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There are two reasons people get trucks: they want to look cool, or they need a tool to get jobs done. Lift kits are one of those accessories for your Tundra that can apply to both of those people. However, let’s face it: trucks need to be lifted.

Regardless of how or why you plan on lifting your Tundra, we do need to get some common terms out of the way so you can become an expert! After that, I’ll toss some examples at you, and hopefully you can determine which way is the best way to lift your ride.

Technical Info and Terminology

Coilover: A coilover is the front coil spring and shock assembly together as one unit. A typical spring and shock suspension are two separate parts.

Shock: A shock is an oil or gas filled piston that's designed to compress and expand with suspension travel. They are designed to absorb impacts to give you a smoother or stiffer ride, depending on the type you choose. You can see these inside your springs.

Upper Control Arms: UCA are at the front of your independent front suspension (IFS). They are mainly responsible for the vertical alignment of the front spindles. They generally are not load-bearing.

Lower Control Arms: LCA are also part of the front IFS. These work together with your UCA, but these see most of the load-bearing.

Leaf Springs: These are one of the oldest suspension designs. Leaf springs are made of a number of strips of metal curved slightly upward and clamped together one above the other. They are found at the rear of most pickups.

Add-A-Leaf: AALs are additional springs that are excessively arched to provide additional lift or support to the rear of some trucks.

Leaf Pack: these are a replacement set of leaf springs. They are generally designed to have a better spring rate. Leaf packs may also add lift or additional load capacity.

Alignment

We have now covered all of the parts, but we need to talk about alignment. Alignment is more than just making sure your steering wheel is pointing the correct way. Even if your alignment is a hair off, it will cause uneven wear and tear on your tires and suspension. ALWAYS make sure you have your truck aligned after doing any suspension work, especially when adding a lift.

Caster: This is the angle that your front tires are tilted in relation to the steering axis. 

Camber: The angle that your tires are in relation to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

Toe: The angle at which your front tires turn in or out in relationship to each other.

Types of Lift Kits - Front

Now that we’ve made it through the terms, let’s focus on the meat and potatoes: the different options you have for lift kits on your Toyota Tundra. For the front of your truck, there are three main ways to achieve lift: spacers, coils, and coilovers.

Spacer Lift Kits, which are also known as leveling kits, leveling spacers, or spring blocks, are the most affordable way to get a fixed amount of lift out of your truck. This is achieved by literally adding a spacer between the body of your truck and the suspension.

The biggest upside to this type of lift is that you do not need to invest in any other suspension parts which makes these pretty inexpensive. The biggest downside is that they are not suitable for serious off-roading. They are best for looks and lighter off-roading and give one to three inches of lift. Some of our favorite spacer lifts include:

Rough Country 2.5-3” Leveling Kit ($130)

For almost nothing (compared to the cost of other trucks mods), you can get up to three inches of lift from the Rough Country kit. You can dial in just the amount of lift you want with their included spaces to get the look you desire.

ReadyLIFT Leveling Kit ($250)

For a bit more, ReadyLIFT offers a three inch lift kit. While you won’t have multiple heights to choose from, a single height can be more durable over time.

AFE Power ($100)

If you are a little more budget conscious, but still want something reliable, these 2.5 inch spacers from AFE can help at about $100. The aluminum comes in a red anodized finish to stand out a bit. It’s a no-frills kit designed to get the job done.

Coil and Coilover Lift Kits have to deal with actually replacing yoru stock suspension pieces. As stated in the terms, a coilover kit is a single unit containing your spring and shock together. A coil is just the coil. However, they both achieve the same end goal.

Replacing the coils can give some change, but for the best performance, lift, and off-road capabilities, you’ll want to look at coilover kits. While they are the most expensive, you get what you pay for. Not only is it the safest way to get the most lift, but if a company is pairing a spring and shock together, you can be assured they will not only work well together, but have a better warranty compared to various parts you may put together. It’s also hard to beat the “plug and play” nature of a coilover kit.

Let’s take a look at some popular options for your Tundra:

Eibach Pro-Lift Springs ($179)

These guys are known for suspensions components for all makes and models, so they know a thing or two about springs. These springs give you 2.5 inches of lift, but they say they must be used with their shocks. Regardless, you can pick them up for about $180. 

Ironman 4X4 Performance Load Coils ($225)

Lifting your ride means you get to see a little more of the stuff under your truck. Why not show it off? Ironman 4x4 not only gives you a two inch lift, but the neon green color of these coils really stands out! These are about $225 for the set.

Falcon Shocks ($1,700)

While I may be skipping ahead a bit since these guys cover the rear as well, Falcon Shocks are your best bet if you already have the springs that you want. They offer different kits depending on your needs such as if you are going to be towing and hauling, or tackling the great outdoors.

