We researched and compared the top lift kits for the Toyota Tacoma by analyzing manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback from forums and verified reviews. Our evaluation focuses on ride quality, durability, ease of installation, and safety compliance to help you choose the right lift for your driving needs.
After reviewing dozens of kits, we selected 7 that represent the best options across different lift heights, budgets, and intended uses. Each product has been assessed for its strengths and weaknesses based on real-world data, not hype.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit Best Overall Leveling Kit Front coilover adjustability: 0-2.5 inches lift |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
ReadyLIFT 66-4060 SST Lift Kit Best Value 3-Inch Lift 3-inch front lift via strut spacers and rear blocks |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Old Man Emu (OME) BP-51 Suspension Kit Best High-Performance Lift Remote reservoir shocks with adjustable compression and rebound |
9.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Rough Country 3-Inch Lift Kit with N3 Shocks Budget-Friendly 3-Inch Lift 3-inch front strut spacers and rear blocks with N3 shocks |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 Suspension System Best Ride Quality Lift 2.5-inch aluminum coilover shocks with remote reservoirs |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Toytec Ultimate Lift Kit Best Complete Suspension Lift 3-inch front coilover lift with rear add-a-leaf and shocks |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Supreme Suspensions 3-Inch Lift Kit Entry-Level Spacer Lift 3-inch front strut spacers and rear blocks |
7.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit: Best Overall Leveling Kit
The Bilstein 5100 series is widely regarded as one of the best leveling kits for the Tacoma. We compared owner feedback and spec sheets and found that the monotube design provides superior heat dissipation and consistent performance under load. The kit allows front lift adjustment from 0 to 2.5 inches, which is ideal for leveling the truck without compromising ride quality. Many owners report improved handling and reduced nose dive during braking.
However, this kit only lifts the front; to achieve a true level stance you will need to add a rear lift component. It is not a full suspension lift, so it may not suit those seeking extreme off-road clearance. If you need more than 2.5 inches of lift or a complete suspension overhaul, consider a different kit.
- Monotube gas pressure shock design for consistent damping
- Zinc-plated steel body resists corrosion
- Adjustable spring perch allows fine-tuning front lift height
Pros: Excellent ride quality on and off-road; Proven durability with long service life
Cons: Limited to 2.5 inches front lift; rear requires separate block or add-a-leaf
2. ReadyLIFT 66-4060 SST Lift Kit: Best Value 3-Inch Lift
The ReadyLIFT SST kit is a popular choice for Tacoma owners wanting a 3-inch lift without breaking the bank. Our research shows that the aluminum spacers are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and the included rear blocks provide a complete lift solution. Owner feedback indicates that installation is straightforward and the ride remains close to stock for daily driving.
However, because this is a spacer lift, it does not improve off-road articulation as much as a full coilover conversion. The front spacers can cause a firmer ride over sharp bumps. If you frequently tackle rough trails, a complete suspension lift may be a better investment. For most on-road and light off-road use, this kit offers excellent value.
- CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum spacers
- Includes rear lift blocks and U-bolts
- Maintains factory ride quality with minimal NVH increase
Pros: Affordable way to achieve 3 inches of lift; Easy bolt-on installation with basic tools
Cons: Spacer design limits droop travel and can stiffen ride over bumps
3. Old Man Emu (OME) BP-51 Suspension Kit: Best High-Performance Lift
The Old Man Emu BP-51 kit is a premium suspension lift designed for serious off-road enthusiasts. Based on manufacturer specs and owner reviews, the remote reservoir shocks provide consistent damping even in extreme conditions, and the adjustability allows fine-tuning for load and terrain. The kit includes matched coil springs that maintain proper ride height and load capacity.
That said, this kit is expensive and installation is best left to professionals. The adjustment knobs can be difficult to reach without lifting the vehicle. If your Tacoma is primarily a daily driver on pavement, this level of performance is overkill and the cost may not be justified. It is ideal for those who demand the best off-road capability and are willing to invest in it.
- External reservoir design for superior cooling
- 15-stage adjustable compression and rebound damping
- Heavy-duty coil springs matched to vehicle weight
Pros: Exceptional off-road control and comfort; Highly tunable for specific driving preferences
Cons: High cost and complex installation
4. Rough Country 3-Inch Lift Kit with N3 Shocks: Budget-Friendly 3-Inch Lift
Rough Country’s 3-inch lift kit is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. Our evaluation of owner feedback shows that the kit provides a noticeable lift and the included N3 shocks improve on the stock dampers. Installation is straightforward and the kit comes with all necessary hardware.
However, the N3 shocks are not as durable as premium options, and some owners report a harsher ride after extended off-road use. The spacer design also limits wheel travel. If you only need a lift for looks and light trails, this kit works well. For heavy off-roading or towing, consider upgrading to a better shock absorber.
