Got a 3rd Gen Tacoma? Here’s how to choose the right lift kit.

If you’ve got a 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma, you’re probably anxious to get a lift kit under it. We get it. The right lift kit can enhance your Toyota’s off-road capabilities, make for a smoother ride, and give you an edgy, aggressive look. It also makes it possible to install larger tires, which will give you more traction area and the ability to negotiate over rough terrain. A lift kit can also alter your vehicle’s center of gravity, making it more stable when making sharp turns or traversing uneven surfaces. In short, you’ll have more height and ability to maneuver freely on the roughest trails. Choosing the right lift kit, however, requires a bit of research, and can be a daunting task with so many available options on the market. That’s where we come in. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect lift kit for your 3rd Gen Tacoma.

So, which lift kit is the right one for you? You’ll want to consider how you’ll be using your rig both on and off the trail. First things first, there are two major types of lift kits-

BODY LIFT KITS

Sometimes called a spacer lift or a leveling kit, a body lift kit raises the body of your Tacoma by adding spacers between the body and the frame. This kit doesn't alter your overall suspension system, and the vehicle's ride quality remains largely unchanged. If you want to fit more tire under your Tacoma, but don’t necessarily need all of the extra suspension functionality of a full suspension upgrade, this can be a great option. Body lifts kits are ideal if you're looking for an economical way to add larger tires.

If a body lift is the way you’re leaning for your Tacoma, check out the Belltech kits. Belltech’s model-specific kits come complete with everything you need to keep your steering components safe and functional, without requiring huge upgrades to the rest of your suspension. This option would allow you to keep your factory shocks and struts, while gaining a bit of extra room for big tires. Keep in mind that adding a body lift alone will not give you extra ground clearance; you’ll need to invest in larger tires to achieve this result. Body lift kits are a great option for when you’re looking to boost the aesthetic look and make room for bigger tires without breaking the bank.

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SUSPENSION LIFT KITS

A suspension lift kit, on the other hand, raises the vehicle's entire suspension system, easily providing additional tire and ground clearance. There are a lot of options to choose from in a suspension kit, including kits with shocks, springs, tie rods, control arms and just about any other suspension components you can think of. Coilover kits offer a bit of adjustability, which is great for multi-purpose applications. If you’re in the market for a suspension lift kit, keep reading to explore some good options for your Tacoma.

If you're thinking about bumping up your tire size, we have a great selection-

BILSTEIN B8 KITS

Strut lift kits like the Bilstein B8 6112 are more expensive than spacer kits but provide a better ride quality. This kit replaces the vehicle's factory shocks and struts to give you extra height and a significant bump in off-road handling and performance. For something a little more substantial, take a look at the Bilstein B8 8112; they come in staged kits that start with shocks and springs with adjustable coilovers that can be tuned to your liking. You can also choose to add components like springs, or rear reservoir shocks to build out further as you go.

Check out more of our options from Bilstein-

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SUSPENSION LIFT KITS

If you’re looking to go all-out, nothing beats a full suspension upgrade. Full replacement kits cost more, but do come with a range of options that allow for the best ride quality and off-road capabilities based on nearly any budget. Replacement kits can upgrade your truck’s entire suspension system with high-quality, performance-focused components. ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 9 Kit is a great option. Icon’s kit includes billet upper control arms, multi-rate leaf springs, remote reservoir 2.5 coilover shocks, and upgraded control arms with the unique Delta joint, which is a long-lasting, noise-free alternative to ball joints. You’ll end up with more off-road maneuverability, and a comfortable, quiet ride on the road, too.

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A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER

With all the options available, that leaves you with some big decisions - here’s how to work out which lift kits actually meet your needs….

PURPOSE- Before purchasing a lift kit, consider the primary purpose of your vehicle. If you're looking to truly enhance your vehicle's off-road capabilities; whether it’s crawling up rocks in Moab, or flying across open expanses on a lake bed, then a suspension lift kit is the way to go. However, if you're only looking to add larger tires, to make your truck look good, then a body lift kit would suffice. You’ll spare yourself the money and the install time, and be back on the road in no time.

TIRE SIZE- When choosing a lift kit, consider the tire size you intend to install. The lift kit should provide enough clearance for the tires, and the tires should be compatible with the lift kit. Installing tires that are too large for the lift kit may cause rubbing against the fender or suspension components. If you find yourself in that situation, you’ll be impacting tire life and overall wear, and significantly impacting your truck’s ability to drive safely. If you’ve got questions about the right fitment for your rig, don’t be afraid to ask us, we’re always happy to help.

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE IN FOR

BUDGET- Lift kits come at different price points, and your budget will likely play a part in deciding on the type of kit you'll purchase. Spacer kits are the most affordable, while full replacement kits are the most expensive. No matter which style you choose, we can help you find a high quality version of what you have in mind. It will definitely be important to think long-term and consider where you’re headed with your build. Going with inferior options from other retailers might impact longevity (or even safety) in your truck. Budget is important, but don’t let it push you to off-brands and low-quality products.

INSTALLATION- The installation process for lift kits can be complex and time-consuming, and you may need the help of a professional mechanic. Therefore, consider the installation process when choosing a lift kit. Spacer kits are easy to install and can be done in a few hours, while full replacement kits can take days to install, and if you don’t have the right tools on hand, you could be in over your head, with an undrivable truck. Understanding the install process for the kit you decide on is a big piece of the puzzle, so make sure you know what you’re in for before you dive in. You could save yourself a big, expensive headache!

WARRANTY- Finally, consider the warranty offered by the lift kit manufacturer. A good warranty will give you peace of mind in case the lift kit fails or doesn't meet your expectations. Ensure that the warranty covers both the components and the installation process, and know in advance if installation warranty requires a certified or approved installer. All the manufacturers we carry here at IAG Off-Road have warranties in some capacity, and all of the important information is on the product pages when you’re hunting through the website for the right choice for your truck.

OTHER GREAT LIFT KITS FOR THE GEN 3 TACOMA

The Old Man Emu BP-51 lift kit from ARB is a full replacement kit that provides up to 2.5 inches of lift. The kit includes adjustable front and rear shocks, coil springs, and other components that replace the vehicle's factory suspension system. The BP-51 kit is designed for optimal off-road performance and ride quality.

Superlift Suspensions lift kits with King Shocks are another option that provides up to 3 inches of lift and serious articulation, thanks to upgraded control arms, front and rear coilovers, spacers, and blocks, along with all the necessary hardware to get the job done.

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Choosing the right lift kit for your 3rd Gen Tacoma is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Think about the purpose of your vehicle, your budget, the installation process, tire size, and warranty before making a decision. With the right lift kit, you can enhance your vehicle's off-road capabilities, appearance, and ride quality. Keeping your Tacoma safe and drivable when you’re out on the trails is just one part of a great build, and IAG’s full line of Tacoma accessories can get you all the style and function you’re looking for. Feel free to give us a call at (410)840-3555 or shoot us an email at sales@iagoffroad.com If you’re looking for advice, need help with an install, or just want some ideas