Do you own a Toyota Tacoma? If so, you want to ensure your truck is running in top condition. Installing a leveling kit is one way to give your vehicle a boost in performance. However, do you know what’s involved and what to look for when buying a suspension lift?
In this article, we provide an extensive guide on how to pick the best leveling kits for Toyota Tacoma. Read on for all the details!
Leveling kits are aftermarket components used to raise the front of a truck or SUV. They’re often used on vehicles that have been lifted, but they can also be used to give the truck’s front end a higher stance than it had from the factory. Leveling kits are popular with Toyota Tacoma owners because they provide a great way to boost aesthetics and performance without having to completely overhaul their suspension setup.
In this guide, we’ll explore what leveling kits do and how you can use them to modify your Toyota Tacoma. We’ll also provide recommendations for the best leveling kit for different uses and what you can expect in terms of cost, installation and performance.
Benefits of leveling kits for Toyota Tacoma
One of the main benefits of adding a leveling kit to your Toyota Tacoma is improved suspension performance. Leveling kits will raise the front end of your vehicle, making it easier to accessorize and add aftermarket parts such as bumpers or skid plates. Additionally, as the front is no longer lower than the rear, you will have better overall clearance while off-roading and navigating steep embankments. The increased ground clearance also reduces your chances of bottoming out when driving over harsh terrain.
Along with improved suspension performance, leveling kits also have a positive aesthetic impact. By raising the front stance of your truck, it appears more balanced while increasing its overall height. This gives you an impressive look that is sure to turn heads wherever you go! Additionally, if you are looking to upgrade your wheels and tires in the future, a leveled Tacoma gives you more space for larger rims and taller tires without sacrificing performance.
Improved appearance of the vehicle
Leveling kits are installed on vehicles to increase the height of the front end, creating more space between the frame and tires. A leveling kit is usually installed with a combination of accessories, such as torsion keys or spacers. At AutoSense, we heavily recommend our leveling kits for Toyota Tacoma’s as they are designed to significantly improve the look and performance of your truck.
A leveled Toyota Tacoma will make it look like it’s standing tall above other pickups and his will give you improved road appearance with extra attitude in its stance. With a leveling kit, your vehicles tires can be replaced with larger ones that can also improve power handling and stability when on the road. The improved aesthetics allows a leveled Toyota Tacoma to stand out more than ever before giving it an intimidating look that is unique and sure to turn heads.
Enhanced off-road capability
With a leveling kit, you can improve your Tacoma’s ability to traverse different kinds of landscapes. The lift created is designed to help the truck handle more off-road terrain types, such as mud, snow, and sand. This extra ground clearance is great for overcoming obstacles that would normally be too close for comfort. It also aids in protecting fuel tanks and helping with self-recovery from stuck scenarios.
The added lift also helps increase tire width. This in turn affects the truck’s approach and departure angles, giving you better traction on rocky trails or when ascending and descending hills. There are even some kits that come with improved suspension components such as shocks or struts so when off-roading you can cruise with confidence.
Increased clearance for larger tires
Leveling kits are designed to provide a few inches of extra clearance beneath your Tacoma’s frame. Increasing the size of the tires you use is an easy and affordable way to add ground clearance. Some of the more popular choices are 32-inch, 33-inch, and even 35-inch tires.
When using a leveling kit, it is important to remember that you will also need suspension components such as control arms, shocks, and struts in order to adjust for the added height. It is also recommended to use an alignment shop for proper installation and setup in order to ensure that your new tires run properly on the road.
III. Factors to consider when choosing a leveling kit for Toyota Tacoma
If you’re considering a leveling kit for your Toyota Tacoma, there are several factors you should take into account before deciding which one is right for you. How much lift do you need? What type of material do you need? Will the kit fit your truck? Here’s what you should consider before choosing a leveling kit for Toyota Tacoma:
-Cost: Leveling kits come in a range of prices. Be sure to factor the cost of the lift, installation fees and any other associated costs before making your purchase.
-Size: Leveling kits come in a range of sizes, so be sure to measure twice and pick the size that will give you the desired look without going too large or too small.