- Includes front strut spacers and rear lift blocks
- N3 nitro-charged shocks for improved damping
- Full hardware kit with brake line brackets
Pros: Very affordable complete lift kit; Decent ride quality for the price
Cons: Shocks can fade under heavy off-road use; Spacer lift limits suspension articulation
5. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 Suspension System: Best Ride Quality Lift
The Icon Stage 2 system is a complete front and rear suspension upgrade that delivers outstanding ride quality. We compared manufacturer data and owner reports and found that the 2.5-inch coilovers provide precise damping control and the remote reservoirs prevent fade during demanding use. The kit significantly improves both on-road manners and off-road capability.
The main drawbacks are the high price and the complexity of installation. Many owners recommend having a shop install the system, adding to the overall cost. If you are on a tight budget or prefer a simple DIY install, this kit may not be for you. It is best suited for enthusiasts who prioritize ride quality and performance over cost.
- 2.5 inch diameter aluminum body for heat dissipation
- Remote reservoir with piggyback design
- Adjustable coilover preload for lift height
Pros: Excellent on-road comfort and off-road control; High-quality construction with long service life
Cons: Expensive and requires professional installation
6. Toytec Ultimate Lift Kit: Best Complete Suspension Lift
The Toytec Ultimate Lift Kit is a comprehensive solution that lifts the Tacoma 3 inches front and rear. Our research shows that the kit includes quality components like aluminum coilovers and Nitro shocks, and the add-a-leaf helps maintain load capacity. Owner feedback indicates that the kit performs well off-road, providing improved articulation and clearance.
However, some users note that the ride can be firm on rough pavement, and the add-a-leaf may cause a stiffer rear ride when unloaded. The installation is moderately difficult and requires some mechanical knowledge. If you want a complete kit that balances cost and capability, this is a solid choice, but those seeking a plush daily driver may want to look elsewhere.
- Toytec BOSS 2.0 aluminum coilovers front
- Rear add-a-leaf and Nitro 2.0 shocks
- Includes diff drop and brake line brackets
Pros: Complete system with matched components; Good off-road performance for moderate trails
Cons: Some owners report inconsistent ride quality on pavement
7. Supreme Suspensions 3-Inch Lift Kit: Entry-Level Spacer Lift
The Supreme Suspensions kit is one of the most affordable ways to lift a Tacoma. We reviewed owner feedback and found that installation is quick and the spacers are well-made. For those who want a taller stance for looks without spending much, this kit gets the job done.
However, this is a basic spacer lift that does not improve suspension performance. The ride can become harsher, and the increased angle on CV joints may lead to premature wear, especially if the truck is used off-road. We recommend this only for light-duty use and for owners who are aware of the limitations. If you plan to off-road regularly, invest in a proper suspension lift.
- CNC-machined billet aluminum spacers
- Includes rear lift blocks and U-bolts
- No cutting or modification required
Pros: Very low cost entry into lifting; Simple bolt-on installation
Cons: Limited off-road performance and articulation; Potential for increased wear on CV axles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lift height for a Toyota Tacoma?
The best lift height depends on your intended use. For daily driving and light off-roading, a 2-3 inch lift is ideal as it maintains good ride quality and drivability. For serious rock crawling, 4-6 inches may be needed but often requires additional modifications like longer control arms and driveshaft adjustments. Most owners find 3 inches to be the sweet spot between capability and comfort.
Do I need to regear after lifting my Tacoma?
Regearing is not always necessary for lifts up to 3 inches on stock tire sizes. However, if you install larger tires (33 inches or more), regearing can restore acceleration and fuel economy. For lifts over 3 inches with 35-inch tires, regearing is highly recommended to prevent transmission strain and poor performance.
Will a lift kit void my Tacoma's warranty?
A lift kit can void parts of your warranty if a failure is directly caused by the lift. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the dealer must prove that the aftermarket part caused the issue. However, suspension and drivetrain components may be affected. It is best to check with your dealer and keep records of professional installation.
Can I install a lift kit myself?
Many spacer lift kits are DIY-friendly with basic tools and mechanical knowledge. Full suspension lifts with coilovers and add-a-leaves are more complex and may require spring compressors, alignment tools, and experience. If you are not confident, professional installation is recommended to ensure safety and proper alignment.
How does a lift kit affect towing capacity?
A lift kit can reduce towing capacity if it alters the vehicle’s center of gravity and suspension geometry. Spacer lifts often maintain factory towing ratings, but full suspension lifts may lower capacity due to changes in squat and stability. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and consider air bags or weight-distributing hitches for heavy towing.
Our Verdict
After researching specifications, owner feedback, and safety standards, our top pick is the Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit for its excellent ride quality, durability, and value. For those who need a complete 3-inch lift with superior off-road performance, the Old Man Emu BP-51 kit is the runner-up, offering unmatched adjustability and control. Choose based on your budget and intended use.
