Tacoma Lift and Tire Advice

Looking for recommendations on lift kits and tires for my Tacoma. I want a 2.5" or 3" lift but don’t want to overspend or compromise quality. Also, what are the best options for tires with a wider stance?



A 2.5” lift is a good balance. Going for 3” or more can cause component wear and maintenance issues.

GregoryMesh3 said:
A 2.5” lift is a good balance. Going for 3” or more can cause component wear and maintenance issues.

Agreed. Stick with 2-2.5” unless you’re prepared to replace more parts. For a wider stance, avoid spacers. Opt for wheels with a 0 or slightly positive offset. Also, pizza cutter 33s are great for traction but don’t have the wide stance you’re looking for.

@Keenan
Pizza cutters are better than wide tires for actual functionality.

Rebel said:
@Keenan
Pizza cutters are better than wide tires for actual functionality.

Only if you care about traction!

Do your research before jumping in. Check out TacomaWorld and YouTube (like 88Rotors) for inspiration. Start with Bilstein 5100 shocks, an add-a-leaf kit, and some quality all-terrain tires like BFG, Cooper, or Nitto. DIY as much as possible to save money and gain skills.

@Grey
I’ve been looking into this for a year, but opinions vary so much. Do you think a 2.5" lift is better overall or just cheaper?

TomHarris said:
@Grey
I’ve been looking into this for a year, but opinions vary so much. Do you think a 2.5" lift is better overall or just cheaper?

Both. Lift just enough to fit your tires. Anything more adds stress to components and can affect handling. Lower lifts are more stable and practical.

TomHarris said:
@Grey
I’ve been looking into this for a year, but opinions vary so much. Do you think a 2.5" lift is better overall or just cheaper?

Bilstein 5100s are a great bang for your buck—quality comparable to more expensive shocks.

Any specific brand recommendations? I’m looking for good quality without breaking the bank.

Why do you want a lift and 33s? Is it for serious off-roading?

Gray said:
Why do you want a lift and 33s? Is it for serious off-roading?

Yeah, I plan to do major off-roading and want a cool-looking truck.

TomHarris said:

Gray said:
Why do you want a lift and 33s? Is it for serious off-roading?

Yeah, I plan to do major off-roading and want a cool-looking truck.

If it’s for serious off-roading, consider a soft top, good tires like BFGoodrich KO2s, and eventually a high-clearance bumper. Be mindful of warranty limitations if your truck is still under one.

@Gray
OP’s truck is likely over a decade old. Warranty’s probably long gone!

Gray said:
Why do you want a lift and 33s? Is it for serious off-roading?

Do you mean ‘major off-roading’ or just unpaved roads? Tacomas are already very capable trucks. A lift might not be necessary.

@ToyotaTim3
What if OP just wants the lift because they like it? Sometimes we mod for ourselves, not others.

Kumi said:
@ToyotaTim3
What if OP just wants the lift because they like it? Sometimes we mod for ourselves, not others.

Absolutely valid. But it’s always worth asking yourself why you’re doing it. If it’s for you, go for it!

Consider the Old Man Emu 2.5” lift kit. Start with skid plates like a cat shield and plan for a full underbody setup for protection. OTT tune and regear for better off-road performance.

You might want to address other upgrades before worrying about a lift kit.

Daryn said:
You might want to address other upgrades before worrying about a lift kit.

What upgrades are you talking about?