7 Best leveling & lift kits for Toyota Tacoma. Buyers Guide & FAQ (2020)
If you are a Toyota owner, in our case Toyota Tacoma, you may have once dreamed of getting a leveling kit for your four-wheeled babe. You may have searched for hours or even days in order to find the proper one. But the variety of them on the market and being so challenging to make a proper choice, put you off this idea.
If all the mentioned above is somehow concerns you, this article will be your eye-opener. We’ve selected the best and most in demand options for you. We’ll disclose the most essential information that you need to be aware of before you start looking for a leveling kit.
What’s more, you’ll find all characteristics of the particular kits and an expertized review of them. So you need to make up your mind what changes you expect to get with installing the kit. The following step will be to choose the material it is made of, since it plays crucial role and affects all the characteristics the kit has (durability, quality, etc.).
I recommend:
Suprem
Our Pick
Our top. The most popular kit allows you to travel in different relief areas in different weather conditions, even in the most furious. Provides clean and smooth ride. Nice price.
Firestone
Runner Up
The kit is quite convenient and useful for people traveling with a lot of cargo. Stabilizes the ride. The price is a bit expensive.
KSP
Best value for money
High-quality kit, made of durable material, good for off-road, nice price.
Dynofit
- cheap
- provide smooth ride
- made from aluminium billet
Have no fears and no doubts! Some guys are hesitating coz they believe they are incapable of installing it by themselves or can’t handle all the issues related to choosing the best one. I am here to help you and I’ll do our best!
Differences between Body lift kits and Suspension lift kits. Choose the right one type
Lifting kits in their structure can be divided into two types, they are Body lift kits and Suspension lift kits.
The first type of kits is a standard one and does not change the quality of your ride, but they are cheaper than suspensions lift. They are also popular among drivers who like to ride on different reliefs, as they keep ground clearance.
The second type differs from the first one by the fact that it can move not only from one inch to three, but as high as makes you feel comfortable. It also allows the driver to install larger tires and provide a more aggressive look.
Table of Best leveling & lift kits for Toyota Tacoma
| Name | Our rating | Important characteristics | Type of lift kits | Year of the car | Price | Type | Shops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suprem | ★★★★★ | Racks and rear blocks are covered with a special anode coating. | Suspension | 2005-2018 | $$ | Leveling kit | |
| Firestone | ★★★★★ | Lift will rise to five thousand pounds per set | Body | 2005-2018 | $$$ | Lift kit | |
| KSP | ★★★★★ | Improves ride, allows you to install larger tires and discs | Body | 2005-2017 | $ | Leveling kit | |
| ReadyLift | ★★★★★ | Stabilizes load capacity increase. | Body | 2005-2018 | $$ | Leveling kit | |
| Dynofit | ★★★★★ | Material is made of aluminum billet, which is covered with black anode powder. | Body | 2005-2019 | $ | Leveling kit | |
| Orion Motor Tech | ★★★★★ | All parts made from durable material | Body | 2005-2017 | $ | Leveling kit | |
| SDT 6-Lug | ★★★★★ | Durable aluminium | Body | 1995-2004 | $$ | Leveling kit |
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How I decided
Best leveling & lift kits for Toyota Tacoma
Supreme Suspensions
our-pickThe kit is one of the most popular for Toyota Tacoma. By standard, it raises the front of your car by three inches and two inches on the back. This will help you to set up wider and larger tires.
The two front racks and rear blocks are covered with a special anode coating. It provides durability and light weight of materials.
If you daily-drive your truck, maybe you hit a fire trail once in a while, maybe you hit a snowstorm, but you're more interested in that leveled-out stance, in some ground clearance and saving some money and you want some aesthetics, then this is gonna be the kit for you.
The bracket for moving the brake line will reliably protect the position of your load lines in order to maximize your lift. It will also improve your carrying capacity. The installation is fairly easy, it will take you about three hours. You don't need any special tools because the kit includes an instruction, so you will do all right.
Also experts point out that the alignment is required after installation.
