Toyota Tacoma is one of the finest vehicles for off-road driving. The car provides ample power that feels comfortable while driving on extreme terrains.
However, it could be challenging to use this vehicle on certain terrains because of the suspension height. Minimal height wheels can’t play it properly, and you might consider a lift.
But do you know how to lift a Tacoma safely? It is a challenging thing, to be honest. Especially people who are new with vehicles like Tacoma may get confused on different points.
This post is going to tell you everything that needs to know before lifting a truck. Also, the steps that anyone can follow.
What Does Lifting a Truck Mean?
Lifting a truck means increasing the height of the vehicle. For example, if someone lifts the rear of the truck, it means the upper body will create more spacer under the body. The vehicle owner can then add larger tires. Usually, the process works with lifting and leveling together. It means if someone lifts the rear, the vehicle needs to level in the front as well. It makes the truck more symmetric and gives a better aesthetic.
If someone says he has lifted his truck or pickup, it means he has modified the vehicle to achieve more height.
When Should You Lift a Toyota Tacoma?
Lifting Toyota Tacoma may look fancy. But everyone doesn’t need to do that. Walk through that path only if you feel like it is essential to lift the truck. Here are some situations when one might consider lifting the truck –
Larger Wheels: By default, Toyota Tacoma doesn’t come with larger wheels. After getting the vehicle in the garage, one can feel the tires should be bigger. In that case, lifting the vehicle would be a good solution. A lifting kit can play a good role in lifting the vehicle to assemble larger wheels.
Off-Road Driving: Off-road driving is great fun with the right kind of vehicle. Toyota Tacoma is such a vehicle. But for some extra clearance on the road, a bit of extra height helps. For instance, lifting the vehicle adds extra clearance if the terrain has so many rough surfaces.
Better View on Road: When driving a truck on the road, everyone wants to have a clear view of the road. Lifting the truck means the driver is getting a view of the road from a higher position. It gives a better view of the road that helps in driving.
Ways to Lift a Toyota Tacoma and cost to lift a Toyota Tacoma
Finding the best way to lift Tacoma is not rocket science. There are three different ways to lift the vehicle properly.
Body Lift Kit
If looking for the most inexpensive option to lift Toyota Tacoma, using a body lift kit could be a good idea. As the name suggests, the kit will lift the body, and the suspension and the wheels won’t change their positions.
The kit only lifts the upper body from the chassis and creates more space under the body. It means there will be more space to replace the wheels with larger sizes. Both rear and front wheels can be changed with larger pairs. It brings a sporty look to the vehicle.
Depending on the type of the body kit, it may lift 2 to 3 inches the body. However, it is not going to clear the ground. It will have the same ground for the vehicle. In terms of a better view on the road, a body lifting kit is great.
Wondering why some experts don’t recommend using a body kit? Well, a body kit just pulls the body that causes extra stress on some other components. If something goes wrong, it can destroy and tear some other components.
Whichever body lift kit you choose, make sure to adjust it in the right way. A wrong step in the whole process can keep risk behind the lifting.
Our recommended body lift kit: Check this body lift kit from PROEZE here. This kit will allow lifting the Tacoma at least 2 inches without major costs.
Suspension Lift Kit
Considering the best way to lift a Toyota Tacoma, using a suspension kit is the best option. Let’s say you want to lift Toyota Tacoma 3 inches to accommodate a bigger wheel pair. A suspension kit will give the perfect room for a large wheel pair.
As the name suggests, the suspension kit increases the height by modifying the vehicle’s suspension. After adding the kit to the vehicle, it modifies the components such as leaf springs, coils, and other parts.
The suspension kit gives the proper ground clearance that makes it easy to attach new pair of large wheels and get a better view of the road. Choose a pair of tires made for trucks, and you will get the best experience.
The thing you need to remember about the suspension kit is that the change will be permanent. Before attaching the suspension kit, make sure you will be ok with it. However, it will feel a bit uneasy at first few rides. Gradually you will adapt to the new modified height and larger wheels.
Our recommended suspension kit: We recommend TORQUE Air Spring Bag Suspension Kit if your Toyota Tacoma is between 2005 – the latest models.
Leveling Kit
Most modern trucks come with a rake in the front. This design is intended by assuming that the vehicle will carry a load on the back. Keeping the front a bit lower will balance the vehicle. Toyota Tacoma and similar trucks come in the same style.
If you want to level the front with the bed of Toyota Tacoma, a leveling kit would be the best option. It is the best way to lift a Tacoma without spending too much. You can easily find leveling kits in the market.
The kit attaches to the front and rear suspensions easily. Depending on your need, attach the kit to the vehicle. But one thing you must remember with a leveling kit is that it will make enough trouble for off-road riding. Use a leveling kit only if you are planning to drive the vehicle in cities and on highways.
Installing a leveling kit may cost around $100 to $500, including professional installation and the kit.
Our recommended leveling kit: If you are looking for a cheaper and do-it-yourself option, check out Dynofit Raise 2 Inch Front Strut Spacer Suspension Lift Spacers. It fits Toyota Tacoma models from 2005 to the latest.
Can You Install Toyota Tacoma Lifting Kit Yourself?
Leveling kits and suspension kits are designed for the doing it yourself method. If the vehicle owner has mechanical experience and knows the basics, he can install a lifting kit himself. It might require some additional tools to install the kit.
If it is the first time someone is trying to do the mechanical job, I wouldn’t recommend doing it himself. Rather, consult with a professional and take the professional service. It will add some additional cost for the lifting, but it is worth it.
A single step in the entire process could cause major issues during the rides. For instance, the wrong installation of the suspension kit can easily jam the tires and wheels. The wrong installation could even spoil the balance of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a lifting kit hurt the vehicle?
The lifting kit attachment to a Toyota Tacoma will change the way of its rides. It could, however, cause some issues if something went wrong. But if you take professional help, there won’t be any struggle with the vehicle.
What is better – leveling kit or a body lift kit?
A leveling kit is suitable mostly for the front suspension. It actually lifts the front and balances the front and rear heights. But when you are carrying a load in the bed, a leveling kit won’t be a good choice. Instead of leveling kit, a body lift kit would be better.
Can I install the lifting kit at home?
I already have mentioned that install the lifting kit yourself only if you have any mechanical experience. Otherwise, it is always better to take expert help.
Why does lifting kit installation cost too much?
Professionally lifting a Truck costs enough that vehicle owners often don’t feel the interest. The cost goes higher because professionals maintain the accuracy for lifting and give some sort of guarantee. You might even get some after-sales services with professional lifting kit installation.
Is it worth lifting a Toyota Tacoma 6 inches?
If you want to get more ground clearance for the truck and accommodate larger wheels, a 6-inch lifting is worth it. But 6 inches lifting the truck is more about the look of the truck. While riding the vehicle on the street, if you want to grab the attention of everyone, go for it. For off-road, a 3-inch lift is enough.
Wrapping Up
Now you shouldn’t have any confusion regarding how to lift a Tacoma. Whichever method you follow, make sure you know the details before starting.
For lifting kits, try to pick something authentic. I would recommend choosing a renowned brand for any kind of new attachments or kits for Toyota Tacoma.
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