Top 7 Best Lift Kit For Toyota Tacoma Of 2022 (Buying Guide)

When it comes to off-road pickups, Toyota Tacoma is a name you can’t ignore. Every off-road driving, jungle-trailing fans know this particular line of Toyota. Considered as one of the most stylish pickup trucks, its popularity hasn’t fallen since the beginning.

However, lifting your Tacoma to fit some new rough trails you want to drive around is just as enticing as owning one of these babies. And that’s why knowing how to choose the best lift kit for Toyota Tacoma products is so important.

Otherwise, not only it’ll make you lose money but also take out all the fun of trying out a newly lifted Tacoma.

But there’s no need for concern!

You’ll find everything you need to know about the subject along with our top picks for Tacoma lift kits in this guide. This will help you make a purchase that’s right for you and provide more in-depth know-how of your kit.

Instance 1

BEST OVERALL

01

TORCH Full Lift Kit

Our Rating:

BEST FOR VALUE

02

RoughCountry Lift Kit

Our Rating:

IT IS ALSO GOOD

03

ReadyLift Lift Kit

Our Rating:

Do I Need A Professional Mechanic To Install A Lift Kit?

Most lift kits (whether it be a suspension or a leveling kit) tend to have a simple installation procedure. They also come with a detailed, step by step instruction manual to guide you through the process. Thus, in most cases, if you have some beginner-level experience hiring a professional isn’t necessary.

However, if you don’t feel completely confident about installing the kit yourself, you should hire a professional to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Key Features To Consider When Purchasing A Lift Kit For Toyota Tacoma

1. Model Compatibility

It’s important to ensure that the kit is compatible with the model you intended to lift.

Most kits have a broad compatibility range. They usually cover Tacoma models released between 2005 to 2020, or in some cases 2004 to 2019. Still, it’s a wise move to check it nonetheless.

Another fact that many consumers forget is to check the wheel-drive compatibility. Because even if the year range matches, the kit may only support two-wheel-drive Tacomas, whereas yours is a four-wheel drive. So make sure to certify this factor as well.

2. Suspension Vs Leveling Kit

Lift kits tend to fall in mainly two categories: suspension lift kits and leveling lift kits. So, it’s important to know which one of these two types matches your purpose.

• Suspension Kit: If you intend to lift your Tacoma truck both on the front and the rear, you’ll need to purchase a suspension lift kit. This type of kits come with front spacers to lift the front and lifting blocks for lifting the rear end.
• Also, don’t get confused about the difference between the thickness of the spacers and blocks and the real lift they provide. For example, a lift block that measures 1.44-inches can provide a real lift of 2-inches.
• Leveling Kit: On the other hand, if your trucks rear-end sits lower than the front (which can be the case in many Tacoma models) and you intend to level the down length, a leveling kit would be the appropriate purchase.
• A leveling kit comes with only rear lift blocks. You can install them to lift the back of your truck and level it.
• If you want to increase the load-bearing capacity of your truck, go for rear leaf springs, preferably made from spring steel.

3. Raw Material

This is a substantial aspect of any lifting kit, which largely determines the longevity of your purchased product.

The best Toyota Tacoma lift kit material is 6061-T6 grade, aircraft-level aluminum. It will make the kit lighter yet stronger than steel kits. So we’ll place this material ahead of others.

However, kits made from billet aluminum don’t fall far behind. Billet aluminum kits are made from an undivided piece of aluminum, which significantly increases the strength of the product. 

You can also choose kits that use carbon steel, fabricated structural steel, and spring steel as raw material. Carbon steel and fabricated steel are both stronger in terms of structural strength than regular steel. Using spring steel enhances the loading capacity of your truck. 

4. Front Spacers And Lifting Blocks

Purchase front spacers with innovative designs that incorporate modern technologies to increase efficacy. For example, the WULF suspension kit which has a double-layered six-hole design.

In terms of lifting blocks, make sure they are created from premium raw materials. For example, carbon steel, fabricated structural steel, etc. Also, ensure that they have a powder-coated exterior that resists corrosion. You can look for other extra features as well, such as extended shocks.

