Best Lifts to maintain the stock Tacoma look.

This video is a collection of images of 3rd gen Tacoma's that have been lifted while keeping the stock wheels and tires - maintaining the stock look while giving them a more aggressive look. From no lift (but more aggressive tires) to 3/2 kits, here are your options!
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[@twin2090]

Just bought a tacoma trd sport a week ago and I'm pleased you made this video. Great job.

[@Senbonzakura776]

Oh man this vid helps a lot in giving me ideas for my Access Cab TRD Sport. My stock tire still have much life in them, so eventually I would be upgrading to a bigger tire as well. I really like the look of the Tacoma at 4:50 with the 2.5/2" lift. Thanks for the vid.

[@betorenteria7768]

Great ideas! And actually seeing the results is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to do this vid.

[@UDntNoMeButUWill]

I've had my 2022 Trail Edition for about 6 months and was looking to lift it and get bigger tires but I really didn't want to get rid of the stock bronze wheels. this helped a lot. Thanks

[@davidbuckles9950]

Hey man. Great video. I’ve been looking for this exact type of gallery for my 17. I was going to go with 265/75 but after seeing this video I’m going 285/75 with the same lift level as you. Keep up the good work.

[@DayZeroFWD]

Mike C - Thanks for the comparison. Great work!!

[@Abher-hc2wb]

Awesome video very helpful. I’ve been looking for a video like this where it shows with different tire sizes on stock lift 👍

[@mattinthehat22]

I really appreciate you doing this video. I like the styling of my OR wheels and won’t spend the $ on new ones, but will very likely do a lift around the time my original tires wear out. Thanks!

[@betorenteria7768]

MattInTheHat agreed!

[@MattSchmader]

Great video man! You’re always my go-to when I’m thinking of things to do for my ‘17 DC/LB TRD OR

[@mahi-ai-kalo]

AWESOME video! Got my trd sport 3 months ago so tires are brand new but I'm wanting a 2" lift. Very helpful seeing how it would look with stock wheels and tires. Thanks much!

[@pcotto6878]

VERY EDUCATIONAL VIDEO WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT SET UPS

[@joe2479]

Thanks for taking the time to put together this very helpful video. I've been trying to decide what to do with my 2018 TRD Off Road long bed. Think I'll start with no lift and 265/75 R16 tires. Great video!

[@devildoc6749]

Appreciate you taking the time to do some research and offer some options. New to the Tacoma trucks, just recently got one and have already modified the easy ones, I also had purchased a pedal commander but unfortunately, the plugs did not match to the truck and sending it back for refund, but with this video will look into changing the tires. Thank you for your help.

[@joellisboa6088]

Thank you so much for this video. Really helpful, keep the videos coming.

[@Docstantinople]

I’ve always loved to look of bigger tires on factory wheels on any truck really.

[@MichaelWilliams-qk9rm]

Thanks Mike. Installing a 2'' Toytec kit on QSTaco today and these pics helped justify my choice.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Sure thing. Enjoy your lift!

[@markcarlson6446]

This was pretty helpful fitment comparison's, thank you.

[@garyc9030]

Great video bro..... trying to decide this for my Off-road Access can now

[@jeremyt7752]

Good vid man! I went with Billy's 5100 front and rear with ome 883 springs. Didn't want to go over 2inchs and compromise ride quality, alignment, and suspension angles.

[@hermanrosario7045]

i enjoyed this type of comparison video

[@jacobythomas8556]

Nice video, thanks for the time spent doing it. Very helpful

[@James_r5]

Thank you for posting this video, it helps me a lot with figuring out what I want in terms of tires and lift set up. I want to keep the stock wheels mainly because of $$$

[@DrivenCompanion]

They're pretty good looking too

[@Cobian88]

Appreciate you doing this. Planning on doing a lift but can’t afford the tires yet.

[@DunkinsCrew]

I did a 2” on my single cab 4x4 Tacoma and went with a stock 17” TRD premium wheel. Looks great with stock wheels

[@4JeepxJK4]

I love the lifted stock wheel look

[@thukey446]

Look beautiful beautiful lift kit best off road and climbing mountains

[@stansbruv3169]

VERY helpful! Thanks bruv!

[@bckey1440]

Great video and very helpful. Thank you!

[@alixmallard1202]

Awesome and very helpful video. Much appreciated. I just sold my 2011 TRD Sport Double cab to my dad and bought new 2019 TRD Sport Access cab. Probably going to do a 1.5" front and Hellwig helper springs rear, which I can adjust lift/support with those, just a slight raise. At my age, like to be able to get in and out w/o running boards!!! LOL

[@markcosner646]

This is great info, thanks!

