How to Lift a Toyota Tacoma: Methods, Costs, and Best Kits (2025 Guide)

Why Lift a Tacoma?

Lifting a Toyota is a rather common modification, and there are many reasons why someone would consider lifting their truck or SUV. Besides the fact that it exudes a rugged personality, there are some very practical reasons to raise your vehicle up.

Common Reasons: Off-Road Use, Aesthetics, Larger Tires

Lifting your Toyota Tacoma isn’t just about looking tough. There are many practical reasons why sitting higher can be a big advantage.

Increased ground clearance helps you clear rocks, ruts, and trail debris more easily, making your vehicle more capable and stable off-road. If you live in a remote area, that extra height can make a real difference in emergencies like floods or fires by helping you get out when roads become challenging.

It also makes working underneath your truck a bit easier by giving you more room. Of course, many people lift their vehicles for the ability to run larger tires, create a more aggressive look, and enjoy the view from higher ground rather than being stuck at the trailhead parking lot.

Types of Tacoma Lift Kits

There are a few ways you can achieve the look that you want. Let’s explore them here:

Body Lift vs Suspension Lift

A body lift adds height to the vehicle via spacers or lift blocks. These raise the body off of the frame, but it doesn’t alter the suspension or add any off-road capabilities to the vehicle. This is a look-cool-in-your-driveway type of lift.

A suspension lift raises the entire vehicle, including the suspension components, and provides improved off-road capabilities. This lift is preferred by die-hard off-roaders.

What Is a Leveling Kit?

A leveling kit, such as the Toyota TRD Pro Lift Kit, is a suspension upgrade designed to eliminate the factory rake by raising the front of the vehicle to match the rear. This is typically done using spacers installed on the front suspension. More advanced kits, like the TRD Pro version, may also include components such as Bilstein monotube shocks for improved ride quality and performance.

How Lift Height Affects Performance and Looks

The most noticeable change to a lifted truck is its stance. Larger tires are also more prominent, and the increased gap between the wheels and body adds to the aggressive look.

In terms of performance, the impact depends on how much lift you add. A small 1- or 2-inch lift usually has minimal effect, but a larger 3-inch or higher lift can alter handling, reduce fuel efficiency, and raise the center of gravity, which affects stability.

Flex uses the Gen 3 Tacoma to create their Renoca Windasea with your choice of lift kits like a King Shocks 2.5 inch lift. Their Renoca vehicles are a combination of all of the new technology blended with the old style look of the retro Tacomas.

Pros and Cons of Lifting a Tacoma

Before you decide to lift your Tacoma, read some of the pros and cons we’ve put together for you to consider.

Advantages: ground clearance, tire fitment, road presence

Here are a few of the advantages:

• Improves ground clearance – easier navigation on rough terrain, rocks, and other obstacles
• Enhanced off-road performance – easier to take on snow, mud, sand, and other road conditions
• Aggressive appearance – bold and rugged body
• Larger tires – capable of larger tires that offer improved traction and off-road performance
• Better towing – easier to tow heavier loads
• Improved visibility – being up high gives you a better vantage point both on and off the trails

Disadvantages: ride quality, maintenance, legal issues

With the pros, there are always cons. Here are a few of them:

• Reduced fuel efficiency – with larger tires and a lift comes increased drag and weight, leading to lower fuel efficiency
• Altered handling – the center of gravity change affects stability, handling, and cornering, making it more susceptible to rollovers
• Potential warranty issues – some aftermarket products can make warranty claims difficult
• Increased wear and tear – there’s extra strain on the suspension, steering, and drivetrain components
• Difficult entry and exit – it could make getting in and out of the truck harder
• Cost – kits can be expensive, as are larger tires
• Reduced aerodynamics – when highway driving, you might find acceleration and top speed limited
• Tight spaces – streets might be too narrow and parking garage roofs might be too low, as well as parking spots will be tight

How Much Does It Cost to Lift a Tacoma?

How much it costs depends on a lot of factors like what type of kit you use and how high you want to go.

Typical kit prices by type (leveling, spacer, full suspension)

The cost to lift a Toyota Tacoma can range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the type of lift and the components included. Leveling kits and body lifts, which primarily affect appearance, are the least expensive in the $100 to $500 mark.

For improved off-road performance, suspension lift kits, which are more involved, can cost between $1,000 and $5,000 or more.

Labor costs are additional to the price of the hardware.

