Lifting a Toyota Tacoma is one of the best upgrades you can make. It transforms the look of your truck, allows for larger tires, and significantly improves off-road capability. But with options ranging from simple $100 spacers to $5,000+ high-performance suspension systems, figuring out the budget can be confusing.
How much does it cost to lift a Toyota Tacoma? In short, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 for a DIY leveling kit to over $4,000 for a professionally installed suspension lift. The final price depends heavily on the method, labor rates, and necessary supporting modifications.
This guide breaks down every cost involved in 2025—including the “hidden” fees most owners forget—so you can plan your build without surprises.
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.
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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 Windansea 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?
The cost to lift a Tacoma varies significantly based on your goals. Are you looking for a budget-friendly aesthetic upgrade, or a high-performance off-road system? Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Quick Cost Overview (Leveling vs. Suspension)
| Lift Type | Est. Parts Cost | Est. Labor Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leveling Kit (Spacers) | $100 – $400 | $300 – $500 | Looks, fitting slightly larger tires |
| Mid-Range Suspension (Bilstein/Eibach) | $800 – $1,500 | $600 – $1,000 | Improved ride quality, moderate trails |
| High-End Suspension (Fox/King/Icon) | $2,500 – $5,000+ | $1,000 – $1,500+ | High-speed desert running, heavy overlanding |
Cost Breakdown: Leveling Kits & Body Lifts
If you simply want to remove the factory “rake” (where the nose sits lower than the tail) or fit 33-inch tires on a budget, a leveling kit is the most affordable option. Parts typically cost between $100 and $400. However, be aware that spacer lifts do not improve suspension travel and can sometimes make the ride stiffer.
Cost Breakdown: Full Suspension Lift Kits
For genuine off-road performance, you need a full suspension lift (replacing shocks and springs).
- Entry Level ($800 – $1,200): Kits like the Bilstein 5100 are the gold standard for budget performance.
- Premium ($3,000 – $5,000+): Brands like King, Fox, or Icon offer race-proven technology with remote reservoirs, but they require a serious financial commitment.
Installation Labor Costs: DIY vs. Professional Shop
According to AutoLeap.com, average labor rates across the U.S. generally range between $130 and $150 per hour in most regions, while reaching up to $175 in high-cost areas.
- Professional Install: Expect to pay $500 to $1,200 in labor depending on the complexity of the kit. A simple leveling kit might take 3-4 hours, while a full suspension kit with control arms could take 6-8 hours.
- DIY Install: You save on labor, but you’ll need specialized tools like a spring compressor, torque wrench, and jack stands. The “cost” here is your time—usually a full weekend for a first-timer.
Hidden Costs: Alignment, Tires, & Components
The sticker price of the lift kit is rarely the final price. Don’t forget these essential additions:
- Alignment ($100 – $200): Mandatory after any suspension work to prevent uneven tire wear.
- Upper Control Arms (UCAs) ($600 – $1,200): Lifts over 2.5 inches often require aftermarket UCAs to correct alignment angles.
- Wheels & Tires ($1,500 – $3,000): A lift looks incomplete without bigger tires, which is often the most expensive part of the project.
- MPG Drop: Expect a 1-3 MPG decrease, which adds up in long-term fuel costs.
Cost Differences by Generation (1st – 4th Gen)
1st & 2nd Gen Tacoma: While the kits themselves are affordable, older trucks often require replacing worn bushings, ball joints, or rusty bolts during installation, which can unexpectedly double the labor cost.
3rd Gen (2016-2023): The most supported generation with the widest variety of price options.
4th Gen (2024+): Being a new platform, lift kits are currently more expensive due to limited availability. Hybrid models (i-FORCE MAX) may also have complex components that require specialized labor.
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
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.
Best Lift Kits for Tacoma in 2025
| Kit | Lift Range | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5100 | 1-2.5″ (front) | Affordable; OEM ride quality; digressive damping | Firm at top settings; limited rear lift | Daily driving, light trails, budget builds |
| Bilstein 6112 + 5160 | Up to 2.5″ (front) | Premium damping; remote reservoir; heat dissipation | More expensive; overkill for city driving | Moderate to heavy off-road use, loaded trucks |
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.
Cost Note: The TRD Pro kit often costs around $4,000 with dealer installation. While you get a warranty and OEM compatibility, many owners find better value in aftermarket options like Westcott or Bilstein for half the price.
The Smarter Alternative: Buying a Pre-Lifted Tacoma (Renoca)
Lifting a Tacoma involves researching parts, finding a reputable shop, paying for labor, and dealing with potential alignment issues. If you don’t already own the truck, there is a smarter way to get the lifted look and performance without the headache.
Building vs. Buying: Which is Better Value?
Building a truck from scratch adds up quickly. By the time you buy a used Tacoma ($25k – $35k), add a quality lift kit ($2k), wheels and tires ($2.5k), and pay for installation ($1k), your total investment skyrockets. Plus, modifications rarely add 100% of their cost to the vehicle’s resale value.
Why FLEX Renoca Offers Better Value
FLEX Automotive’s Renoca series offers complete, turn-key builds. You get a reliable 3rd Gen Tacoma that is already professionally lifted, equipped with new wheels and tires, and restyled with a classic Land Cruiser-inspired face.
Because the lift and modifications are installed by experts before you buy, the cost is bundled into the vehicle price—meaning you can often finance the entire package. It saves you time, guarantees installation quality, and gives you a unique truck from day one.
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.
