5 of the Best Tacoma Suspension Lift Kits: Upping Your Off-Road Game
The Tacoma is already more than capable off the beaten track. These kits can up its capability even further.
Our Top Picks
- RealTruck Superlift 6" Standard Lift Kits
- Supreme Suspensions 3" Front + 2" Rear Lift Kit
- Rancho Level-It Leveling Kits
- TORCH 3" Full Lift Kit
- Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift Kits
The Toyota Tacoma is great for a lot of things. From towing and hauling heavy loads to going on trips with your family, the Tacoma can do it all. It can also go off-road, especially with the right equipment. If you enjoy challenging off-roading adventures, you may consider getting a lift kit to give you a more comfortable driving experience. While there are plenty of options to choose from, below are five of the best Tacoma suspension lift kits on the market to help you raise your Tacoma's ground clearance and make room for larger tires.
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RealTruck Superlift 6" Standard Lift Kits
This lift kit will raise your Tacoma's front and rear by 6 inches. Its components have been precision engineered to fit perfectly, and you can get tailor-made kits based on your Tacoma's exact model year, engine size, and trim level. Once it's on, you can easily fit an off-road-specific 17-inch wheel with a 35-inch tire, which will improve your performance on rough terrain. The kit's installation instructions are clear and thorough enough to install it at home, but unless you have prior experience with lift kits, you may be better off leaving it to a professional.
Key specs:
- Lift: 6 inches
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 199 pounds
- What makes it special: Provides an above-average 6 inches lift
Supreme Suspensions 3" Front + 2" Rear Lift Kit
Having the heavy engine block in the front means the Tacoma, like most other pickup trucks, has a slightly tilted front end. This lift kit aims to correct that by creating an asymmetrical lift, with a 3-inch raise in the front and a 2-inch lift in the back. This way, your Tacoma will not only be more off-road capable and be able to fit larger tires but will also have a straight, natural look. The kit includes two bolt-on billet strut spacers for the front and two coil spring spacers for the rear wheels.
Key specs:
- Lift: 3 inches in the front and 2 inches in the back
- Material: Aluminum, polyurethane
- Weight: 7 pounds
- What makes it special: A simple way to lift and level your Tacoma
Rancho Level-It Leveling Kits
If leveling your Tacoma is your only goal, the easiest way to do it is with the help of this leveling kit. It'll lift your front end by about 2 inches, which can be a great solution for adjusting your Tacoma's height after installing aftermarket components, such as larger winches and bumpers. It also makes way for larger tires, up to 33 inches. Its struts have different softness levels, so you get the most comfort while on the road as well as excellent off-road performance.
Key specs:
- Lift: 2–2.5 inches for the front wheels
- Material: Steel and aluminum
- Weight: 19 pounds
- What makes it special: A great solution if you only want to level out your Tacoma
TORCH 3" Full Lift Kit
This is one of the most complete lift kits on the market and gives you everything you need to lift and level your Tacoma while maintaining proper wheel alignment. It includes 3-inch front lift strut spacers, 2- or 3-inch rear lift blocks, a differential drop kit to keep your front axles at optimal levels, extended shocks and U-bolts, and a sway bar relocation kit to move your sway bar forward. It's also relatively easy to install without fancy equipment or prior experience.
Key specs:
- Lift: 3 inches for the front wheels and 2 or 3 inches for the back wheels
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 53 pounds
- What makes it special: Comes with everything you need to adjust your Tacoma for extra height
Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift Kits
If you enjoy your Tacoma's ride quality and you're looking to raise it by a few inches while keeping everything else the same, this lift kit may be the right choice. This kit is specially designed to give you a 3-inch lift while keeping the vehicle's suspension system, stability control system, and ride quality just the way they were before.
Key specs:
- Lift: 3 inches
- Material: Steel and fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Weight: 35 pounds
- What makes it special: Lifts your Tacoma by 3 inches while leaving everything else just the way it was
Tips for Installing Suspension Lift Kits for Toyota Tacoma
Most of the lift kits presented can be installed at home using basic tools. But it doesn't mean it'll be easy and will probably take you a whole day to install. To avoid making common mistakes that could delay or prevent you from installing them correctly, you can follow these tips:
- Read the installation instructions carefully: Many DIY types just skim over installation notes. For your safety, make sure to read the instructions carefully before and during the installation process.
- Gather all the tools you need: To save your time and effort, prepare all the tools you need and have them nearby.
- Clean your Tacoma: Discovering large chunks of dried mud underneath your Tacoma can be annoying and make your work harder. Clean your undercarriage before starting your DIY project.
- Dress for the occasion: Your Tacoma may be clean, but you're about to get dirty. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining and consider some eye and hand protection gear.
- Don't rush it: Even an easy lift kit installation will likely take several hours. Rushing it will likely lead to various issues that'll take lots of time to resolve, and it may affect your safety if you don't install it properly.
- Make sure all nuts and bolts are tightly screwed: After finishing the job, check all nuts and bolts to ensure none of them are loose.
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