5. Precision Of Production

We recommend purchasing kits from manufacturers that use technologies to maintain the precision of production. These may include:

• Using automated machines and 3D printers controlled by CNC (computer numerical control) technology to design kits
• Machine-manufacturing
• Strict quality control through meticulous engineering and rigorous testing

And other strategies.

6. Ground And Fender Clearance

Make sure that the lifting kit provides enough ground and fender clearance.

A substantial amount of ground clearance will ensure that you enjoy a smooth driving experience. Increased fender clearance will allow you to install larger tires and rims suited for driving on rough terrains and off-road tracks.

7. Level Of Preservation

It’s always a good idea to purchase kits designed to preserve Tacoma’s original factory setting.

If a kit performs in sync with the factory setting without disrupting the OEM ride quality, you’ll enjoy the genuine Tacoma driving control and steering accuracy. In fact, with off-road handling capabilities.

For example, the Wulf “Add-A-Leaf” leveling kit, whose leaf springs don’t collide with overload springs of a Tacoma’s original settings.

8. Ease Of Installation

We recommend purchasing a kit that has these qualities in terms of the installation procedure:

• Providing a step by step DIY guide
• Including all the necessary installation hardware
• Designing a system that doesn’t require any professional tools
• A short completion time (e.g. 1 to 2 hours)
• Making beginner level experience enough for a successful installation

A kit with these features will ensure that you’ll have the best deal in terms of ease of installation.

9. Strength Of Infrastructure

It is an often overlooked yet crucial to a successful leveling kit purchase. To ensure you have this quality in your kit, look for spacers engineered to be durable and flexible.

In terms of lifting blocks, you can choose tapered/hollowed-out blocks. Also, blocks with a supporting cross structure, strengthened by a gusset plate, will ensure a durable kit.

 Our 7 Best Lift Kit For Toyota Tacoma Review

#1. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit for 2005 – 2021 Toyota Tacoma

Why It Stands out to Us

The Torch 3″ Lift kit is certainly one of the best Toyota Tacoma suspension lift kits out there. It is suitable to use for 2005 to 2021 Toyota Tacoma, 4X4, 4WD, SRF, and TRD truck models. It is ideal for 6-lug models, meaning that 1995 or older Toyota models with 5-lug wheels are not fit for this kit.

It is complete with all the essential parts to raise the overall height and achieve a higher ground clearance for Toyota Tacoma. This kit includes 3″ Front Lift Strut Spacers, Tapered rear blocks, Extended U-Blots, Differential Drop Kit with skid plate spacers, Sway Bar Relocation Kit, and Extended Shocks.

It also comes with a step-by-step procedure for beginners however it is still best to seek professional help for installation.

This lift kit’s strut spacers allow 3″ of lift in the front and install on top of your struts. The 2″ rear tapered lift blocks include tapered fabricated steel blocks to allow a level drive. It also has power-coated U bolts that can withstand heavy loads.

The differential drop and skid plate included keeps the front axles at ideal levels as well however this feature is only for Toyota 4X4 models.

Our Experience with It

• The shipping was on time and we were able to receive the item after 4 days.
• The installation process took us less than 3 hours to complete
• The step-by-step manual was particularly helpful

What We didn’t Like

• This kit is for 6-lug models only

HIGHLIGHTED FEAUTURES

• Strout Spacers allow 3″ of lift in the front
• Comes with durable and crash-resistant tapered fabricated steel blocks
• High Strength Steel Extended U blots
• Includes detailed step by step instructions
• Extended shocks appropriate for both on and off-road use

Pros

• Easy to install with the help of the manual
• Durable
• Complete with all necessary components

Cons

• For 6-lug models only

#2. Rough Country 3.5″ Lift Kit  For 2005-2022 Tacoma

Why It Stands Out To Us

This lift kit is perfect for every DIY backyard mechanic who is looking for a way to lift and improve their 2005-2021 Toyota Tacoma ground clearance with easy installation. The good-looking Rough Country lift kit is a great choice for every 2015 to 2021 Toyota Tacoma, It comes with:

• 2 upper control arms, 
• 2 N3 loaded struts,
• 2 differential spacers, 
• 2″ lift blocks,
• U-bolts, hardware, and
• 2 premium N3 rear series.

These components are made of aluminum which is a strong, flexible, and corrosion-resistant material.

