diff --git a/Makefile.inc1 b/Makefile.inc1
index c9d38b6d6e71..c5eda1c3f256 100644
--- a/Makefile.inc1
+++ b/Makefile.inc1
@@ -557,7 +557,7 @@ TMAKE=		MAKEOBJDIRPREFIX=${OBJTREE} \
 # cross-tools stage
 XMAKE=		TOOLS_PREFIX=${WORLDTMP} ${BMAKE} \
 		TARGET=${TARGET} TARGET_ARCH=${TARGET_ARCH} \
-		MK_GDB=no MK_TESTS=no
+		MK_GDB=no MK_LLD_IS_LD=${MK_LLD_BOOTSTRAP} MK_TESTS=no
 
 # kernel-tools stage
 KTMAKEENV=	INSTALL="sh ${.CURDIR}/tools/install.sh" \