The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most lifted mid-size trucks in the country, and there is a good reason for that. Tacomas are built tough, hold their value incredibly well, and have a massive aftermarket following. Whether you want to clear bigger tires for trail riding, improve your approach angles for overlanding, or just give your Tacoma a more capable stance, a lift kit is one of the best upgrades you can make.
At American Fusion Wheels in Shawnee, KS, we work on Tacomas across all generations. Here are our top lift kit recommendations based on what we have installed and what our customers keep coming back for.
Tacoma Generations at a Glance
The Tacoma has gone through several generations, and each one has its own suspension characteristics. The 2nd generation (2005-2015) is a proven platform with a massive aftermarket. The 3rd generation (2016-2023) refined the formula with updated styling and tech while keeping a similar suspension layout. The 4th generation (2024+) is a ground-up redesign with a new frame, new suspension geometry, and a coil spring rear replacing the old leaf springs. If you have a 4th gen, make sure any kit you consider is specifically engineered for the new platform since older kits will not fit.
Our Top Lift Kit Picks for Toyota Tacoma
1. Rough Country 3-Inch Lift — 00 to 00
Rough Country makes lifting your Tacoma accessible without gutting your wallet. Their 3-inch kit includes strut spacers up front and add-a-leafs or blocks in the rear, giving you a straightforward path to 33-inch tires. The installation is clean, and the ride stays comfortable for daily driving. If you are looking for a meaningful visual and functional improvement without spending over a thousand dollars, this is where most Tacoma owners start. It is also one of the quicker installs we do, which keeps labor costs reasonable.
2. Bilstein 5100 Series — 00 to 00
The Bilstein 5100 is arguably the most popular shock upgrade in the Tacoma world, and for good reason. These shocks feature adjustable ride height on the front, giving you up to 2.5 inches of lift with a significantly improved ride over stock. The monotube design handles heat better than twin-tube shocks, which matters on long trail days. Many Tacoma owners pair the 5100s with an add-a-leaf in the rear for a balanced, budget-friendly setup that makes the truck feel like a different vehicle on rough roads. If ride quality is your top priority, start here.
3. Old Man Emu 2.5-Inch Lift — ,200 to ,600
Old Man Emu (OME) is the gold standard for Tacoma owners who want a lift kit that genuinely improves the suspension rather than just raising it up. Developed by ARB in Australia, OME kits use matched springs and shocks that are tuned for specific vehicle weights and uses. The 2.5-inch kit gives you room for 33-inch tires and delivers a ride that is noticeably better than stock, especially when the truck is loaded with gear. If you do overlanding, camping, or carry heavy loads regularly, OME is built for exactly that kind of use.
4. Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 — ,800 to ,500
Icon is the premium choice for Tacoma owners who want the best suspension performance available. The Stage 2 kit includes their 2.5 Series coilovers up front and rear shocks with a comprehensive hardware package. The adjustability lets you tune the ride for your specific setup, whether you are running a roof rack, bumper, and winch or keeping things light. This is the kit for Tacoma owners who actually use their trucks off-road and demand a suspension that performs at a high level in every condition.
5. Toytec BOSS Lift — ,000 to ,400
Toytec specializes in Toyota trucks, and their BOSS (Bilstein Optimized Suspension System) lift is a Tacoma-specific solution that pairs Bilstein shocks with Toytec-designed coil springs and components. You get approximately 2 to 3 inches of lift with a kit that is engineered specifically for the Tacoma platform. The ride quality sits between the budget options and the premium Icon setup, making it a strong middle-ground choice. Toytec's Toyota expertise shows in the fitment and long-term reliability of their kits.
Choosing the Right Lift for Your Tacoma
- Tire size goals: A 2- to 2.5-inch lift comfortably fits 33-inch tires. A 3-inch lift opens the door to fitting 33s with more clearance or 285/70R17s. Going above 3 inches on a Tacoma requires additional modifications like cab mount chopping or fender trimming.
- Upper control arms: Lifts above 2.5 inches usually benefit from aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) to correct ball joint angles. Some kits include them; others require a separate purchase.
- Leaf springs vs. coils: 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas use leaf springs in the rear. The 4th gen switched to coil springs. This affects which rear components you need.
- Alignment: Alignment is part of every lift kit installation at our shop. Tacomas are sensitive to alignment specs, and getting it right matters for tire wear and handling.
- Weight considerations: If you carry a lot of gear, choose a kit with springs rated for the load. OME and Icon offer options tuned for heavier setups.
Lift Your Tacoma in Kansas City
The Tacoma community is passionate about getting the most out of these trucks, and we share that enthusiasm. At American Fusion Wheels, we can help you pick the right kit, pair it with the right wheels and tires, and install everything with alignment included in the package. We see Tacomas of every generation and know the platform inside and out.
Ready to get started? Visit our lift kit page or call us at 913-291-2027. We are located at 12310 W 62nd Ter, Shawnee, KS 66216.