The lift kit gives your car a maximum of 3.5 inches of ground clearance without the need for strut spacers. This lift kit boasts of its arms that can keep the ball joints at ideal angles. It can also improve the ball joint’s motion while preventing stress and quick damage.

Another key feature of this lift kit is the N3 rear shock which is excellent at absorbing shock both on or off-road. Its N3 Loaded Coil Spring Struts are guaranteed of premium quality as well.

This kit allows you to lift your vehicle while keeping the front and rear height leveled. You will also have more space for larger tires for a better grip on the road.

Moreover, it gives you that smooth ride that is almost similar to the OEM. Finally, it comes with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Warranty to ensure quality,

Our Experience with It

• The package cam
  e with all the important components we needed and the installation was not as hard as we thought.
• We were able to use the tools we already had in our garage. All in all, it was a convenient installation

What We didn’t Like

• We didn’t receive a manual which can make the installation tricky for first-timers

HIGHLIGHTED FEAUTURES

• 3.5″ maximum lifting height
• Suitable for on or off-road adventures
• Premium quality components
• Doesn’t require strut spacers
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty

Pros

• Good quality components
• Limited Lifetime warranty
• Easy installation

Cons

• No manual

#3. WULF 3.5″ Front 2″ Lift Kit For 2005-2015 Tacoma

Why It Stands Out To Us

If you are looking for an all-inclusive lift kit, then the WULF 3.5″ Front and 2″ Rear leveling kit is a great option. The front accessories for this kit include a 3″ lift fabricated steel powder-coated strut spacers for 4×4 models, WULF tubular upper control arms, Alpha Chromoly joints with a built-in taper, maintenance-free pressed thermofuse pivot joint brushings, and 2 Bilstein adjustable lift struts. It also includes free black shock dust boots and hardware.

For the rear accessories, it has 2″ Lift Add-A-Leaf with Extended Alignment Bolts. It also comes with a soft ride isolator and 2 Bilstein Shock Absorbers that gives a more stable and safe ride experience. It includes free black shock dust boots and hardware too. All the parts in this kit are made with alloy steel which is a corrosion-resistant and durable material.

This kit is compatible with the 2005 to 2015 Toyota Tacoma 2WD and 4X4. It.is specially designed for 6-lug models only and is not suitable for TRD Pro models. The WULF leveling kit gives a maximum lifting height of 3.5 inches.

Moreover, it is backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty to ensure quality. It also has dedicated customer service so you can address any issues quickly.

Our Experience with It

• The shipping was fast and didn’t take as long as we expected
• We were impressed that this kit came with durable Bilstein shocks
• The installation took a couple of hours but it was worth it because we were able to lift the car up to 3.5 inches

What We didn’t Like

• The instructions were not clear and need further details

HIGHLIGHTED FEAUTURES

• Complete lifting kit for front and rear
• Comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty
• Parts are made with durable alloy steel

Pros

• All-inclusive lifting kit
• Responsive customer service
• Comes with manufacturer’s lifetime warranty

Cons

• Suitable for 6-lug models only
• Not designed for TRD Pro models
• May require alignment after installation

Also READ: Top 7 Best Cam For 350 With Vortec Heads (Buying Guide)

#4. Rough Country 4″ Lift Kit For 2016-2020 Tacoma

Why It Stands Out to Us

The 4″ lift kit from Rough Country is definitely a product worth your money. It claims to provide great performance, protection, and unique style while giving your car the best ground clearance.

This all-inclusive lift kit includes durable lifted knuckles, front and rear cross members, fabricated lift blocks, and all the important brackets and hardware. It also comes with premium N3 Shock absorbers that can work effectively in both on and off-road use.

The fabricated blocks included in this package are guaranteed more durable and long-lasting than cast blocks giving you more value for your money.

Another key component of this kit is its Nitrogen N2.0 shocks that give your truck the best balance on different types of road. It can also reduce vibration while driving on rough roads or terrains. 

All the parts in this kit give your Toyota Tacoma a factory-like geometry and a smooth ride.

The Rough Country lift kit can offer up to 4″ maximum lifting height. It also allows you to run large 32 x 10.50 tires. It is suitable for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2020 models. Best of all, you can count on Rough Country’s limited lifetime replacement warranty.

