut looms or spliced mess?
• Has it been tested with your preferred snorkel and ARMAX accessory combo?

Using an accessory not designed for your era can cause weak mounts, water leaks, and poor visibility under load. Trust me, I’ve seen too many “shed-on-a-Saturday” hacks that cost folks weeks of headaches and hundreds in repairs.

Summary: Do You Need Different Mirrors for a Pre 2023 79 Series?

Yes and no, but mostly yes — you do need different mirrors if you want a precise, safe, and factory-correct setup on a pre 2023 79 Series. Here’s why:

• The mirror mounts and wiring harnesses changed significantly in the 2023 Toyota 79 Series update.
• Pre 2023 mirrors fit perfectly with snorkel kits from companies like Safari and ARMAX, preventing dust and water ingress.
• Towing safety depends on correct mounting and mirror arm length — a factory-based design is essential.
• Mixing parts between pre and post 2023 models often leads to costly fitment issues and messy wiring.
• Snorkel kits start from around $526 and should be matched with era-specific accessories for best performance.

If you’re in doubt, spend a minute answering “what year and what engine?” before buying mirrors. Walk away from generic advice and marketing fluff. Get parts engineered and proven for your exact 79 Series setup. Your ute, your safety, and your sanity will thank you.

About the Author

With over 12 years fine-tuning 70 Series utes and a passion for dust, creek crossings, and towing, I’ve walked the walk — no cut looms, no crap fitments, just solid regional NSW farm and 4x4 experience. If you want the real deal on pre 2023 79 Series mirrors and accessories, you’ve found your bloke.