Are you planning to get a 4 inch lift kit installed in your Toyota Tacoma? Buy the best quality lift kit, and take a deep breath; because we are here to guide you step-by-step on the installation procedure. You don’t have to worry about facing any challenges like skill requirement or tools; this guide will make it easy for you!
Installing a lift kit on a vehicle can be an intimidating prospect, especially when the kit requires reinforcing components or welding. However, modern 4-inch suspension lift kits, like those available for the Toyota Tacoma, offer complete bolt-in solutions. This guide aims to provide Tacoma owners with all the tips and resources needed to install a 4-inch suspension lift kit with confidence.
We recommend seeking professional advice before deciding what parts to purchase to ensure that they are suitable for your vehicle. The goal of this guide is to provide direction and resources rather than instructions on how to alter any particular vehicle’s suspension and other components – this should be left to experienced automotive technicians who are familiar with the specific make and model of your Toyota Tacoma.
Safety is paramount throughout the installation process, so be sure you have adequately prepared your workspace before you begin work; always practice good safety habits whenever working on your truck! We strongly recommend having any welding or metal fabrication performed by a certified welder at an auto shop that is well versed in off-road modifications. Good luck!
Selecting the Right Lift Kit
When deciding on the right lift kit for your vehicle, there are several factors to consider. It’s important to research the different types of kits offered by various manufacturers and make sure they are compatible with your truck model. Additionally, make sure to take into account the size of the tires you wish to have and the type of terrain you will be driving on.
Lift kits come in a variety of different sizes and styles that range from 1-2 inch lifts all the way up to 6 inches or higher. For Toyota Tacoma vehicles, most people choose a 4 inch kit as this is often sufficient for off-roading purposes or simply for increasing ground clearance. It is also important to note that most kits come with shock absorbers designed for standard height tires which need to be replaced if larger tires are used with the kit.
In addition, some kits do not come complete and require additional parts such as spacers or transfer cases skid plates in order for them to fit properly on your specific vehicle model. Therefore it’s important to do some research beforehand in order to determine what options are required for a successful installation.
Ultimately, selecting the right lift kit is a highly personal decision that needs careful thought and consideration in order to maximize its effectiveness and get the desired results when installed on your vehicle.
Factors to consider when choosing a lift kit
When looking for a lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma, there are several factors that you should consider before making a purchase. These include the lift height of the kit, the type and quality of the suspension components, whether or not you need to modify additional components such as brakes and wheels, and the amount of money you want to invest.
The lift height determines how much higher your Tacoma will be from its factory state. A four-inch lift is one of the most popular sizes since it is large enough to give sufficient clearance without making your truck look too oversized. It should be noted, however, that suspensions with a higher lift may require modifications to other vehicle components.
When shopping around for a kit, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of suspension components like shocks and struts included in the kit. Make sure that they are strong enough to handle short trips and off-roading accessories such as winches or brush guards. Additionally, some kits may require modifications to your brakes or rims in order for them to work properly with your new suspension system.
Finally, when it comes time to buy a 4 inch lift kit for your Toyota Tacoma, you’ll have to decide how much money you’re willing to spend on installation and parts. The price range can vary significantly depending on the quantity and quality of components within the kit; while top-tier kits tend to cost more upfront they can end up saving money in maintenance costs down the line due extra support they provide during extreme conditions or off-roading adventures.
Cost considerations
Before you begin installing a lift kit on your Toyota Tacoma, it’s important to consider the cost. Material costs vary based on your choice of lift components and brand, but in general, a 4-inch lift kit will cost approximately $800 to $1,500. This includes the parts, labor and any additional accessories you might need.
Additionally, some shops may require that you obtain a permit from the local governing body in order to install specific components of your lift kit. These permits may cost between $50 and $150, depending on your location and the type of lift components being installed. Keep in mind that most installs are not reversible or refundable so be sure to research all permit requirements before beginning the process.
III. Pre-Installation Preparation
Before beginning the installation, you should make sure to consult the lift kit manual and gather all the necessary installation materials. It is also important to note that a lift kit will require other components of your truck such as brakes and shocks to be replaced in order to function correctly.