Our Experience with It

• We only had to do the minimal cutting and drilling with this kit. Overall, we can say that it is convenient to install.
• The quality of this kit is remarkable and didn’t disappoint us however we had to buy aftermarket wheels.

What We Didn’t Like

• This lifting kit is not appropriate for T/X Baja models and XSP-X models
• It does not work with the factory wheels, hence you’ll need to spend extra bucks to buy aftermarket wheels

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

• Provides 4″ maximum lifting height
• Complete with all the components to achieve a higher profile
• Effective N3 shock absorbers
• Durable and long-lasting fabricated blocks
• Nitrogen N2.0 shocks that effectively reduce vibrations on rough roads
• Can run up to 32×10.50 tires

Pros

• All-inclusive kit
• Minimal drilling and cutting
• Comes with a limited lifetime replacement warranty

Cons

• Requires aftermarket wheels

#5. Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit For 2005-2015 Tacoma

Why It Stands Out to Us

If you’re looking for an extra lift, then the Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit certainly got you covered. This kit features a complete set of parts that offers a maximum lifting height of up to 6″.

This kit comes with premium N3 Shock Absorbers that effectively give you a smooth ride in both on and off-road settings. It also boasts of its high clearance front and rear cross members that perform well in different road conditions. The fabricated blocks also have noteworthy strength. Additionally, these blocks offer a longer lifespan compared to cast blocks.

In addition, this kit features front and rear skid plates, lifted knuckles, and strut spacers. It also comes with other parts like a differential drop bracket, bump stop and bump stop extension, sway bar relocation brackets, and brake line brackets. All the important hardware is provided in this package as well.

The Rough Country 6″ lift kit is appropriate for Toyota Tacoma 2005 to 2015 models. Over and above, it comes with a limited lifetime replacement warranty.

Our Experience with It

• Installing the shock strut spacers took us a while but we were able to achieve a 6″ higher ground clearance in the end
• The parts were of premium quality and were true to their claims. However, we didn’t receive some bolts. Nevertheless, all the other important parts are complete

What We Didn’t Like

• We wish that the instructions for the installation were clearer and more detailed
• This lifting kit is not fit for T/X Baja and XSP-X

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

• Remarkable 6″ maximum lifting height
• Complete lifting parts
• Powerful N3 shock absorbers
• High clearance cros
  s members
• Long-lasting fabricated blocks

Pros

• Provides smooth ride
• Comes with a limited lifetime replacement warranty
• High-quality parts

Cons

• Not suitable for T/X Baja and XSP-X
• The instructions were not clear and may bring much confusion for beginners

#6. ReadyLift 44-5660 2016-2019 6″ Lift Kit For Tacoma

Why It Stands Out to Us

The ReadyLift 44-5660 lifting kit gives your Toyota Tacoma a 6-inch front lift. This lift height offers more clearance for the tires making them suitable for both on and off-road adventures. With this kit, you can run up to 35″ tall off-road tires on 9″ wide wheels with +12, o, or 18 offsets.

It includes an improved Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock that gives a comfortable ride and more efficient handling. It also features increased front spring rates that provide better stopping and tuning. It comes with strong laser-cut, CNC bent steel cross members as well. These cross members provide stability to the truck. A 5-inch tall fabricated steel lift block is also included in this kit.

In addition to these key features, this kit also comes with amazing components such as a lower strut bracket, pivot bushings, and precision-engineered cast irons lift knuckles that give the perfect alignment angle. These cat-irons retain the factory sway bar mounting locations as well. You may also keep the factory skid plate and gravel guard.

This product is made in the USA and is fit for the 2016 to 2019 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD models.

Our Experience with It

• The installation was a bit tricky but we were able to achieve a 6″ lift nonetheless
• We were impressed by the performance of the Bilstein 5100 rear shocks. They quickly adapt to the road and are great for both on and off-road driving.