Toytech Boss 2.0 IFP Front Aluma Series Coilovers ($1,000)

As you can see by the instant price increase, coilovers are indeed more expensive at around $1000. These coilovers are adjustable from 2-3 inches, and have a host of other beneficial features. 

ICON Vehicle Dynamics Coil-Over Shock Kit ($1,300)

For about $1360, you can have any height you want from the factory up to 2.5 inches of lift. These units are made in the USA and designed with durability in mind, you can take these in any terrain you want.

Types of Lift Kits - Rear

The rear of your truck is a bit different. Instead of a coiled spring, we’ll be looking at a group of long and slightly curved springs called leaf springs. With these, the most common way to get lift is through lift blocks, add-a-leafs, and leaf packs.

Lift blocks act the same way spacers do. It’s a block that is added between your axles and your leaf springs. Like spacers, I would not consider these for serious off-roading. These will be your most cost effective means of getting a few inches of lift. For looks and general off-roading, these are the way to go.

ReadyLIFT 2 Inch Rear Block Kit ($150)

This kit comes with the needed blocks and longer u-bolts. They are a good basic kit for a decent amount of lift. Rough Country offers universal blocks for around $30, but you’ll need to get u-bolts.

Liftcraft Aluminum Blocks ($40)

If you want something a little lighter, Liftcraft makes aluminum blocks in 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 inch heights. Prices range from $40 to $60 depending on the amount of lift, but all blocks come with a lifetime warranty!

Add-A-Leafs were covered in the terminology, but they increase the curve of your rear suspension which gives you more lift. An added benefit to the lift is a greater load capacity as well!

Tuff Country 3 Inch Add-A-Leaf ($100)

For less than the cost of the blocks, Tuff Country offers this three inch AAL. Some do recommend getting some longer u-bolts to go with it.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics ($275)

Another popular, yet more expensive brand, is ICON with their 1.5 inch kit. While more expensive, it does come with everything that you need, including u-bolts, which other brands leave out to cut down on the cost to you. At just around $275, make sure it’s what you want!

Toytec Add-A-Leaf ($90)

ToyTech has their add-a-leaf which will get you 1 to 1.5 inches of lift at the rear of your Tundra. You can grab these for about $90. They don’t come with any extended u-bolts, and while they say they are not required, they do recommend them.

Leaf packs are similar to the way coilovers are for the front as they replace your stock leaf springs in the back. Depending on what kit you get, these could increase your ride height, increase or decrease suspension travel, hauling capacity, and so on

 

Icon Multi Rate RXT Leaf Pack ($357)

For the most durable and versatile solution, Icon makes the leaf pack that can take a beating. You can choose from three different ways of configuring the kit to give you up to four inches of lift.

Ironman 4x4

If you want 2.5 inches of lift and better hauling, Ironman has you covered, and gives you a three year warranty for some peace of mind. The price is a bit higher at just over $700 ($350 each), but that can be expected with a full on replacement.

ARB Old Man Emu Leaf Springs

If you want something a little more budget friendly, these come in at about $164 each.They are made for heavy loads, and they will give you 2 inches of lift.  While they are “universal,” ARB has been in the game for a while.

Conclusion

Your truck is waiting to be lifted and modded. Tundra is good for it! Keep in mind that a truck is made to work best from the factory. Changing one component may affect others. Any time you change any component of the suspension, it is good practice to get an alignment to make sure everything works well and lasts long.

Find the kit that works best for your needs and budget.  Be safe, have fun, and lift ‘em up!

Image Credits:

Lifted Tundra 1: Courtesy of Tundras.com user HighOctane

Lifted Tundra 2: Courtesy of Tundras.com user brimy311

Lifted Tundra 3: Courtesy of Tundras.com user Beardedbeast

Leveling Kit: Courtesy of Rough Country

Coil Springs: Courtesy of Toytec

Coilovers: Courtesy of Toytec

Lift Blocks: Courtesy of ReadyLIFT

Add A Leaf: Courtesy of Tuff Country’s Amazon Store

Lead Pack: Courtesy of Ironman 4x4

* Please note that some of these links are affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

Trucks are best customized, if you own one, you know what I’m talking about. When customizing, there are so many options from appearance to function. While Tacoma’s are a killer truck straight from the factory, let's be real: we like our Tacos with a little height!

In my last post, we covered different grille options. In today’s post, we’re talking lifts. Regardless if you're lifting your Tacoma for looks or function, you’ve got options, but there are some things you might need to know before you start shopping around. Let's dive into some technical terms, and then some lift options so you can decide what's best for you and your truck.

Technical Info and Terminology

Coilover: A coilover is the front coil spring and shock assembly. The parts are one unit. A typical spring and shock suspension are two separate parts.