[@jubankta1627]

Subbed brother,I appreciate your content!!!!

[@myrhonbriones]

Thank you so much for the video!

[@Mjr1348]

Great vid and thanks for doing the leg work. I have my 2nd 3rd gen DCSB off road 4x4 and am debating in which lift and tire size. Very helpful video. Thanks again.

[@nicolastorres6990]

Am going to put 285/70r17 on my stock 2006 toyota tacoma 4x4 wheels nitto grapplers with a 3.5 lift kit hopefully it will look good

[@josueanguiano982]

Great video!

[@jubankta1627]

This video is very helpful!!!!Thank You very much for sharing this information,much appreciated!!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romeropostali520]

3:29 is perfection for a beefed up stock look

[@ChiefofTradez]

Cool video man

[@timothypenick5655]

Great video. Very helpful. I took some screen shots.

[@AR-pm9nv]

I’ve run the 265/75-16’s for years on my 2015 Off Road. 32” is great and no worries about CMC or other mods.

[@Deadlypillowcase]

Damn dude thanks for this vid. Just bought a 2018 and had no idea what kits looked like on it. 👍

[@ponceanthony]

Mr Sig45 same here! I just bought a 2019. Stoked for mods

[@dentalriver6]

Thanks bro for the video, I was about to lift mine and it helps a lot 👍🏼

[@michaelchapman4955]

Thank you, Mike, I plan on purchasing a 2021Tacoma V6 4X4 Limited in the coming months & in time would like to give it a more aggressive stock look as well with a modest front & rear lift & perhaps coupled with slightly larger & more aggressive-looking tires without compromising the integrity & feel of a fine-looking Tacoma

[@Scarface6009]

How did that limited come out looking after the lift? I'm thinking about lifting mine

[@ddoghunt3471]

Thanks a ton.. I am a huge fan of the stock wheels for some reason,, and I don't care for offset wheels for rock chipping my paint😤

[@733jigcaster6]

Thank you very well done very helpful

[@chloesamclutch]

Definitely want a lift and more aggressive rubber on my base 07 access cab. I made it through a freak Iowa April blizzard stock this year, only getting slightly stuck once but managing to get out on its own with stockish tires. Thinking about a Falken Wildpeak LT or the newer Goodyear Wranglers. Definitely want to retain the suspension geometry and a decent ride without losing too much MPG. I will definitely say, if you're stuck, MPG isn't a concern but being a daily driver I'd like to stay above 18.

[@ruselljay6426]

Thanks mike

[@ryintel]

Access cabs look the best imo. Great video, I Google all these things too

[@mikehowell9053]

Looks great

[@DMHal01]

Yeah I kept my original wheels but upgraded to a 275/75/R16 tire and I went with a JBA adjustable upper control arm, and Dobinson 2" coils in the front with Dobinson shocks. I had to update the suspension because of the winch bumper and X20 winch. Also you want the travel and handling improvements the upgraded suspension gives.

[@Arcticfox7]

I love your truck. I'm glad you got the long bed. It looks like a proper truck that way. I used have an 06' trd sport long bed, crew cab that I bought new. I sold it but miss it a lot. I don't remember mine being that slow ( from your past acceleration test). Did you ever try putting premium gas in it? I always use premium on my vehicles.

[@94Greenbean]

Appreciate this man, I have a 2015 Access Cab 4x4 but 4-cyl, I’m wanting to run a 265/75/R16 to not need a re-gear but don’t need loads of lift. But the stock suspension is wearing me out man! Lol…

[@niteranger6376]

6112 Strut & Spring + Rear B8 5160 Reservoir Shocks Set this is what I am going with and have 265/75/16 stock wheel...Tks for the video, oh it will be set at 2 in in the front and nothing in back to level it out

[@24inchesinpants]

Probably best look would be the 2 in front 1 in rear with the next size up from stock tire Get an aggressive looking tire and it’ll really make the truck pop with minor changes

[@realronflorida8895]

That is my plan!

[@JPHET37]

My favorite tires is 265 on Tacomas less rolling resistance. I put Nitto Ridge Grappler 265/65/17 on Method NV305 bronze rims looks aggressive 😊

[@johnnyseats8593]

Awesome video just wish you done one for the 2nd gen tacomas.. im looking into swaping to those wheels on mine. But there are many pictures out there to see especially on silver..