What We Didn’t Like

• It shipped in more than one box which could cause confusion or delivery delays
• This kit is not suitable for use on TRD Pro, TX Baja, or XSP-X models

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

• Features Bilstein 5100 rear shocks
• Comes with a complete lift kit components for front and rear
• Higher front spring rates
• Effective cross members that give much stability to the truck
• Can run up to 35″ tall off-road tires
• Perfect for both on and off-road driving

Pros

• High quality and effective
• Fit for running bigger tires
• Made in the USA

Cons

• It ships in more than one box
• Not fit form TRD Pro, TX Baja, and XSP-X models

#7. WULF Suspensions Lift Kit For 1995-2004 Tacoma

If you thought WULF was only good at making lift springs, think again.

This full-suspension kit is compatible with 1995 to 2004 Tacoma models. The product functions with both two-wheeler and four-wheeler versions. However, it only works with a 6-lug design and non-compatible with a 5-lug.

The product offers you two uniquely designed strut spacers. The high strength spacers provide a 3-inch lift to the front of the vehicle.

What does the WULF kit contain?

You get two lift blocks with the product. Instead of the traditional solid rectangular design, they have a double edge structure. The blocks will give you a true 3-inch lift to the rear of your vehicle.

The blocks are accompanied by industry-grade, extended shocks. If the factory shocks turn out to be too short after installing the lift blocks, the extended shocks allow you to keep the original setting while providing the desired lift.

How easy to install WULF kit?

The product includes all the necessary installation hardware including, 4 elongated U bolts and Wulf’s exclusive nitrogen extended shocks for the rear lift blocks.

The DIY installation manual allows you to perform a quick procedure even with minimal experience. Also, you won’t be needing to perform any heavyweight customization, such as welding or cutting.

The manufacturer also provides a quick shipping feature and fast responding customer service.

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES

• Offers exclusive nitrogen extended shocks for the rear lift blocks.
• Extended shocks maintain the original setting while offering the desired lift.
• It has a quick shipping feature and quick-response customer service.
• The kit solves the “short factory shock” issue after the rear block installation.
• Provides a DIY manual to perform installation even with minimal experience.

Comparison Of Recommended Tacoma Lift Kits

FAQs Regarding Toyota Tacoma Lift Kits

Q. What Is The Difference Between Suspension And Leveling Kit?

Answer: Though both are considered types of chassis modifying kits A.K.A lift kits, there are some legitimate differences between them.

A suspension kit lifts both the front and end of the suspension of a vehicle. That’s why it’s often referred to as a full suspension kit.

While a leveling kit only lifts either the front or rear part of the suspension to level the vehicle.

Q. What Is The Ideal Amount Of Ground Clearance?

Answer: It depends on the surface of the terrain or off-road you plan to drive on.

If it’s a highly rough terrain or an off-road track with dips and bumps, the recommended GC (ground clearance) is 3 to 5.5-inches.

On the other hand, if you mostly drive on minimally rough terrains and somewhat decent off-road tracks, we recommend ensuring a ground clearance of 1 to 2.5-inches. With this amount of GC, you can safely drive on regular roads as well.

Q. What Is Fender Clearance?

Answer: Fender clearance is the distance between the fender and the wheel of the vehicle. It’s a factor that requires attention. That’s because the amount of fender clearance determines how large a tire or rim you can fit into your Tacoma.

If you plan to drive on heavily rough terrains and challenging off-road tracks, purchasing a kit that allows high fender clearance is worth pondering.

It lets you install larger tires and rims that can absorb the shock created by dips and bumps on such surfaces. It also provides a mighty look to the truck.

Otherwise, a low fender clearance won’t create much of a problem for you.

Q. Can I Drive A Lifted Truck On A Regular Road?

Answer: Mostly, Yes.

However, if you have tires intentionally produced for off-road driving, it’s not recommended.

Q. What Are Some Of The Finest Toyota Tacoma Lift Kit Brands?

Answer: Some of the top brands of Tacoma lift kits include

• Torch, 
• Orion Motor Tech,
• Wulf Suspensions,
• etc.

Final Word

The first official release of the Toyota Tacoma pickup was in 1995. And since people have been driving, loving, and keeping it. That’s why there is still a broad range of Tacoma lift kits available in the market, dating back to 1995 in terms of model identity.

 Paying homage to the passion of this beautiful vehicle owners, we’ve created this guide. We have covered the best lift kits for Toyota Tacoma, compiled an informative buying guide and comparison chart.

Hopefully, with this in hand, you don’t have to rummage through endless options on the web.

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