One of the main advantages is that the kit raises ground clearance. Keeps your car clean. And this allows you to ride in the mountains, forests, on marshy and sandy surfaces. Made in USA.
Key features:
- blocks are covered with anode coating
- can use wider and larger tires
- include many interesting items
Specification:
- Brand: Supreme Suspension
- Model: AZM 295
- Weight: 18 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(10/10)
- durability (8/10)
- off-road comfort (9/10)
- lift level (9/10)
MY RATAING: 9.5
- durable and lightweight material
- nice price
- raise ground clearance
- easy installation
- improve your carrying capacity
- none
Firestone
runner-upThis kit is great for those drivers who want to drastically refresh their car, and not to make a lightweight cosmetic upgrade.
Its main objective is to raise and level your truck, and to ensure stability and increase cargo loading. The kit includes air lines, brackets, fasteners, infiltration valves.
Firestone's double convoluted design features four rubber layers and a braided girdle in the middle which gives it double convoluted shape What this means for you, is that it's going to increase the burst pressure.
The Ride-Rite air springs align the front and rear of the car, and also stabilize the increase in load capacity, because its lift will rise to five thousand pounds per set. Manufacturers cared about you and put in a complete set of detailed instructions. This guide will help you understand every detail.
However, to install this kit, experts advise to contact auto service. The plus of this kit is that it can be used for minibuses, off-road cars, also for drivers of category A B C. The price is quite acceptable for such a large set.
Key feature:
- has detailed instruction
- load capacity increase to five thousands pounds
- quite durable
Specification:
- Brand: Firestone
- Model: 2407
- Weight: 23.7 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(8/10)
- durability (9/10)
- off-road comfort (10/10)
- lift level (9/10)
MY RATAING: 9
- level your car
- many different items
- made for a large variation of cars
- raises load-carrying capacity
- has ISO certificate
- price
- California proposition 65
KSP
best-valueThe kit is designed for drivers who want to lift in front of their truck up to three inches, and the rear part is two inches. Front spacers are made of a solid aluminum workpiece, and treated with black anode powder, which protects against external irritants. The two rear blocks are made of steel and are also covered with black powder. Also, transverse support makes them stronger. Moreover, the kit includes high quality zinced U-bolts. There are four of them.
winkelfrom TacomaWorld, said:I've had a spacer lift on my truck for about a year now and it's been great. If you're not hard off-road wheeling, they will serve you fine.
The benefits of this kit are manifested in the fact that it supports factory quality, improves ride, allows you to install larger tires and discs.
Regarding installation, you need to carry it out following the manual, for this you will need several hours and some tools. However, you can simplify your work and just use the car service.
Experts recommend aligning after installation.
Price in comparison with other sets is pleasant and affordable.
Key features:
- installation Hardware with 10.9 Grade or 12.9 Grade
- kit has detailed instruction
Specification:
- Brand: KSP Performance
- Model: 3F-2R-LK015
- Weight: 16.8 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(7/10)
- durability (10/10)
- off-road comfort (10/10)
- lift level (8/10)
MY RATAING: 8.75
- made of high quality materials
- good price
- good for off road
- none
ReadyLift 69-5212
This kit is quite safe and economical, allowing drivers to apply larger tires. This kit is a complete set since it includes a steel strut extension with a powder coating that protects against rust and cracks, two brackets and a two-inch rear lifting block.
Front of your car, you can raise by 2.75-3.0, and the rear part by 2.0. For this, you do not need to cut or prune the spring before installing, as in other sets.
You can increase the size of the tire to a diameter of 33, which will provide you a free and smooth ride on different reliefs.
However, experts recommend using diameter 32.5. Because to increase up to diameter 33 you will need to do a small processing of the inner wing.
The steel supports are quite durable and lasting. Pretty simple installation. The professional needs about 2-3 hours to install, and the newbie is an hour more. The price for such a kit is quite acceptable.