[@steelmill2928]

That's sir was a very informative video thank you so much definitely answers a lot of questions

[@timjanssen1671]

Have a 2016 Tacoma TRD off road, 4 door, long bed. Put on 3" Rough Country in front and 3" blocks in back, got 285/75/16 Falken MT's on stock wheels, 1 1/2" Spider wheel spacers, they did rub in front a little, took off the front and rear mud (splash) guards and took care of it, runs just like stock to me, lost a little on gas mileage. Looks alot better with wheel spacers, little leary on them, but its been a year and no problems with the spacers.

[@tawaitai]

I think you meant 1.25" spacers, Spidertrax does not offer a 1.5" spacer for the Tacoma, You can get 1.5" spacers offered by other companies just be sure it's hub-centric or you will have problems.

[@munkymuggamunkymuggaa3411]

Hey how you doing Ron here I like your video a lot I felt it was very informative on the fact that you showed so many different trucks with so many different lifts with so many different tires I prefer the stock look of the truck where it is high in the Ascend and low in the front end but I want to lift it 3in so that the S end will be 3 inches high and the front end will be 3 inches high but we'll still have that you know souped-up 1970s Nova Ascend High front-end low to me that looks pretty badass and I'd like to put 35 inch tires on or 33 inch tires I'm sorry 33 inch tires on that I don't want spacers I just want good solid lifting with the basic 33 inch tires and that will be fine for me I already have an 83 C J that is great for mudding off roading winching and all that stuff I just want to make my truck look more aggressive but I love your video sorry for rambling on thank you

[@rockkstah2550]

Good lift retaining that stock look would be, Bilstein 5100''s adjustable front shocks that adjust from stock height to 2.5 front lift, I would live the rears stock height due to the fact that its naturally between 1.5 to 2.0 inch higher than the front coming from the factory.

[@choiceblade]

Super helpful. I want function without killing miles per gallon. Difficult combo, huh? Is everybody higher in the front than in the back (where the biggest load will rest)? Maybe it's just not clear from a picture alone what folks reasons are. I will spend 60-90 percent of my time on the highway. Right now closer to 90 but down the line I'll want to get out in nature more.

[@orlando_mia4583]

Hello Mike. Thanks for this compilation. It was helpful is helping me decide if I want to keep the stock SR5 wheels with bigger tires. I am planning on going with a 3 inch lift. In your research have you come across any fitment issues with the 285s?

[@steveholder1956]

Like your videos , I've got a 2016 SR5 long bed crew cab . Can't decide if I want to mess with the suspension or not . Thanks an Be BLESSED

[@dixienormous49]

The more I think about it the less I want to do a lift on my trd off road but I do want to put some more aggressive tires. I love my taco!

[@BurtBowers]

Was thinking maybe just get the leveling done on my 4x2 trd offroader keep stock wheels till tread is gone then move up to 33"er's I was wondering @ 2:28 if the owner of that truck could have gotten his truck just a little bit further back against the wall?..

[@ryanwilhite2317]

I just bought an '18 TDR Off Road LB. While the SB is sportier and most people would say better looking, I went with additional cargo capacity. This is probably to overcompensate for my ex ('07 Wrangler JK 2 door). The truth is going with the crew cab will limit you one way or another. How about a 5' 6'" bed Toyota? I am going to lift the truck even though I am an old family guy. I am happy to see how adding even a modest lift greatly improves the appearance of the LB. Cruising through some Taco treads I was surprised to read how many people really hate the LB look. Can't we all just get along! As far as capability, some of the comments that the LB sucks off road are way off base. I recently drove it on some BLM "roads" in eastern Oregon that were absolute garbage and it performed magnificently. Thanks Mike for the pics of all models, very helpful!

[@timjanssen1671]

Ryan, I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD off road, 4 door, long bed, 3" lift front and back. Camper shell, 285/75/16 Falken MT's, 1 1/4" Spider wheel spacers, did rub a little without the spacers, back of tires clipping mud guards, took them off and ok .Looks a lot better with the spacers too. Runs like stock, slight difference in gas mileage. Love the long bed, wife has the same truck in short bed, just not enough room.

[@DrivenCompanion]

I think a 5'6" bed is a great idea as well.

[@tawaitai]

@@DrivenCompanion I like the thought of the 5'6" bed as well, happy medium which would not look too long cause the 6' bed suffers from a bad turning radius and bad approach & departure angles for off-roading.

[@kaimimedina4617]

Cool video. With the stock tires did you gain any ground clearance? Did the front axle gain any?

[@JerryD770]

Want to see a 3" bodylift & a 3" suspension lift..