Shock: A shock is an oil or gas filled piston that's designed to compress and expand with suspension travel. They are designed to absorb impacts to give you a smoother or stiffer ride, depending on the type you choose. You can see these inside your springs.

Upper Control Arms: UCA are at the front of your independent front suspension (IFS). They are mainly responsible for the vertical alignment of the front spindles. They generally are not load-bearing.

Lower Control Arms: LCA are also part of the front IFS. These work together with your UCA, but these see most of the load-bearing.

Leaf Springs: These are one of the oldest suspension designs. Leaf springs are made of a number of strips of metal curved slightly upward and clamped together one above the other.

Add-A-Leaf: AALs are additional springs that are excessively arched to provide additional lift or support to the rear of some trucks.

Leaf Pack: these are a replacement set of leaf springs. They are generally designed to have a better spring rate. Leaf packs may also add lift or additional load capacity.

Alignment

Now that we've covered the parts of the suspension, let's go over the aspects of alignment.  It's important to make sure your alignment is correct. If it's not, you could have uneven and quick wear and tear on your tires and other components. ALWAYS make sure that you have your truck aligned after doing any suspension work, especially when adding a lift.

Caster: This is the angle that your front tires are tilted in relation to the steering axis.

Camber: The angle that your tires are in relation to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

Toe: The angle at which your front tires turns in or out in relationship to each other.

Types of Lift Kits (Front)

We've got the suspension components covered, so let's get to the lift options for our trucks, what they are, and what they consist of. There are a few to consider for the front and rear. For the front, we have spacer lift kits, coil lift kits, and coilover lift kits. I’m also going to give you some of examples of popular brands for each type that are being used by other Taco drivers out there.

Spacer Lift Kits

Spacers (also known as leveling kits, leveling spacers, or spring blocks) are the most inexpensive method to give you a fixed amount of lift in your truck.  They don't require any new suspension components or modification. They simply add “space” between your suspension and the body of the vehicle effectively giving you typically one to three inches of lift. 

Rough Country

For an inexpensive option, Rough Country offers a two inch kit for the front suspension for only $70. They also give you the option to choose if you want your finish to be anodized red or bare aluminum. 

Toytec Spacer Kit

Toytec makes multiple suspension components for our trucks to cover the spectrum of almost anything you could need. This is their two and a half inch spacer kit. At $140, they are relatively inexpensive, and they are designed to work with stock shocks.

Extreme Terrain/Supreme Suspensions

If you want to go all the way to the max with a three inch leveling kit, Supreme Suspensions offers a kit that you can find on Extreme Terrain for just around $100. To make Henry Ford happy, they come in any color you want, as long as it’s black.

Coil and Coilover Lift Kits

The kits operate the same way, but keep in mind the differences we stated before.  Coils are separate pistons and springs, and coilovers are one unit. Now, while spacers add space to the existing units, coils and coilovers replace the stock suspension entirely.  You can get them in all different sizes and stiffnesses. It all depends on what you're looking for.

Coilovers are basically plug and play: remove the old, put in the new.  Coilover lift kits are a bit more popular for the serious lifter. While they may cost more, they are already assembled and good to go.  Some are also adjustable, depending on your needs.

Falcon Shocks

Falcon shocks... our favorite lift option for a Tacoma. While I may be skipping ahead a bit since these guys cover the rear as well, Falcon Shocks are your best bet if you already have the springs that you want. They offer different kits depending on your needs such as if you are going to be towing and hauling, or tackling the great outdoors.

Toytec Front Lift Coils

Coils are generally inexpensive as well like these taller springs from Toytec for $169.99.  These springs alone will give you 2.5 inches of lift, but add the top plate spacers, and you can get a full 3 inches! Always be mindful when buying coils to make sure the shocks you have work with them.

Eibach Pro-Lift Springs

These guys are known for suspensions components for all makes and models, so they know a thing or two about springs. These springs give you 2.5 inches of lift, but they say they must be used with their shocks. Regardless, you can pick them up for about $180. 

Ironman 4X4 Performance Load Coils

Lifting your ride means you get to see a little more of the stuff under your truck. Why not show it off? Ironman 4x4 not only gives you a three inch lift, but the neon green color of these coils really stands out! These are about $225 for the set. 

 

Fox Racing Coil-Overs

Fox Racing has bee in the business for a while, and for just over $1000, you can get their Fox 2.0 Performance Coil-Over. As mentioned, coilovers do cost more, but they are plug and play for easy installation and readiness. These are adjustable from factory height to two inches.

Eibach Pro-Truck Coilovers

Bring Eibach to the table again, but this time with their coilover kits. This specific one is for 2005-2015 models, but they have everything to fit whatever model you have, and with a lifetime warranty. Prices range from around $760 to $1000.

