For several reasons, Tacoma owners often lift their vehicles. It sometimes adds advantages for the driver.
Most owners used to lift the truck 3 inches using a lifting kit. It creates more space under the chassis to accommodate a large tire. Then the thing comes is, what is the best tire size for Tacoma with 3 inch lift!
In this post, we are going to cover how to measure the tire for Tacoma after lifting it. Check out the details before you start looking for the best tires.
If you don’t consider any other factors and look for the right tire size for a 3-inch lifted Tacoma, 285/75r16 and 285/70r17 are the best choices. Again, this is just an assumption, and many other things that we discussed later need to consider.
Why is the Tire Size Important?
Are you lifting a vehicle for the first time? You might wonder why you should be concerned about the tire size.
The thing is, when lifting the vehicle, it will go up to a certain level. In this case, the vehicle will get a 3-inch extra height.
Filling this extra height will need a pair of big wheels. The size of the wheels needs to match the lifted height so that the rolling of the wheels remains smooth. For instance, if someone uses a too large tire, it will easily rub on the suspension while turning on roads.
Similarly, if the tire is too low, the vehicle will have more shocks on the road. It could be a nightmare to control the balance, particularly for off-road driving. The right selection of tires for a 3 inch lifted Tacoma ensures both the balance and smoothness of wheels’ rolling.
Replacing the wheels without considering the after-effects could make things worse. It is better to find the right size instead of regretting it.
How to Calculate the Tire Size based on Height?
The rule for tire size is generally straightforward.
If you have lifted the vehicle 3 inches, use a pair of tires with 3 inches’ extra height than the stock wheels. Similarly, if the vehicle is lifted 4 inches, use 4 inches’ extra height for the tires.
The rule is, however, suitable only for height adjustment. While trying to use wide wheels, it is not related to only the tires. Wider wheels need wider rims. Instead of just replacing the tires, the rims need to be changed.
Best Tire Size for Tacoma with 3 Inch Lift
As mentioned earlier, the best practice for lifted Tacoma is choosing a tire that matches the same height as lifted. When the pickup is lifted 3 inches, you probably have used a 3” lift kit. In that case, the best size for Tacoma with a 3-inch lift is 285mm tires.
If we elaborate on the sizing, the wheel size should be 285/75r16 or 285/70r17. Here the first thing is the width of the wheels, which is 285 millimeters. The second thing is the aspect ratio of the wheels, and it is 75%. The aspect ratio indicates the tire’s sidewall height. 16 and 17 on the tire sizes mean the tires are suitable for 16-inch diameter rims and 17-inch diameter rims, respectively.
Now let’s say you want to use larger wheels on Toyota Tacoma after lifting it. The first thing to do is replace the wheels. Some aftermarket rims are available for Toyota Tacoma that allow going for as large as 315mm. But the fact is, to accommodate such tires will need trimming the wheel wells and fenders. This will add extra cost to the overall process.
There could be many issues even after adjusting large wheels to a lifted Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle may lose its balance. You may hear a rubbing noise during turning and many more.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Toyota Tacoma Tires?
The replacement cost of Tacoma with a 3-inch lift depends on several factors. On average, the tire replacement will cost between $200 to $350. If the tire adjustment needs some additional modifications to the vehicle, the actual cost will increase.
At the same time, if you are planning to replace the total wheels, it will be expensive. The rim price will add with the tire price.
Best Tires for Tacoma with 3 Inch Lift
Here are some top-quality tires for 3-inch lifted Toyota Tacoma –
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Radial Tire: This tire is best suitable for second-generation Toyota Tacoma vehicles. It is a durable one and good for longevity.
Thunderer Thunderer MT All-Terrain Radial Tire: It is a budget-friendly pickup tire that you can use with a lifted Toyota Tacoma.
General Grabber AT/X All-Terrain Radial Tire: If you are looking for the best Toyota Tacoma tires that can take a heavy load, this is an ideal product to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it essential to replace the wheels after lifting Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, it is mandatory to change the wheels after lifting the truck. We do recommend considering the wheels’ replacement before changing the actual height of the vehicle. Stock wheels won’t be able to maintain balance after lifting the truck.
How to accommodate an extra-width tire?
If you are looking for an effective solution to add a bit extra-wide wheels, you need to replace the stock rims with wider rims.
What size tires can I put on my Tacoma with a 3-inch lift?
You can go for as many as 315mm wheels with extra-wide rims. It will, however, need some additional modifications to the vehicle to maintain the balance for the truck.
Why Does Toyota Tacoma cause a rubbing noise while turning it?
If the replacement tire size or the wheel size is not accurate for the vehicle’s height, it causes noise during turning. The wheels are used to rub on the upper chassis and the suspension that causes the noise.
Wrapping Up
You shouldn’t be confused about the best tire size for Tacoma with a 3-inch lift. Follow the guide we have shared here and grab the best deal.
Before buying the tires, one must consider the other modifications and adjustments for the vehicle. Otherwise, it will add more cost to the actual budget.
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