Best Lift Kits for Your Tacoma to Enhance Off-Road Capability

There’s nothing quite like taking your Toyota Tacoma off-roading. Whether you’re a dedicated off-roader with a truck decked out specifically for that purpose, or just getting into off-roading, it’s impossible to beat the joy that comes from taking your Tacoma out to a remote area, and seeing what it’s capable of. It’s an experience unlike any other. When it comes to preparing your Tacoma for off-roading, and increasing its capabilities, there’s no shortage of upgrades that you can make. The sky's the limit, and off-road enthusiasts are never done tinkering with, and modifying their trucks to make them better and better for off-roading. But while there are an endless amount of modifications that you can make, there aren’t many as important as adding a Tacoma lift kit. In order to really enhance the off-road capability of your Tacoma, you’ll have to install a lift kit. Here’s everything you need to know, and a few of our favorites.

What Separates Different Types of Lift Kits?

There are three basic types of lift kits: leveling kits, suspension lift kits, and body lift kits. Leveling kits are great for day-to-day use, but not quite as helpful for off-roading. What they do is lift the front of the Tacoma up so that it is even with the rear, instead of the stock design, which has the front of the Tacoma lower than the rear. Body lift kits provide a lift for both the front and rear of the Tacoma, but it’s primarily aesthetic. A body lift looks cool, and facilitates larger tires, but it still relies on the standard suspension of your truck, so it doesn’t help you much with off-roading. A suspension lift kit is ideal for off-roading. As the name suggests, these lift kits lift from the suspension (both front and rear) instead of just the body of your truck. That allows your Tacoma to be as prepared as possible for off-roading.

How Big of a Lift Kit Do You Need?

It all depends on what kind of off-roading you’re doing. Needless to say, the bigger the lift kit, the bigger the tires, and the bigger the obstacles you can drive over. In general, leveling kits and 1 to 2” suspension lift kits can accommodate tires up to 33”, while 3 to 5” suspension lift kits can accommodate tires up to 35”, and 5 to 8” suspension lift kits can accommodate tires up to 37”. Larger lift kits give you better clearance, and make for a better off-roading Tacoma, but they’re definitely pricier, too. So it really depends on your budget, your interest in the hobby, and the kinds of trails you drive on.

The Best Lift Kits for Your Toyota Tacoma

With all of that said, here are a few of our favorite lift kits for off-roading Tacoma. We’ve picked one leveling kit, as well as a suspension lift kit for each size.

Bilstein 0 to 2.50-Inch B8 6112 Front Suspension Leveling Kit

This Bilstein lift kit is as good of a leveling kit as you’re going to find for a Tacoma. The durable, zinc-plated construction makes this a lift kit that will likely last for as long as your truck does (it has a lifetime warranty), while still giving you a very smooth ride. The monotube, gas-charged design makes this one of the best-performing leveling kits that you’ll find, with exceptional strength, comfort, and clearance.

Old Man Emu 2.50-Inch MT64 Heavy Load Suspension Lift Kit

This Old Man Emu suspension lift kit is specially designed for Tacomas that are carrying heavy loads. If you have a winch, a rooftop tent, heavy luggage, or anything else weighing down the back of your Tacoma, the Old Man Emu will keep it from sagging, and handle off-roading as though your truck were empty. It’s a durable and reliable lift, and it comes with a three-year warranty, and easy installation.

Rough Country 3.50-Inch Series II Bolt-On Suspension Lift Kit with V2 Monotube Shocks and Rear Leaf Springs

This Rough Country Lift Kit is just a high-quality suspension lift kit through and through, and it comes at a better price than a lot of its competitors. Despite offering an additional 3.5” of clearance and leveling the front with the rear, the Rough Country Series II doesn’t impact the quality of your ride at all. But the stars of the show are the internal floating, nitrogen-charged monotube shocks. The shocks come with a three-year warranty, while the system has a lifetime warranty.

Rough Country 6-Inch Suspension Lift Kit with Vertex Adjustable Coil-Overs and Vertex Reservoir Shocks

If maximum clearance is what you’re after then you’ll be very happy with this 6-inch Rough Country suspension lift kit. The adjustable vertex coil-overs and vertex reservoir shocks can be adjusted to eight different stages, so you can perfectly customize the system to your off-roading needs. The rear lift blocks are incredibly durable, and keep the rear of your Tacoma protected at all times. The lifted knuckles make the car drive like it’s at a normal height, even when at the maximum of six inches. And it comes with a lifetime warranty! Any of these lift kits will instantly take your Tacoma to the next level, and have you ready for an epic day out on the trails. There’s nothing better!