[@boomersooner5421]

I’ll stick to stock height and just get bigger tires. No worries about my Taco having issues with suspensions in the future.

[@jOEL-mp6ho]

What size tire did you get?

[@k-ripassony4862]

Awesome video,does 265-70-17 no rubbing? 1:57 thinking to put on my 2016 tacoma long bed

[@paulrevere4326]

Great video and very knowledgeable. Any consideration of going to a 17 inch factory wheel? The black TRD wheels on the Pro model and 4 Runners look great. I’ve been eyeing a two inch lift all the way around with 17” wheel and a bigger tire. I have the same truck as you.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes, I've considered going with 17inch wheels and 285s

[@timothyalvarado5315]

Just got a Toyota Tacoma Sport Calvary blue debating what mods to start off with maybe a level kit? Any recommendations??

[@beetlevegasricci6944]

I have a 2011 but with 2016 OR wheels with 285/75r16 and 3” lift

[@marcelguarachi]

i I have a 2019 SR5 with a long bed I’m getting new tires tomorrow I’m getting the 265 70 R 16. it had the 245 75 r16 i hope it’s a good choice

[@kentbummerm5586]

you need to review that defender 110 :)

[@DrivenCompanion]

That Defender 110 spends too much time out of commission in the garage - otherwise there would definitely be some videos!

[@stingmaximus]

Nice job doing this very helpful. Now are these trucks lifted with spacers or do some have coil overs?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Its a mix of both

[@shiftstart]

I know for a fact that 3:36 isn’t a 16 inches, cause the tire has no “meat” on it. That said, slightly larger tires doesn’t make it look aggressive. You’ll need either new rims with differentials or 1..25 to 2 inch tire adaptors to give you the bulldog stance. Of course you need to make sure it doesn’t rub.

[@arturosanji]

I have a question, I am pretending to use bilstein 5100 +885 coils with no spacer and a set of 5100 for the back. Do I need to aal? Or I can get away with this setup keeping close to stock height

[@robinvillafuerte3108]

Was buffing needed for the 285/75R16 tires with the 2 inch lift on the front and 1 inch on the back? Was there any rubbing at first?

[@kaydengilmore4840]

did the off road tacoma with the 285 70 17s on sport wheels need wheel spacers to keep from rubbing??

[@themayor6836]

6:27 best one by far!

[@daoudik]

Do you have the sources or specs for any of these builds? That would help a lot.

[@karaokekid7189]

Can you shed some light on why someone would want different size lifts on the on the front and back? Why a 2/1 rather than a 2/2? Super great video!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Depends on whether you want the truck level or with a rake (rear end slightly up so its level when loaded down). 2" lift in the front alone will level the truck, 2/1 will give you a 1" rake so the back is up a bit. So 2/2 would give you a 2" rake (maintaining the stock rake).

[@ralphkeith501]

I went with Cooper ST Maxx 255/85/16 on my stock suspension and rims 2018 TRD Off Road. Adding 1" of ground clearance. No rubbing issues. On Monday I'm having a suspension upgrade installed. To handle the weight of the Warn semi hidden bumper with winch, aluminum skid plates, I went with Old Man Emu 886 coil overs for 1.5" of front lift and the Dakar leaf pack 2.5" in back. I have a bed mounted roof top tent, 4 gallon Road Shower, bed drawer system to accommodate recovery and camping gear. I was more concerned with handling the increased weight without leaf sage and poor handling. Once the suspension settles, I'll maintain some rake but gain 1+" of lift.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Sounds like a sweet setup!

[@ralphkeith501]

Thanks!

[@ddoghunt3471]

A 255?? Would love to see a picture of.

[@ethancore1398]

What's the biggest tire I could run on the stock sport wheels with or without a lift?

[@gws108]

I have a 2015 TRD Sport Quad cab no lift and went with BF Goodrich KO2's 265/70/17 tires and its been great. I am getting ready to sell it for a 2018 TRD Offroad Quad cab short bed after taking my time to like the new look and get past the bugs the new features created. The article has be very helpful thank you. I would like to have a bit more aggressive look on the new truck without changing the performance, causing issues from raising it to high. No wheel changes or spacers. I would not recommend spacers personally. I would like to hear your opinion on what the biggest tire and minimal lift (rather have no major lift changes) I can go with to accomplish that?

[@tawaitai]

There is NO problem with wheel spacers if you get the right ones as in hub-centric wheel spacers and preferably not more than 1.5" buy quality ones such as Spidertrax or Bora and follow torque specs. It will give you a wider more stable and aggressive stance if that is what you're after. Wheel spacers can be bad if you don't know what to get.