Other cost factors include:

• Lift height – larger lifts are more expensive
• Components – the quality and brand of components – shocks, springs, control arms, etc. – significantly impact the price
• Installation – depending on the shop labor rate and the complexity of the install, rates can vary

Labor costs: DIY vs professional installation

Installation costs make up a significant portion of the total expense of adding a lift kit, giving DIYers a clear advantage over those who need to hire a professional.

According to AutoLeap.com, average labor rates are influenced by factors such as state regulations, cost of living, local wages, and location. In general, higher labor rates reflect higher skill levels, which often result in better quality work and quicker turnaround times.

Across the U.S., hourly labor rates tend to average between $130 and $140. However, there are notable exceptions, with rates as high as $175 per hour in California and as low as $85 per hour in Georgia. More remote areas often have even higher rates due to the limited availability of skilled labor.

If you choose professional installation, you are paying for the technician’s expertise with Toyota vehicles, their adherence to safety regulations, and their access to the right tools. This not only improves the quality of the job but can also save time—especially if you don’t have a fully equipped garage or experience with suspension work.

Total cost estimates by lift height (2″, 3″, 6″)

Some ballpark estimates on cost per inch of lift are as follows from TacomaWorld.com:

• 2-inch lift kit prices – $700 and up
• 3-inch lift kit prices – $1,560 and up
• 6-inch lift kit prices – $1,499 and up

• Small lift costs – 1-2 inches – $1,500 which includes lift and installation
• 3-inch lift costs – $3,000 including tires, rims, and installation
• 6-inch lift costs – $4,000 including tires, rims, and installation

Remember, these are all estimates and will be subject to your local labor rate, which kit you purchase, and other components you add like tires, rims, upper control arms, etc.

Can You Lift a Tacoma Yourself?

Lifting your truck is something you can do yourself, but it requires time, the right tools, and a solid DIY skill set. You should also be prepared to make adjustments if needed. Successful installation often involves researching online, reading forums, and planning carefully before getting started.

Tools and skills required for DIY lift

If you’re considering doing the lift yourself, here are some basic tools you’ll need:

• Jack and jack stands
• Socket wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Lug wrench
• Screwdrivers – flat- and Philips-head
• Pry bar and hammer
• WD40 or other penetrating oil
• Spring compressor (for kits that require coil spring compression)
• Impact wrench is an optional but useful tool

Here are the basic skills you need:

• Mechanical aptitude and basic automotive knowledge – understanding of the suspension is crucial
• Attention to detail – carefully following the kit’s instructions and paying attention to specific torque values is key
• Patience and problem-solving skills – Installing a lift kit takes time, and unexpected issues can come up. Not everything will go as planned. Resources like YouTube and forums such as TacomaWorld.com are helpful for troubleshooting and finding answers. This is why doing research before starting the install is essential.
• Safe work practices

What you can safely do vs when to hire a pro

If any part of the process is beyond your skill level, hire a professional. Their experience allows for faster, more efficient installation, and you can avoid the frustration, potential injuries, and time commitment that come with doing it yourself.

TRD Pro Lift Kit from Toyota

Another consideration is the TRD Pro Lift Kit from Toyota itself. While designed and backed by Toyota, it comes with its own pros and cons compared to aftermarket solutions.

While some Tacoma owners were happy with the TRD Pro lift kit, many felt it was more of an appearance upgrade than a serious off-road solution. For heavy off-road use, they recommended going with aftermarket options like Dobinson, Bilstein 5160/6112, or Westcott/Eibach kits. These setups typically offer better articulation and performance, especially when paired with upgraded upper control arms.

Aftermarket kits may also be more cost-effective, considering the TRD Pro kit costs around $4,000 with installation, according to Taco owners.

Conclusion: Is Lifting a Tacoma Right for You?

Lifting your Tacoma can boost off-road performance, improve ground clearance, and give your truck a more aggressive look. But it also comes with trade-offs like increased wear on components, possible warranty concerns, and higher costs. In the end, it depends on your lifestyle, driving needs, and budget. If you’re ready for the challenges and the adventure, a lift could be the upgrade that takes your Tacoma to the next level.

If you’re in the market for a Tacoma, let us help you. We stock used Tacomas that you can customize, as well as our Windansea models. If you have a Tacoma and would like to have us install the lift kit for you, then we can do that, too. Contact us for more information.