Does your 3rd Gen Tacoma look a little…squashed? That factory rake, where the front sits lower than the rear, is a common sight. While it might look okay from the dealership lot, many owners find it less than ideal. You might be dreaming of bigger tires, a more aggressive stance, or simply a truck that sits level. But when you start searching for a leveling kit, a whole new set of questions pops up. What’s the difference between spacers and coilovers? Will it really affect my ride quality? It can feel like a maze!
Choosing the right leveling kit for your 3rd Gen Tacoma can be tricky. You want to improve the look and maybe fit those beefier tires you’ve been eyeing, but you also don’t want to ruin your truck’s smooth ride or end up with something that doesn’t work. This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down the basics so you can understand your options and pick the perfect leveling kit for your needs and budget. Get ready to give your Tacoma the stance it deserves!
Our Top 5 Leveling Kit For 3Rd Gen Tacoma Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Leveling Kit For 3Rd Gen Tacoma Detailed Reviews
1. KSP Full Lift Kits For Tacoma 2005-2023
Rating: 9.2/10
Want to give your Toyota Tacoma a tougher look and better stance? The KSP Full Lift Kits for Tacoma 2005-2023 are here to help! This kit lifts the front of your truck by 3 inches and the rear by 2 inches. This creates a leveled-out look, making your Tacoma ready for adventure. It fits both 2WD and 4WD Tacomas from 2005 to 2023, as long as they have 6 lugs. The kit includes everything you need, like front strut spacers and rear lift blocks with strong U-bolts.
What We Like:
- This kit is made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum, so it’s built to last.
- The rear lift blocks have a special design that makes them extra strong and secure.
- The U-bolts are longer than the original ones, fitting well with the higher blocks.
- KSP offers a 30-day refund and a 12-month replacement parts service, which is great peace of mind.
- Installation is described as easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- An alignment is necessary after installing the kit.
- The kit is only compatible with 6-lug models.
- The thickness of the front kits is less than 3 inches, even though they achieve a 3-inch lift due to how the suspension works.
Overall, the KSP Full Lift Kit offers a significant upgrade for your Tacoma’s appearance and capability. It provides a sturdy and reliable way to achieve that desired lifted look.
2. Rough Country 2″ Leveling Kit for 05-23 Toyota Tacoma
Rating: 9.0/10
The Rough Country 2″ Leveling Kit for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacomas, in a striking anodized red (model 744RED), offers a fantastic way to upgrade your truck.
What We Like:
- It gives your Tacoma a cool look and better performance.
- You get more space under your truck to drive over bumps and rough spots.
- Your ride stays smooth and feels like it did from the factory.
- The kit is made from strong, aircraft-quality aluminum.
- It makes the front of your truck sit as high as the back.
- You can install it yourself without needing special tools like a strut compressor.
- Rough Country offers help if you need it during installation.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, so Rough Country will replace it if something goes wrong.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is easy, some users might prefer a professional installation for complete peace of mind.
This leveling kit is a smart choice for any Tacoma owner wanting to improve their truck’s look and capability. It’s an easy upgrade that delivers big results.
3. Richeer 3″ Front and 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit for 2005-2023 Tacoma
Rating: 9.3/10
The Richeer 3″ Front and 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit is designed to give your 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma a tougher look and better off-road capability. This kit lifts the front of your truck by 3 inches and the rear by 2 inches. This helps your truck sit level and gives it a more aggressive stance. It’s made from strong materials to last a long time.
What We Like:
- Lifts your Tacoma 3 inches in the front and 2 inches in the rear for a leveled look.
- Made from strong 6061-T6 aluminum, so it’s built to last.
- CNC processing ensures parts fit perfectly and installation is easier.
- Includes high-quality studs that are pre-installed for your convenience.
- Gives you more ground clearance to handle rough terrain.
- Allows you to fit bigger tires and wheels for a more aggressive style.