[@CarlosGutierrez-ih4ni]

Can I do 3inch front and 3inch back with level kit?

[@xplorearizona154]

Im gonna do a 3 2 lift on my 2nd gen with a 1.5 inch wheel spacer.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Nice... I'm wondering a little bit if I should have gone that extra inch.

[@916dai]

Can I fit 265/70/R18 onto my 2017 SR5 4x4 stock?

[@austindenning3692]

Some of those definetly have more of a lift then was said, also the spacers come into play with the look.

[@evanfox1291]

(not trying to be a keyboard warrior) those trucks with 285s are gaining 2" in overall tire height and 1" in body height over stock tire.

[@kaihaole80]

What’s the lifts? Are they all coil overs

[@hugodominguezguerrero6061]

Hi Mike; trying to install a suspension lift kit in the Tacoma, tell me, because technical reason is that they install a higher lift in the front than in the back, most in this video install 3" in the front and 1" in the back and only some 2” in the back. In my opinion I think it would be better to install the same level, what do you think, how is your black Tacoma, how many inches in front and how many inches behind and why? Thanks for your answers buddy.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Hugo, most people lift the front higher because they want to level the truck. To do this you need to lift the front 2 inches more than the rear. I wanted to cut down on the rake without totally eliminating it. In total I'm currently sitting at about 1.5 inches of lift in the rear and 2.25-2.5 in the front.

[@edwardzuchowski3154]

Suspension or body lifts ?

[@josesantiago9309]

Loads of info, thank you! I'm ready to change my OEM tires to 265/75 R 16, you think I'll be needing a Leveling kit for this in your opinion ??

[@DrivenCompanion]

I think those tires will fit fine and look great without a lift. Lift would further enhance the look though

[@DrivenCompanion]

Actually, if you check out the video I have of the Bilstein 5100's on a friends white tacoma SR5 you can see a before and after shot. He had 265/75/16 before he did the lift.

[@josesantiago9309]

I checked out the before and after video of your friends Tacoma. that's a sweet transformation. lifted or not looks nice...Thanks again Bro!

[@bobbievalentine]

5100 bilistin 2 or 2 1/2 in front . add a leaf 1 1/2 rear 285/75/16 . I dont like the idea of spacers and blocks . Cheap though, feels not done right ? .

[@MichaelWilliams-xi9ub]

Just got a 2019 TRD Off Road last week. I just want to remove the rake from front to back on mine. Can you recommend a quality spacer for just bringing up the front to match the height of the rear. I may eventually go up on tire size but i do like the Wrangler Kevlars this one came with.

[@DrivenCompanion]

My Rough Country Spacer has performed well to-date and only cost $60. My friend Matt has a brand new one in anodized red he's looking to sell. You might reach out to him: kzbin.info

[@alixmallard1202]

@@DrivenCompanion Also RevTek has 1.5" spacer. Another good choice.

[@davidcesareo3796]

i just lifted my taco 2017 sr5 2wd with spacer and block, but my front wheels are pointing inward from the bottom.. Dont know what to do. ( i just did it for the looks and budget) Help!

[@DrivenCompanion]

I think its normal to see a little with that. Pretty sure they can take care of that if you get it aligned at a tire shop

[@randyhauck3303]

I have a 2020 trd off-road and looking to do the 2” front and 1” back with running 265/75/r16 tires on the stock rims. Did you do the lift yourself or did you take it to a shop in Bend? If so where did you take it?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I did the lift myself but if you want to pay a shop in Bend I'd recommend Suspension Specialities. Here are links to my DIY install: Front Lift: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGTYmHqipsmsjaM Rear Block: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opvLlnqehLh6mM0 Rear Add-A-Leaf: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3qklIR7gqmnrpo

[@lastnightsumpire3226]

I have a 2016 Tacoma xp with 265/65/17 tires. What size lifts do you think would look good with these tires?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I wouldn't go more than 2" in the front 1" in the rear. If you're sticking with stock tire size you might even just lift the front 1 or 2 inches

[@OregonDuckz]

Do a sequel, part II...

[@DrivenCompanion]

Not enough good options for you here? :) If you're up for it I think we should make an off-roading video of your SR5 and I can do the filming. I've been wanting to do it with mine but there's only one of me.

[@randyr6610]

Keeping my truck stock no need to lifting it up. I have hard time getting into it as it is.

[@BurtBowers]

I been tempted to get a lift but i am not a youngin anymore so i have to watch my climbing getting in & out cant afford to fall..