Choosing a lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma

So you finally got your dream Tacoma and it’s sitting in your driveway, waiting to be customized. A lift kit is one of the most common modifications that Tacoma drivers add to their trucks. But how do you choose the right lift kit for your new Orlando Toyota? Our parts specialists are here with tips.

What are lift kits?

Let’s start by defining what a lift kit actually is. A lift kit is a chassis modification that is designed to lift or level the suspension of your truck. There are multiple options when choosing a lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma – here are the three most common.

A leveling kit: When you drive your Toyota Tacoma home from our Orlando Toyota dealership, you’ll notice that it has a “rake” in its suspension. This is when the front end of the truck sits a bit lower than the rear – it occurs naturally due to the engine’s weight. Leveling kits are designed to lift the front end so it sits evenly with the rear of the truck and they also give you the opportunity to add bigger tires and increase your ground clearance.

A suspension lift: A full suspension lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma increases tire clearance in the front AND back of your truck (rather than just the front). This allows for larger tires and more ground clearance, which is great for off-roading. Plus, it looks sportier. These kits vary in size and you’ll have tons of options when it comes to brand and the height of the lift.

A body lift: Body lift kits are less common than leveling or suspension lift kits. Body lift kits don’t touch the suspension to allow for more ground clearance – instead, they increase the distance between the body and the frame of the vehicle. This means your suspension stays stock. It also means that these lift kits aren’t at all popular for off-roading.

Keep in mind that when you add a Toyota Tacoma lift, you may want to (or have to) adjust other parts of your truck, too. A lift kit could result in modifications to the brake lines, driveshafts, differential and transfer cases, and ring gears. (That’s why we recommend working with a professional if you don’t know your way around a truck.)

Which lift kit is right for your Toyota Tacoma?

Now you’ve got a grasp on what a lift kit is and the different options available to you… so which one is the best lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma? Here’s what the Toyota of Orlando parts experts have to say about it.

If you’re trying to decide between a lift kit and a leveling kit, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you going to be taking on some serious off-road terrain? We’re talking rock crawling, trudging through mud and sand, driving mountain trails. If so, then a lift kit will afford you more ground clearance and the room to add on the tires you need to take on any terrain.
• Conversely, are you just adding a lift kit for aesthetic purposes? If so, a leveling kit will balance out your truck and give it a more aggressive appearance.

 

If you decided on a lift kit to get off the pavement, here are a few more tips:

• If you’re going to be driving on moderate trails, a 1-inch to 2-inch lift should suffice.
• If you’re going to tackle larger rocks and stumps while on the trails, look into a lift that gives you 3-4 extra inches.
• If you’re doing serious rock crawling, a 6-inch lift kit should do the job.

Where can you buy Toyota Tacoma lifts?

Here’s the best news yet – Toyota actually (for the first time EVER this year!) is offering a Toyota brand lift kit for the Tacoma. Here’s what it includes:

• TRD-tuned Bilstein
• Monotube shocks optimized for body control and ride comfort
• Heritage-inspired TRD Pro-style front grille
• Millimeter wave radar sensor for TSS (Toyota Safety Sense) integration
• Wire harness and cable spacers

The lift kit fits Toyota Tacoma V6 and 4×4 models from 2020 on. Once the parts are installed, you’ll increase frame ground clearance by 1.7 inches. The kit also improves the approach angle (+3.1 to 32 degrees), breakover angle (+1.6 to 22 degrees), and departure angle (+0.5 to 24 degrees). TRD Off-Road grades see even further improvement to the approach angle that increases to 35.5 degrees (+3.5).

Plus, the new Associated Accessories Program (AAP) will give you access to aftermarket parts and accessories for your new Toyota Tacoma.

Find your Toyota Tacoma lift kit today

Ready to find the right lift kid for your Toyota Tacoma? Contact Toyota of Orlando today. You can shop parts online, call us at (407) 298-4500, or stop by and see us in person. Our parts store is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

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