Your Toyota Tacoma is a big, beefy and powerful truck. As one of the most popular off-roading vehicles, it offers a lot of potential. Upgrades are the key to getting the most out of your Tacoma, and lift kits are one of the most common modifications. But do you need a Toyota Tacoma lift kit for the body or for its suspension? This brief guide explains both options and what they can do for your truck.
Types of Lift Kits
Lift kits typically come in two different types – body and suspension. Body lifts only elevate the body of a vehicle above its frame and keep its original suspension, drivetrain and steering components. Suspension lifts boost up the entire suspension system, often changing key portions of the steering and drivetrain assemblies. Body lifts are easy to install and can be done by beginners. In contrast, suspension lifts involve more work and some advanced auto mechanics knowledge to do the job right.
So, which type of lift does your Tacoma need? That depends on what you wish to achieve. If you just want to install larger tires, a body lift is your best bet. But if you plan to do a lot of off-roading and want more ground clearance and improved suspension performance, you should go with a suspension lift.
You’ll see many lift kit options as you shop Toyota Tacoma accessories. Browsing each product listing will tell you what’s included plus how much lift you’ll achieve when you install its parts. Lift kits also vary widely in price. For instance, Rough Country’s 3-inch suspension lifts usually cost around $600. Many of these include nitrogen-charged shocks for improved response and dampening. Some higher-end suspension lift kits cost between $1,000 and $3,000. As for body lifts, they tend to cost a little less. Daystar’s body lifts price out between $200 and $600.
Tires and Wheels
When browsing auto parts Tacoma for lift kits, you don’t want to forget about your tires and wheels. Body lifts offer more room for bigger tires, but you can also swap out your tires when you install a suspension lift. Bigger wheels offer some key benefits, including improved ground contact – which leads to better traction.
In some ways, tire shopping for a lifted vehicle isn’t that much different from shopping for an unmodded truck or 4×4. You still need to pay attention to tire design, tread and compounds to pick the best ones for your vehicle. If you opt for a tire and wheel package, keep in mind that these are dealer-specific. In other words, no two dealers will have the same packages. However, most created for off-roading tend to pair all-terrain tires with durable wheels.
Shopping for Lift Kits, Tires and Wheels
Tires, wheels and lift kits are all useful mods for any off-roading machine. When shopping for your parts, choose a reputable aftermarket dealer specializing in off-road equipment. You’ll enjoy an extensive selection plus solid expertise to help you pick the best gear for your Tacoma.