Key features:
- fits to Toyota Tacoma TRD/ SR5/ Rock Warrior
- front of car raise to 2.75-3
- rear part of car raise to 2
Specifications:
- Brand: Readylift
- Model: 69-5212
- Weight: 22.4 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(9/10)
- durability (9/10)
- off-road comfort (8/10)
- lift level (10/10)
MY RATAING: 9
- easy installation
- durable steel
- full complect set
- allow use large tires
- California proposition 65
Dynofit Front Leveling Lift Kits - 2
budgetOne of the simplest but qualitative ones is this kit. It will raise the front of your car by two inches. Great for both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. The material is made of aluminum billet, which is covered with black anode powder.
This powder is intended for protection against rust, premature corrosion and cracking. Provides a smooth feel between the surface and the car. The installation is fairly easy.
You can install the kit yourself without any special tools. Installation will take one or two hours of your time. Also, a detailed instruction, which is included with the kit, will help you to facilitate the installation. However, most experts advise to turn to professionals in the car service, which at the same time will help align your car.
The price is cheap, but the kit itself is pretty good. Also, the kit is suitable for such cars as: 2003-2019 4 Runner 2WD 4WD Leveling Kit and 2007-2015 FJ Cruise 2WD 4WD.
Key features:
- material covered with black anode powder
- great for both four-wheel and two-wheelers
Specifications:
- Brand: Dynofit
- Model: FF-L015-2
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(8/10)
- durability (8/10)
- off-road comfort (10/10)
- lift level (8/10)
MY RATAING: 8.5
- cheap
- provide smooth ride
- made from aluminium billet
- not fit XREAS suspension
- the kit is created only for the front of the car
Orion Motor Tech
The kit as well as all standard ones raises the front of your car at 3 and the rear of the car at 2. Front spacers are treated with an aluminum blanket coated with a powder that protects against rust. For the rear compartment the kit is equipped with factory rear blocks and long U-shaped bolts.
The front lift blocks are made of cast iron, which are stronger than the rear aluminum lifting blocks.
However, the rear blocks are also powder coated. As with all kits, the installation is fairly easy. For this, you will need three hours of your time.
The kit also includes a detailed instruction for each part and for installation. Made in USA. Very good price.
Key features:
- front lift blocks are made of cast iron
- the rear aluminum lifting blocks
Specifications:
- Brand: OrionMotoTech
- Model: OMTUBST01
- Weight: 15 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(10/10)
- durability (7/10)
- off-road comfort (8/10)
- lift level (7/10)
MY RATAING: 8
- easy installation
- nice price
- front spacers and rear bloks powder coated
- durable front block
- does not fit 5-Lug or TRD models
SDT 6-Lug Full Lift Leveling Kit
If you are tired of frequent breakages or replacement of the leveling kit, then I have an interesting offer for you. SDT is one of the most well-known and popular companies in the field of mechanical engineering.
It is well suited for harsh professionals and hardcore enthusiasts, who spend almost all the time on the road. So if you are a person who does not have much experience on the road, I suggest you choosing another leveling kit.
Sometimes you will not find the instruction in the kit, because people who choose this kit know again what to do. Also this kit has a good price. The manufacturer guarantees durability and long-term quality.
Key features:
- front lift 3 - inch
- rear lift 1,5 - inch
- approaches to Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Tacoma
Specification:
- Brand: StreetDirtTrack
- Model: SDT
- Weight: 19 pounds
Product score:
- ease of installation(8/10)
- durability (8/10)
- off-road comfort (7/10)
- lift level (8/10)
MY RATAING: 7.75
- durable product
- high quality
- nice price
- good for off road
- for professional drivers
Best leveling & lift kits for Toyota Tacoma Buying Guide & FAQ
What are the main advantages of the leveling kits?
Nowadays there is a wide range of products that can make your ride better, smoother and more comfortable, regardless the terrain the car is mainly exposed to. Thus, a regular buyer may get confused when choosing the right thing.
So the main advantages of the levelling kit is first of all the price. They are pretty affordable and even top positions can be inexpensive to purchase.
Secondly, the leveling kit provides you with a smooth ride as well as with more aggressive look.