-Lift: Most sets lift up front and nowhere else, but some more advanced levelers use struts and shocks to provide an even higher lift. Look for models with adjustable shocks that allow minor tweaks over time in order to ensure optimal results.
-Material: Some lifts are made from metal parts like steel, aluminum or zinc; some are made from synthetic plastic; and others use rubber/polyurethane spacers. Consider what materials best suit your needs before making your decision.
-Duration: Consider how much longevity the lifting kit offers when deciding which one is right for your truck. Even with proper maintenance, all lifts will eventually show wear and tear — it’s just a matter of when––so make sure to choose one that provides the long-lasting protection required to keep your vehicle level and happy over time.
Budget
Budget is a big factor in determining what leveling kit you’ll need for your Toyota Tacoma. While there may be kits available for every price range, you’ll want to make sure that you get the highest quality kit possible for the most affordable price. That said, even if you have more money to spend on your lifting kit, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be of better quality than a cheaper one.
It’s important to do your research and compare different kits before making a final decision. Additionally, when selecting a kit from a more expensive brand of suspension lifts, consider what benefits come with it aside from the higher price tag — An extended warranty could be an added bonus on an pricier lift kit and could end up saving you money in the long run.
Material and build quality
Before purchasing a leveling kit for your Toyota Tacoma, it is important to consider the material and build quality of the product. Leveling kits typically come in several material options such as steel, aluminum, or urethane.
Steel kits are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, and they generally include additional strut mount spacers or longer studs and nuts that ensure proper fitment. Aluminum components tend to offer better performance than steel but are less durable so replacements may be needed more often. Urethane materials are also available but they may become brittle over time due to exposure to extreme temperatures and road conditions.
Additionally, depending on your preference, some kits may require minor modifications while others may be bolt-on components. It is recommended that you purchase a leveling kit from a reliable source with good reviews in order to ensure durability and proper fitment when mounting your kit.
Compatibility with other aftermarket upgrades
Installing a leveling kit on your Tacoma will also make it easier to install other aftermarket upgrades, such as larger tires, suspension lifts, and aftermarket wheels. However, it is important to always be mindful of the capacity of your Tacoma. You should not overburden the vehicle by attempting to use parts that are too large or incompatible with each other.
Proper research should be done to ensure that parts are compatible and do not interfere with each other and/or cause irreparable harm to your vehicle. Additionally, you should use the installation services of a professional mechanic whenever installing any aftermarket upgrade for maximum compatibility and safety assurance.
Maintenance tips for leveled Toyota Tacoma
When you install a leveling kit on your Toyota Tacoma, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle. Doing so will help ensure that all parts of the truck are properly functioning and provide improved performance overall. Here are some simple, yet important maintenance tips for leveling kits in Toyota Tacoma:
- Check the tire pressure every few weeks: Make sure to check tire pressures regularly to ensure they are always within the recommended range. Overinflating or underinflating can be dangerous!
- Inspect steering components: Inspect steering components such as tie rods and wheel bearings to make sure they are functioning properly. It is also a good idea to rotate the tires every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km).
- Check for rattles and vibrations: After you install a leveling kit on your Toyota Tacoma you may experience increased rattles or vibrations from the suspension system. If this is the case make sure to inspect all its components for excessive wear or any other issue which needs attention.
- Lubricate suspension parts every few weeks: Over time steering linkages can become dry due to dirt buildup or lack of lubrication so make sure you lubricate them with silicone grease regularly. Also check shock absorbers to determine if they need replacement or simply need new oil when they start leaking out of the casing.
- Pay attention to stack height differences: Make sure that your lift is still measuring up against stack heights accurately when comparing side-to-side or front-to-back locations of various components such as bumpers, fenders and hoods in order to get a true understanding of how well it is working as part of your leveling kit setup.
Regular tire rotation and alignment
Regular tire rotation and alignment are essential to keeping your tires in good condition and last for a long time. It’s important to check your tread for wear regularly, and when it’s time to rotate, be sure to turn your tires from front to back every other oil change.
By doing so, you’ll ensure that the wear is even on both sides of the vehicle. Additionally, proper wheel alignment is important to ensure that your wheels stay lined up properly, avoiding any additional wear on the tires.
