8 Best Lift Kits for Toyota Tacoma You Need

The best lift kit for Toyota Tacoma depends on your needs. The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit with N3 Struts is best for drivers wanting maximum ground clearance with premium suspension, while the TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit with Upgraded Control Arms excels at complete off-road capability with differential drop. For budget-conscious buyers, the Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks stands out with affordable pricing and solid performance.

Whether you’re looking to tackle trails or just want a more aggressive stance, these kits range from budget-friendly options to premium setups with advanced suspension components. We’ve tested and reviewed all eight options to help you find the perfect fit for your Tacoma.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit with N3 Struts – Maximum Height & Premium Suspension

Best for: Drivers who want the highest lift available with premium suspension components for serious off-roading and daily driving.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit is the best choice for drivers seeking maximum ground clearance without sacrificing ride quality. This kit uses premium N3 loaded coil spring struts that maintain a smooth, OEM-like ride even with the extra height. The matching N3 rear shocks ensure balanced performance on and off the road, while the 3.5″ lift gives you serious clearance for larger tires and obstacles. Installation is straightforward with no welding or cutting required, making it accessible for most DIYers. Rough Country backs this kit with their limited lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind on every adventure.

2. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & Shocks (1996-2004) – Best for Classic Tacomas

Best for: Owners of 1996-2004 Tacomas who want a balanced lift that eliminates factory rake and improves clearance.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit is perfect for classic Tacoma owners seeking a balanced lift without going overboard. The 2.5″ lift levels out the factory rake while adding practical ground clearance for trails and daily driving. N3 struts and matching shocks provide smooth handling and reliable performance in all conditions. Laser-cut rear shackles maintain factory-like comfort and proper suspension geometry. The bolt-on design means installation takes just a few hours with basic tools, and you get Rough Country’s lifetime warranty backing your investment.

3. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit with N3 Shocks – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want solid performance and a respectable 3″ lift without premium pricing.

Key Features:

The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit delivers excellent value for the price, offering a solid 3″ lift with quality N3 shocks. The T6061 aircraft-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity on any terrain. This kit levels the front with the rear for a balanced stance and smooth ride quality. Installation is straightforward with no special tools or expertise required. At this price point, you’re getting legitimate performance and Rough Country’s lifetime warranty, making it an unbeatable value proposition.

4. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit with Upgraded Upper Control Arms – Best Complete Off-Road Package

Best for: Serious off-roaders who want a complete package with differential drop, sway bar relocation, and upgraded control arms.

Key Features:

The TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit is the ultimate choice for hardcore off-roaders who want everything in one package. This comprehensive kit includes upgraded upper control arms, differential drop kit, sway bar relocation, add-a-leaf springs, and extended rear shocks. The upgraded control arms protect your ball joints and maintain proper alignment during aggressive trail runs. Differential drop prevents binding and improves articulation on rough terrain. Installation is bolt-on and DIY-friendly with detailed instructions included. TORCH backs everything with a lifetime warranty plus 5-year shock coverage.

5. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit with Differential Drop – Best Standard Off-Road Setup

Best for: Off-road enthusiasts wanting a complete 3″ lift with differential drop and sway bar relocation at a mid-range price.

Key Features:

This TORCH kit provides a solid middle ground between basic lifts and premium packages, offering 3″ of lift with essential off-road components. The kit includes differential drop to prevent binding and sway bar relocation for better articulation. Two-inch tapered lift blocks in the rear maintain proper suspension geometry while extended shocks handle the extra height. Bolt-on installation means you can tackle this project in your driveway, and TORCH’s lifetime warranty covers everything. It’s an excellent choice for weekend warriors and serious trail runners alike.

6. Rough Country 3.5″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2024-2025 TRD Off-Road – Best for New Tacomas

Best for: Owners of the newest 2024-2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road models seeking maximum lift with modern suspension technology.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit is specifically engineered for 4th-generation Tacoma TRD Off-Road models, delivering 3.5″ of lift with modern engineering. Strong upper control arms with rubber bushings protect ball joints and maintain precise alignment on challenging terrain. The centered rear axle track bar bracket ensures predictable handling and improved articulation. N3 rear shocks provide smooth, controlled performance whether you’re commuting or tackling weekend trails. The 100% bolt-on design means zero cutting or drilling, and everything is backed by Rough Country’s lifetime warranty.

7. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit for 1995-2004 Tacoma – Best for Older Generations

Best for: Owners of first and second-generation Tacomas (1995-2004) who want a complete 3″ lift with differential drop.

Key Features:

This TORCH kit is specifically designed for classic Tacomas, providing a full 3″ lift with all the components needed for serious off-roading. The kit includes 3″ front strut spacers, tapered rear lift blocks, extended shocks, and optional differential drop. Bolt-on installation with step-by-step instructions makes this a great DIY project. TORCH notes that rear lift may settle initially, which is normal and expected with older suspension systems. Everything is covered by TORCH’s lifetime warranty plus 5-year shock coverage.

8. Rough Country 2.5″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers (1996-2004) – Best Budget Classic Option

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of 1996-2004 Tacomas who want a simple, affordable lift with quality components.

Key Features:

This Rough Country kit is the most affordable option for classic Tacoma owners, offering a balanced 2.5″ lift at a budget-friendly price. Upper strut spacers and N3 rear shocks provide smooth handling and reliable performance on roads and light trails. Laser-cut rear shackles maintain proper suspension geometry and factory-like comfort. The bolt-on design means quick installation without welding or cutting, and you get Rough Country’s lifetime warranty. It’s perfect for owners who want to level out their Tacoma without breaking the bank.

How to Choose the Best Lift Kit for Toyota Tacoma

Consider Your Tacoma’s Year and Generation

Your Tacoma’s model year determines which kits will fit. Older Tacomas (1995-2004) need different kits than newer models (2005-2023), and the brand-new 2024-2025 models have specialized options.

Check your owner’s manual or vehicle registration to confirm your exact year before ordering. Buying the wrong kit means wasted time and money on returns.

Decide Your Lift Height

Lift heights range from 2.5″ to 3.5″, each offering different benefits. A 2.5″ lift is subtle and maintains better fuel economy, while 3.5″ gives maximum clearance for large tires and aggressive off-roading.

Consider your actual needs—do you want to fit 35-inch tires or just improve ground clearance slightly? This choice affects performance, appearance, and cost.

Choose Between Basic and Complete Kits

Basic kits include struts and shocks only, while complete kits add differential drop, sway bar relocation, and upgraded control arms. Complete kits cost more but provide better off-road performance and protection.

If you’re mainly a daily driver with occasional trails, a basic kit works fine. Serious off-roaders should invest in complete packages.

Check Wheel Bolt Pattern

Some kits only fit 6-lug wheel patterns and won’t work on 5-lug models. This is especially important for TORCH kits, which have specific compatibility requirements.

Count your wheel lugs or check your manual to ensure the kit you choose is compatible with your specific Tacoma.

Evaluate Suspension Component Quality

N3 shocks and struts offer premium performance and durability compared to standard components. They maintain smoother rides and last longer under stress.

Premium components cost more upfront but provide better handling, comfort, and longevity, making them worth the investment for frequent off-roaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a lift kit myself?

Yes, all of these kits are bolt-on designs that DIY mechanics can install with basic tools and step-by-step instructions. Most installations take 4-8 hours depending on your experience level.

Will a lift kit affect my fuel economy?

Slightly, yes. The added weight and increased wind resistance typically reduce fuel economy by 1-3 MPG. Larger tires have a bigger impact than the lift kit itself.

Do I need to re-align my Tacoma after lifting it?

Yes, a professional wheel alignment is recommended after installation to ensure proper tire wear and handling. Most shops charge $100-150 for this service.

What’s the difference between strut spacers and full lift kits?

Strut spacers only lift the front, while full kits lift both front and rear evenly. Full kits provide better handling and a more balanced appearance.

How long do lift kit shocks last?

Quality N3 shocks typically last 50,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Off-road use wears them faster than highway driving.

Final Thoughts

The Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit is our top choice for most Tacoma owners seeking premium performance and maximum height. Consider your model year, desired lift height, and off-road needs when choosing between these eight options. Whether you’re buying a budget kit or a complete off-road package, all of these options deliver quality and reliability backed by solid warranties.