Thirdly, they are really easy to install and the process is not time-consuming at all. And the last but not the least, it gives you a chance to install larger tires to your vehicle.
Myth about lift kits
There are lots of things people believe in as for lift kits. Here are the most common things people mess up with.
The first and most widespread idea is that leveling kit and lift kit are the same things or interchangeable phenomena. This is not true at all. Leveling kit lifts your front part only and has really little interference into your vehicle components. Whereas a lift kit levels up both your front and back parts and presupposes more components to be replaced.
Another idea refers to the fact that as soon as you buy and install you lift kit, your warranty is not valid any more. This is not true. According to the law and the protection of the customers’ rights, your warranty is no way affected by the after market part.
The third idea is about making your vehicle immortal with the help of a lift kit. Some guys believe that the kits give them a chance to go off-road whenever and wherever they want and it won’t damage their cars at all due to the kit installed. However, this is not true. Not all lift kits are designed for harsh terrain drive and when choosing the right one for you, take into consideration what your driving ambitions are.
The things you might consider before lifting your truck
Old truck
If your truck is getting up age you need to check your ball joints, CV axles, sway bar end links etc., before you install a lift kit, because you're just gonna run into problems further down the road.
Speedometer
Don`t forget, that if you change your lift or size of your wheels and tires you need to calibrate your speedometer.
How to get in
You might want to think about getting some amp steps for your truck. It's just gonna help you get on in there.
Garage
Also, will your truck fit in the garage? Take a decision between keeping truck outside, increasing the size of the garage or calculating the right lift kit for fitment of your garage.
Best leveling & lift kits for Toyota Tacoma FAQ
Q: How do I know how big of a leveling kit to get?
It depends what you really want to get as the result.
If you want to maintain some factory rake, then you need to measure the distance from the center of the wheel to the top of it. Do it on the front of car and the back of both sides.
If you get 18’’ on the front and 21 in the back, then the best choice for you will be a 2,5’’ leveling kit. In case you want to reach the best result, you will need a 3”. It will level up your car perfectly.
Q: Will my truck need an alignment after the lift is installed?
Alignment is highly recommended. There are a few kits that can go well without further alignment, however, most of them do require it.
If you install a suspension lift with independent front suspension, the front caster, camber, and toe will need to be readjusted back to spec. The alignment is needed so that to make sure that your tires will perform properly and it prevents their untimely wear. Also it helps to handle the vehicle and prevent vibrating of your vehicle on the road.
Alignment must be carried out by a specialist, don’t try doing it yourself. In case you install a body lift, your car won’t need the alignment then.
Q: Can a leveling kit be damaging for my truck?
This is natural to be concerned about this issue since any modification may cause some kind of problems. However, quality leveling kits don’t damage vehicles. If they are properly installed, you have nothing to worry about.
The matter of concern lies in the fact that installation of a leveling kit changes the geometry of the suspension. And it really does, since it lifts the front part and levels it with the rear.
However, it causes no potential danger for your truck. It may cause some parts to wear out faster than usual, but if everything was installed properly and had additional maintenance, all the possible problems can be solved.
Conclusion
As you can see from the information I selected for you, the market for Toyota Tacoma leveling kits offers really rich assortment. There are options for upmarket kits and average price rate. Even the most picky and demanding customer has something to choose from.
Thus, to summarize all the above mentioned details, firstly, pay attention to the material the kits is produced from. It will provide you with long-term quality and durability of the product. In addition, you need to know that some kits are used only for the front of the car, while the others provide clearance and smooth ride but don’t lift your car as high as you might expect.
Most of the kits are really easy to install and are provided with a detailed manual how to do it in a right way. You may need a few hours and a few pairs of hands to help you. However, some of them may need alignment after installation, which means you need to address to a specialist. All this information is provided in the manual.
One more thing to keep in mind is what kind of drive your vehicle is supposed to have afterwards. And how experience driver you are.
Whatever you choose, your car will be grateful and will do a good job for you!
Resources:
- Lift kits vs Leveling kits, realtruck
- Installing a lift kit myself, tacomaworld