Once all of the tools and parts are available, it is important to take some steps before starting:
- Remove the jack stands, torque wrench and creeper from your truck’s bed
- Check for bolts, nuts, screws and other loose parts
- Carefully raise the vehicle off its jacking points so that all four wheels are off the ground
- Ensure that it is well secured with support on either side of each axle before proceeding with any work
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage
- Park on a flat level surface to reduce strain on suspension parts
Gathering necessary tools and equipment
Gathering the necessary tools and equipment is a crucial step when installing a 4 inch lift kit on a Toyota Tacoma. Start by reading through your lift kit instructions to determine what exactly you will need. Generally, you will want to ensure the following supplies are available so that installation can proceed without any issues:
-Standard metric socket set
-T30 Torx Socket and ratchet
-6mm Allen Socket and ratchet
-18mm open end wrench
-Code wrench / 2 inch x 15 inch belt adjuster
-Flathead screwdriver with 8inch extension for reach around tight spaces.
-Small angle grinder, Dremel tool, drill or cutoff wheel for cutting old frame brackets or nuts for removal.
-High grade thread locker (e.g., blue Loctite)
Removing the old suspension components
To begin installation of the new suspension, you will need to remove the old components from your Tacoma. This can be done by jacking up the truck, removing all four tires, and taking out the existing struts or shocks.
You will also need to remove any other components such as sway bars or end links that are attached to the old struts before they can be safely taken out. Depending on whether you use aftermarket struts or original equipment (OE) replacements, you may have several extra parts that need to be removed as well.
Once all components are removed from the truck, inspect each piece for wear and replace any parts that appear to be damaged.
Preparing the new components for installation
Before you start with the actual installation of the lift kit, you need to check and make sure all the components are in good condition and compatible with your Tacoma. You should lay out all of the kit’s components in an organized fashion so you can easily identify each part during installation. The components included in a typical 4 inch kit for a Toyota Tacoma include spacers, extended brake lines, shock absorbers, bump stops, U-bolts, mounting brackets and hardware.
Before affixing any new parts to the Tacoma, clean all mounting surfaces on both vehicle and components with an appropriate solution to prevent any damage due to dirt or debris. Judge how easy or difficult each job will be by analyzing how much room is available around the affected areas — if something doesn’t fit in an area as expected then utilize another spot where more space is available. Also double check if there are any factory components that must be removed before proceeding with installation — some aftermarket lift kits contain special brackets that require removal of certain factory parts. Finally inspect every component thoroughly prior to assembly — if any suspension pieces appear worn or damaged do not use them regardless of compatibility issues.
Post-Installation Steps
Now that the majority of the lift kit installation is completed, there are a few important post-installation steps to take before you take it off-roading. Take the time to make sure each step is correctly followed in order to ensure your safety and enjoy a smooth ride.
- Wheel Alignment: Once all components of the lift kit system have been installed, it is important to get a wheel alignment for your Tacoma. This can help ensure proper tire wear and help prevent any premature and costly damages from occurring as you drive on rougher terrain with the larger tires and modified suspension system.
- Break-In Process: Before driving your Tacoma off-road for an extended period of time, drive around for 50 miles or so with minimal braking (just enough to make turns) in order to allow all moving parts made from rubber or bushings to break-in correctly without over pressing them or causing other friction to happen by driving too aggressively too soon.
XII. Check Again: Once you have driven around with your Tacoma and broken it in, take one last look over all components of the lift kit system just to double check whether everything looks correct and no new issues have occurred during driving that could cause future problems before taking it off roading further away from home where repairs may not be as easily accessible if needed.
Double-checking all bolts and nuts for tightness
It is essential that you double-check all bolts and nuts for tightness. While you might think it’s okay to simply snug everything up then move on to the next step, this can be a dangerous mistake. This will ensure that all parts are properly secured and aligned to ensure your truck operates optimally when lifting with a kit.
Depending on the lift kit you choose for your Tacoma, the steps for tightening bolts and nuts may differ. Therefore, it is essential that you consult the manufacturer instructions to properly secure each bolt or nut. Additionally, many of the systems come with specifically identified or labeled components which should be installed in an appropriate manner according to specifications outlined in the manufacturer instructions.
Before beginning tightening your lift components, make certain all nuts and bolts are clean and free from dirt or debris as contaminates can affect their performance when they are tightened. Additionally, many of these kits will require a torque wrench so it is important to verify this and have the appropriate tool on hand before attempting your install job. Using a torque wrench ensures that each bolt is secured properly at its recommendation torque settings; missing this step can reduce structural integrity leading to possible failure of components over time as well as liability issues if failures become dangerous due to improper installation procedure of fastener components.
Adjusting alignment if necessary
After you have installed the lift kit, it’s important to look at the camber, caster and toe alignment of your tires. Camber is the angle from vertical at which your wheel is angled in or out when viewed from the front or rear. Caster refers to the position of your tire forward or backward relative to your spindle. Toe is how far in or out your tire is turned compared to where it should be when looking straight ahead.