- Installation is quick, usually taking only 1-2 hours.
- No cutting or drilling is needed, and you don’t have to take apart your struts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lift height is not exactly the same as the thickness of the parts due to suspension design.
- Only fits Tacoma models with 6-lug wheels.
This Richeer lift kit offers a great way to improve your Tacoma’s appearance and off-road performance. It’s a straightforward upgrade for many Tacoma owners.
4. EVIL ENERGY 3″ Front and 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit Compatible with Toyota 2005-2023 Tacoma 2WD/4WD (6 lugs only)
Rating: 8.9/10
Want to give your Toyota Tacoma a tougher look and better off-road capability? The EVIL ENERGY 3″ Front and 2″ Rear Leveling Lift Kit is designed to do just that. This kit lifts the front of your truck by 3 inches and the rear by 2 inches, giving it a leveled stance. It’s made from strong aluminum and comes with high-quality bolts to ensure it lasts. Plus, it helps you fit bigger tires and wheels for a more aggressive style.
What We Like:
- Crafted from strong 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for durability.
- CNC processing ensures precise fit and easy installation.
- Premium 12.9-grade bolts resist rust and last longer.
- Increases ground clearance for better off-roading.
- Allows for larger tires and wheels.
- Gives your Tacoma a more aggressive and appealing look.
- Simple installation takes only 1-2 hours.
- No cutting or drilling needed.
- No need to take apart your struts or coils.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lift height isn’t exactly the same as the spacer thickness due to how suspension works.
- This kit only works for Tacomas with 6 lugs.
This EVIL ENERGY lift kit is a solid upgrade for your Tacoma. It offers a great balance of improved performance and a sharper appearance with an easy installation process.
5. 2″ Leveling lift kits Fit for Tacoma
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to give your Toyota truck a tougher look and better performance? The KSP 2 Inch Front Lift Strut Spacers are designed to lift the front of your Tacoma, 4Runner, or FJ Cruiser by 2 inches. This lift kit helps you fit bigger tires and wheels, giving your ride an aggressive stance perfect for off-road adventures or just cruising around town.
What We Like:
- Lifts your truck’s front end by 2 inches for a level stance and more ground clearance.
- Built tough with aircraft-grade aluminum billet and strong 10.9 grade bolts for safe driving, even on rough roads.
- Powder-coated black finish looks great and protects against rust.
- Easy to install and compatible with many Tacoma (6 lugs only), 4Runner (not XREAS suspension), and FJ Cruiser models.
- KSP offers a 30-day refund and a 12-month free replacement parts service, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lift height isn’t exactly 1:1 with the spacer thickness due to how the suspension works.
- An alignment is needed after installation, which adds an extra step and cost.
- Not compatible with 4Runner models that have XREAS suspension.
This KSP leveling kit is a solid upgrade for many Toyota trucks. It offers a great balance of aggressive looks, improved capability, and reliable construction.
Leveling Up Your 3rd Gen Tacoma: The Ultimate Buying Guide
So, you want to give your 3rd Gen Tacoma a more aggressive stance and maybe fit some bigger tires? A leveling kit is the way to go! It lifts the front of your truck to match the height of the rear, getting rid of that factory rake. This guide will help you pick the best one.
What to Look for in a Leveling Kit
Key Features to Consider
- Lift Height: Most kits offer 1.5 to 3 inches of lift. Think about how much you want to raise the front and what tire size you plan to run. A 2-inch lift is super popular.
- Type of Kit: There are a few main types:
- Spacer Kits: These are the simplest and most affordable. They add spacers on top of your existing coil springs.
- Coil Spring Spacers: These fit inside your coil springs.
- Strut Extension Kits: These bolt onto your struts.
- Adjustable Coilovers: These replace your stock struts and offer adjustable ride height and better performance. They are more expensive.
- Compatibility: Make sure the kit is specifically designed for the 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma (2016-present).
