The Tacoma might be the most lifted truck in Southern California. The 3-inch front and 1-inch rear setup is so common that most shock and kit makers sell a package built just for it. It gives you the stance and the tire, and the truck still drives fine on the freeway.
This covers the third-generation Tacoma, 2016 to 2023. Most of it applies to the 2005 to 2015 truck too, though the kits are model-specific. The 2024-and-newer truck is a new design with a different rear suspension on most trims. The TRD Pro comes from the factory with Fox shocks and a bit more ride height, so it needs less added height to get the same look.
Up front, the height usually comes from adjustable coilovers or shocks, like a Bilstein 5100 or 6112, or a Fox 2.0 or 2.5 coilover. Spacers work too, but they keep the factory struts. Our Bilstein vs. Fox guide compares the two. In the rear, an add-a-leaf is the budget way to get about an inch. A complete new leaf pack costs more, but it rides better and holds up to weight in the bed. Either way, the rear needs longer shocks so the axle doesn't top out at full droop.
At 3 inches up front, the factory upper control arms often can't get caster back into spec, and the ball joint can bind. That's why so many 3-inch Tacomas end up with aftermarket upper arms. Our upper control arm guide explains it in more detail. We check the readings first and quote the arms before we start.
What tire fits a 3-inch Tacoma
These are common sizes on a 2016 to 2023 Tacoma with about 3 inches of front lift. Wheel offset matters a lot on this truck. A wheel that pushes the tire out will rub sooner at full lock.
| Size | About | Fit with a 3-inch lift |
|---|---|---|
| 265/70R17 | 31.6 in. | Fits easily |
| 265/75R16 | 31.6 in. | Fits easily |
| 255/85R16 | 33.1 in. | Usually fits, tall and narrow |
| 285/70R17 | 32.7 in. | Popular, often needs minor trimming at full lock |
| 285/75R17 | 33.8 in. | Needs more trimming |
The trimming for a 285/70R17 is usually the front mud flap and some plastic in the wheel well. On some trucks it goes further at full lock. We'll tell you what your combination needs before we order the tires. You can also put the lift, wheels, and tires together in one package and get it all quoted at once.
A lifted Tacoma doesn't have to ride rough. The usual problem is the rear. An add-a-leaf adds stiffness, and an empty Tacoma with stiff rear springs hops over every expansion joint on the 405. If it's your daily driver, a leaf pack matched to how much weight you carry is worth the extra cost.
We'd also say don't go past 3 inches up front on a Tacoma that's mainly a daily driver. More height means steeper CV angles, more wear on the front end, and a truck that's harder to keep aligned. Three inches gets most owners the look and the tire they want without those problems.
After the install, the truck needs an alignment. Lifted and extra-large truck alignments start at $145. Get the headlights re-aimed, and check the CV boots at every oil change. A torn boot throws grease all over the inside of the wheel.
Call us at 562-422-4449 with your year and trim, or stop by Cherry Ave or Paramount Blvd. Every lifted alignment is done on the rack at Cherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tires fit a Tacoma with a 3-inch lift?
On a 2016 to 2023 Tacoma with about 3 inches of front lift, a 265/75R16 or 265/70R17 fits easily, and a 255/85R16 usually fits with little or no trimming. A 285/70R17, about 33 inches, is the most popular size, but it often needs some trimming of the front mud flap and plastic at full lock, depending on wheel offset.
Do I need upper control arms for a 3-inch Tacoma lift?
Often, yes. At about 3 inches of front lift, the factory upper control arms can run out of caster adjustment, and the upper ball joint can bind at full droop. Aftermarket upper control arms fix both. We check the alignment readings before deciding, and we quote the arms before we start.
Does a 3-inch lift kit fit the 2024 Tacoma?
No. The 2024-and-newer Tacoma is a new design, and most trims use a different rear suspension than the 2016 to 2023 truck. Kits for the older truck won't fit. Tell us your year and trim, and we'll match the kit to your truck.
Will a 3-inch lift make my Tacoma ride rough?
It depends on the parts. Good shocks with the right spring rate ride as well as stock, or better. The rough ride usually comes from the rear. An add-a-leaf adds lift and stiffness, so an empty Tacoma can feel bouncy over freeway joints. A complete new leaf pack costs more but rides better.
Do I need an alignment after lifting my Tacoma?
Yes, every time. A lift changes caster, camber, and toe. Lifted and extra-large truck alignments at Ochoa's start at $145, done on the rack at our Cherry Ave shop.
Have this problem right now? Our Cherry Ave shop is open 7 days a week and Paramount is open Monday through Saturday. No appointment needed for most services.