It’s also a good idea to have an alignment done anytime you install lift kits or leveling kits as well, since these will affect the way your vehicle handles.
Suspension maintenance
Regular maintenance to your vehicle’s suspension is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. Despite the increasing ease of install for most leveling kits, it is important to remember that modifications should be done professionally. Mounting a leveling kit to your Toyota Tacoma requires more than just installation — you also need to regularly inspect the parts for wear and tear and ensure that it is properly adjusted at all times.
It is recommended that after any suspension installation or adjustment, it should be inspected around every twelve thousand miles or twelve months — whichever comes first. This includes checking the shock absorbers and struts, springs and bushings, ball joints and tie-rods, and inspecting hoses or Steel braided lines associated with the airbags. It is also crucial to check and replenish fluids as needed in order to prevent rust or oxidation on components like shock absorbers.
Additionally, your wheels should be rotated every six thousand miles in order to evenly distribute tire tread wear – this will also help preserve performance of the tires over time. Lastly, be sure you always use high-quality hardware when installing lift systems as unexpected road conditions can cause damage due to wear on aging hardware.
Inspection of leveling kit components
Before beginning the installation process, you will need to inspect the components of the leveling kit for Toyota Tacoma. Assessing the condition of your parts is critical for a successful installation. Begin by inspecting the shocks, control arms, and other suspension components. Focus on checking for signs of wear and rust that may compromise their performance or safety over time.
Take extra care in looking at both the inner and outer portions of the suspension components. If rust or corrosion is noticed, it should be addressed or replaced immediately. The bushings should also be inspected for any damage that may have developed after extended use. If they appear to be worn out, they should be replaced before moving forward with your lift build.
Also pay attention to any hardware included in the kit – such as nuts, bolts and washers – ensuring they are in good condition and account for all pieces that are intended to be used during installation. Pay extra attention to special components like Machined Spacers which might require maintenance over time such as filing down burrs from mating surfaces or checking threads on spacers.
Conclusion
Leveling kits are an affordable and easy to use method of adjusting the height of a vehicle. They can easily be installed at home using basic hand tools, and they provide several important benefits.
A leveling kit gives your Toyota Tacoma improved clearance, allowing you to fit larger wheels and tires without altering the suspension system. This kit also helps maintain a more even stance between front and rear ends, providing improved handling and better vehicle control. Adding a leveling kit is an effective way to reduce the amount of stress on your truck’s suspension system while ensuring a smoother overall ride quality.
When deciding how to modify your vehicle, consider installing a leveled Toyota Tacoma or one of its variants that’s designed for off-road use as well as everyday driving. A leveled Tacoma will provide better ground clearance, offer improved off-road handling characteristics, and look great too! Before making any decisions about lowering kits for your Truck, be sure to keep in mind that not all products are made equally; compare brands before making an investment in order to find the most reliable option with the best possible value – after all, who doesn’t want more bang for their buck?
FAQ’s
How much does a leveling kit raise a Tacoma?
It can raise a Tacoma anywhere from 1 to 3 inches.
How do I know what leveling kit I need?
You need to consider the make and model of your truck, the desired height increase, and the type of kit that will work best for your needs.
Is it a good idea to put a leveling kit on a truck?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. A leveling kit can improve the appearance and performance of your truck, but it may also have some disadvantages.
What is the disadvantage of leveling kit?
A leveling kit can cause your truck to have a stiffer ride, reduced suspension travel, and increased wear and tear on your tires and suspension components.
Does Toyota do leveling kits?
Toyota does not offer leveling kits as a factory option, but there are many aftermarket options available.
Should I get a leveling kit or not?
It depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want to improve the appearance and performance of your truck, a leveling kit may be a good option.
Is it better to lift or leveling your truck?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Lifting your truck can provide more ground clearance and off-road capability, while leveling your truck can improve the appearance and performance of your truck.
How do you check leveling accuracy?
You can use a leveling tool or measure the distance between the ground and the bottom of your truck at various points to check leveling accuracy.
How high should my leveling kit be?
The height of your leveling kit will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Most leveling kits raise the front of the truck by 1 to 3 inches.
How thick is a 2 inch leveling kit?
A 2 inch leveling kit is typically made up of spacers that are 2 inches thick.