- Included Hardware: Check if the kit comes with all the necessary nuts, bolts, and instructions.
Important Materials
Good leveling kits use strong stuff. Look for:
- Steel: Many kits use steel for their spacers and brackets. Higher quality steel, like T6 aluminum, offers great strength and corrosion resistance.
- Aluminum: Some kits use durable aluminum. This is lighter and won’t rust.
- Polyurethane: Some suspension components might use polyurethane for bushings.
Quality Matters: What Makes a Kit Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality
- Precision Machining: Kits made with exact measurements fit better. This means no weird noises or vibrations.
- Durable Coatings: Powder coating or other protective finishes stop rust. This keeps your kit looking good for a long time.
- Reputable Brands: Sticking with well-known brands usually means better quality control and support.
- Good Reviews: See what other Tacoma owners say about their experiences.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap Materials: Thin metal or low-grade aluminum won’t last.
- Poor Fitment: If parts don’t line up perfectly, installation is tough. It can also cause suspension problems.
- Lack of Instructions: Missing or unclear instructions make installation a headache.
User Experience and Use Cases
What to Expect After Installation
- Improved Stance: Your truck will look more aggressive and ready for adventure.
- Tire Clearance: You’ll have more room for larger tires. This is a big reason many people install leveling kits.
- Slight Ride Difference: Some kits can make the ride a little stiffer. Others, like coilovers, can actually improve it.
- Alignment: You’ll definitely need an alignment after installing a leveling kit.
Common Use Cases
- Aesthetics: Many owners install leveling kits just to make their Tacoma look better.
- Larger Tires: Fitting 33-inch tires is a popular goal.
- Light Off-Roading: A leveling kit gives your truck a bit more ground clearance for trails.
- Towing: Some people find a leveled truck looks better when towing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a leveling kit hurt my truck’s warranty?
A: It depends on the dealership and the specific kit. Some dealerships are fine with it. Others might say it voids certain suspension-related warranty parts.
Q: How hard is it to install a leveling kit?
A: Spacer kits are generally easier. Coilover replacements are more involved. Many people do it themselves, but a professional installation is always an option.
Q: Can I still go off-roading with a leveling kit?
A: Yes, but it’s not a full suspension lift. It gives you a little more clearance, but don’t expect to tackle extreme trails without other modifications.
Q: What size tires can I fit after installing a leveling kit?
A: With a 2-inch or 2.5-inch leveling kit, you can usually fit 33-inch tires without rubbing. You might need to trim a little plastic in the fender well.
Q: Does a leveling kit affect my truck’s MPG?
A: You might see a slight decrease in fuel economy. This is because the truck is less aerodynamic and you might be running larger, heavier tires.
Q: Do I need to get an alignment after installing a leveling kit?
A: Absolutely! It’s crucial for proper tire wear and safe driving. Always get an alignment after installing a leveling kit.
Q: What’s the difference between a spacer kit and a coilover kit?
A: Spacer kits add to your existing suspension. Coilover kits replace your entire strut and spring assembly. Coilovers offer better performance and adjustability but cost more.
Q: Can I tow a trailer with a leveled Tacoma?
A: Yes, you can still tow. However, if you tow heavy loads often, the rear of your truck might sag more without the factory rake. Airbags or heavier-duty springs can help with this.
Q: How long does a leveling kit last?
A: A good quality leveling kit can last for many years, often the life of the truck, if properly maintained and installed.
Q: Are there any downsides to a leveling kit?
A: The main downsides can be a slightly stiffer ride, a potential small decrease in MPG, and the need for an alignment. Extreme off-roading might still be limited.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Rob Young, and I’m the voice and passion behind gardenerhow.com. This website is my outlet to share my journey, expertise, and enthusiasm for sports. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your athletic adventures, I aim to inspire, educate, and connect with people who share the same love for sports. Join me as we dive into techniques, tips, and stories that make the world of sports even more exciting!