The Toyota Tacoma first made its debut in 1995. Since then, it’s become one of the most reliable, durable names on the market when it comes to pickup trucks.
Yet, driving your Tacoma on rough, jungle-trailing roads is only half the fun. The other half is installing a leveling kit that allows you to ride on all those adventure-filled backroads.
Another reason you need a leveling kit is to fix the truck’s uneven suspension. Some factories make their trucks with a slight tilt in the front. It’s annoying, but at the same time, easy to correct with the right leveling kit.
That’s why picking the best Tacoma leveling kit is so important. Yet, to do that, you have to know what to look for.
Read our buying guide to learn about the different options on the market. Then, you can determine which one is right for you.
Here’s a quick list of our top picks:
What to Look for When Buying a Tacoma Leveling Kit
With such a sweet ride, you always want to buy the right gear. Nothing feels worse than paying good money for something that doesn’t fit. Or worse, buying something that ruins your truck in any way.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider when choosing the best leveling kit for your Tacoma.
Compatibility
When you’re shopping for the best Tacoma leveling kit, the first thing to watch out for is finding the right parts. You don’t want to spend money on something that won’t fit your truck, or worse, damage it in any way.
Luckily, the Tacamo has been around for many years. So, it shouldn’t be too hard to find something suitable.
Most leveling kits are designed for models released between 2005 and 2020. If your Tacoma is older than 2005, ask the manufacturer first.
Also, some kits aren’t suitable for Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off-road models. Others are designed to be exclusively installed with 6-lug or 5-lug bolts.
Another thing people often forget is to check the wheel-drive compatibility. The year of manufacturing could be a match. Yet, the kit may not be designed to sustain four-wheel-drive (4WD) Tacomas or vice versa. You’ll find that some leveling kits only work with one type, while others are suitable for both.
Budget
Once you find something that suits your Tacoma truck, now it’s time to check the price. The good news is that there are many great choices available at terrific prices. You don’t have to worry about having to put up with massive fees.
That said, if the price is higher, it usually means it’s more durable and will go a long way. So, as long as it’s within your budget, you can think of it as a sound investment in your car.
Material
Usually, big names will sell their products at a wide range of prices to meet every budget. However, if you come across anything that seems too good to be true, take a look at the materials.
The top two materials used in making leveling kits are typically alloy steel and aluminum billet. They’re the most reliable and the strongest.
Some are crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum. This type of material is sturdier than steel kits. Being lightweight is another advantage, which means less drag force as you’re driving.
Another reliable material is the CNC machined aircraft-grade billet aluminum. These usually come in one undivided piece for maximum durability. These are known for their ability to keep the kit light
You should also consider the material of the U-bolts and threads. Some manufacturers give them a protective zinc-plating to boost endurance and stability.
Another feature to look out for is whether or not the kit has been powder-coated. Adding that final protective layer gives a sleek, smooth finish. In addition, it boosts the kit’s ability to resist rust and corrosion.
Installation
Whether you’re setting up the kit yourself or taking your Tacoma to a professional, it’s important to look for something user-friendly.
This includes having a step-by-step instruction manual. It also means that, with your purchase, you get all the necessary hardware needed for a quick and easy setup.
Furthermore, make sure you choose a kit that comes with differential drop spacers. They help reduce the wear and tear on your truck’s Constant Velocity (CV) joints.
Customizability
Having a Tacoma is great, but being able to give it a unique, customized look is priceless! Adding that personal touch starts with a leveling kit.
Yet, it’s not that easy. The secret is finding one that allows you to place larger tires on your truck anytime you feel like it. Some models, for example, allow for tires as big as 33 x 11.5 to be installed as well as 8-inch wheels.
Other customizations include exclusive patented extras. One kit, for example, features something called the Cross Gusset Plate Locked design. It’s part of the rear lift block and works to boost stability and increase the kit’s overall endurance.
Steadiness
Remember that with leveling kits, alignment is always a necessary part of the process. So, what sets one kit apart from the others? Its steadiness on the road, especially when riding over rough terrain or at high speeds.
With some kits, you may feel the truck start to shake slightly if you go over 70mph. This usually means the vehicle’s center of gravity is off and needs to be realigned.
Look for kits that provide maximum support. It’s the best way to keep your truck steady and to prevent injuries or damage to the Tacoma when you’re off-roading.
A Final Note
As you can see, there are many things to consider when looking for the best Tacoma leveling kit. We hope our buying guide can help make things a little bit less overwhelming.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect kit, you can customize and modify your truck to your heart’s content. All that’s left now is for you to go out there and explore new terrain, and have a wonderful time in the process.
Happy trails!