Loosely speaking, incorrect camber can cause uneven tire wear; incorrect caster can affect handling and create a torque effect on steering; and incorrect toe can also cause uneven tire wear as well as steering problems. In most cases, you should not need to make adjustments unless they are significantly different than before you lifted it. If so, small adjustments (up to 0.5°) may be made with an alignment camber/caster tool such as our ProAlign alignment tool from Supreme Suspensions which allows you fine-tune changes measured by an aftermarket gauge such as the Moog Alignment Gauge for Toe & Camber Adjustment (#K11659).
Uneven adjustments should be avoided and may result in more noticeable steering characteristics if precise measurements are not taken prior to adjusting any components of your vehicle’s suspension system. It’s always best practice to get a professional opinion with regard to any alterations that may be necessary following installation of a lift kit – some vehicle manufacturers require precise specific measurements in order for warranties and other protection plans remain valid – so take a few minutes and check yours before you hit the road again!
Maintenance and Upkeep
Once you have successfully installed a 4 inch lift kit for the Toyota Tacoma, there are certain maintenance requirements that must be met to ensure that your kit is always in top condition. Paint chips and scratches should be regularly checked and any rust or corrosion should be removed promptly. All nuts and bolts should be re-tightened as necessary. Reinstall all fog light/bumper brackets and ensure they are properly aligned and leveled.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the brake lines to make sure they are securely fastened to prevent any slack or rubbing of the line against a sharp edge that could result in premature failure of the competition line. All steering components should also be inspected for wear and tear and serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Discussion of warranty considerations
Before you begin installing your 4 inch lift kit for a Toyota Tacoma, it’s important to understand the warranty considerations. It’s essential to stay within the recommended specifications of your vehicle when making upgrades, as some modifications may void your existing warranty. Even if the modifications are only minor and designed to improve off-road capability, it’s worth taking time to consider all potential issues that could arise in the future.
Generally speaking, Toyota requires factory-authorized maintenance and repairs for parts covered under a warranty. This means any aftermarket parts or modifications must be performed by an approved technician, as otherwise there is a risk of voiding part or all of the remaining coverage from your vehicle. With this in mind, be sure to discuss any concerns with a certified service representative or dealership mechanic before making changes to your suspension system.
In terms of validating aftermarket warranties on 4 inch lift kits for Toyota Tacoma models – these agreements often bound by contractual requirements from both parties involved (i.e., you and the repair shop). Be sure to carefully follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer and provide proof of purchase information as required in order to ensure coverage remains intact during repairs or replacements due to mechanical issues while using a lifted system on rough terrain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing a 4 inch lift kit on your Toyota Tacoma can drastically improve its capability while off-roading. Although the process may seem daunting to those who are not proficient in auto mechanics, following the steps outlined in this article will ensure that the installation process is easier and more efficient than expected.
Additionally, this article has provided helpful information and safety measures to be aware of when attempting to install a lift kit onto your vehicle. With the advice given herein, anyone should now be prepared to successfully install their own lift kit for their Toyota Tacoma.
FAQ’s
How big of a lift kit should I get for a Tacoma?
It depends on your personal preference and the size of the tires you want to install.
Can you put a lift kit on a Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, you can put a lift kit on a Toyota Tacoma.
How long does it take to install a lift kit on a Toyota Tacoma?
It can take anywhere from 4-8 hours to install a lift kit on a Toyota Tacoma.
How long does it take to install a 4 lift kit?
It can take anywhere from 4-8 hours to install a 4-inch lift kit.
Is it worth installing lift kit yourself?
It depends on your level of experience and knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, it may be best to have a professional install the lift kit.
What are the disadvantages of a lift kit?
Some disadvantages of a lift kit include decreased fuel efficiency, increased center of gravity, and potential suspension and steering issues.
What are the disadvantages of putting a lift kit on a truck?
Some disadvantages of putting a lift kit on a truck include decreased stability, increased wind resistance, and potential tire wear.
What size tires for 4 inch lift Tacoma?
You can fit up to 33-inch tires on a 4-inch lift Tacoma, but it ultimately depends on the width of the tire.
Which lift kit is best for Toyota Tacoma?
There are many lift kits available for the Toyota Tacoma, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
How big of a lift do you need to fit 35s on a Tacoma?
You will need at least a 6-inch lift to fit 35-inch tires on a Tacoma.
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