Types of Lift Kits (Rear)

For the rear of our trucks, we'll be talking about lift blocks, add-a-leafs, and leaf packs.  Since we've talked about these in some way, shape, or form earlier in this post, we don't need to go into too much detail.

Lift Blocks 

The principle of these are the same as spacers for the front.  These are blocks that are placed under your rear leaf packs, on top of your axles.  Kits generally include the lift blocks and longer U-bolts.

Tuff Country Block Kit

Blocks are cheap, but effective for up to three inches.  These blocks from Tuff Country can be found for about $60.  A quick search online will lead you to many offerings for around the same price. 

Liftcraft Aluminum Blocks

If you want something a little lighter, Liftcraft makes aluminum blocks in 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 inch heights. Prices range from $40 to $60 depending on the amount of lift, but all blocks come with a lifetime warranty!

Bilstein Readylift Block Kit

If you want to spend a little extra to get a little extra, Bilstein offer their 2 inch Readylift block kit for just over $140. It comes with everything you need for a complete installation so you can lift your mind at ease! That’s how that saying goes, right?

Add-A-Leafs

As mentioned, this type of lift consists of an additional leaf spring that has an increased arc. They add lift by increasing the curve of your rear stock spring pack. They also allow added load capacity for hauling.

Pro Comp Add-A-Leaf

There are a multitude of popular brands for add-a-leafs including the very popular Toytec, but I picked this one to show you just how inexpensive this option can be as well. 4 Wheel Parts is selling this pair for about $35.

Toytec Add-A-Leaf

Back at it again is ToyTech with their add-a-leaf which will get you 1.5 to 2 inches of lift at the rear of your Taco. You can grab these for about $90. These guys even got feature on MotorTrend for this specific product, so you know it has to be good. 

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

Another popular, yet more expensive brand, is ICON with their 1.5 inch kit. While more expensive, it does come with everything that you need, including u-bolts, which other brands leave out to cut down on the cost to you. At just around $225, make sure it’s what you want!

Leaf Packs

Similar to replacing your coilovers up at the front, this is a replacement for your leaf springs in the back.  Depending on what you get, these could increase your ride height, increase or decrease suspension travel, hauling capacity, and so on.

All-Pro Leaf Pack

A full on leaf spring swap with leaf packs is going to be your most expensive route.  This kit from All-Pro Off-Road goes for about $550. Sometimes it may be best to consider an option such as this to avoid mixing new parts with stock parts.  This would be a completely new unit that gives you 3 inches of lift.

Ironman 4x4

If you want 2 inches of lift and better hauling, Ironman has you covered, and gives you a little extra flair with some green accents. Hey... Colors are cool! The price is a bit higher at just over $600, but that can be expected with a full on replacement.

ARB Old Man Emu Leaf Springs

ARB comes in at just around $315, but they are sold individually, so don’t make the mistake of just getting one! They are made for heavy loads, and they will give you 2 to 2.75 inches of lift, depending on the year of your Tacoma. They do come with a five year warranty.

Types of Lift Kits (Body Lift)

The last type of lift I’d like to discuss needs its own section: a body lift. This lifts your truck exactly the way it sounds by lifting the body. Spacers are added to the mounting points where the body of your truck meets the frame.

While these are generally inexpensive, there is a lot more to all of this. You may want to get new bumper brackets to avoid such a gap between your bumper and body. You may also need things like steering and fuel line extensions. They are also not the most durable option. 

Toytec

This kit from Toytec will give you a 1 inch lift all around, and only for about $160. What’s even better is that you pair these with their 3 inch suspension kits for maximum lift! They let you know right off the bat though that you will have a gap between your rear bumper the rest of the vehicle.

Suspension Connection

This kit for around $322 will come with what you need to get 2 inches of lift without modifying the suspension. It includes all the hardware you needed, which has been treated for rust resistance. Like other kits of this type, it does take a bit of work to install!

Conclusion

Lifting your truck is a common practice. It looks good, and gives you more clearance. There are many options, and it all depends on what you want to do.  If you just need to look good, a body lift, block, or spacer kit will do just fine. If you are serious about off-roading, then a full coilover and leaf pack kit are the best options.

Keep in mind that any time you alter one component on your truck, it will affect something else. Factory trucks are technically meant to be left stock. If you modify them, it’s best to know what you’re doing. It’s always best to get an alignment after changing out suspension parts. If you lift your truck, remember that non-lift parts such as upper and lower control arms may need to be changed as well.

Be safe, have fun, and lift ‘em up!

Images

Spacers/Leveling - Courtesy of Rough Country

Coils - Courtesy of Toytec

Coilovers - Courtesy of the Fox Racing Amazon store

Lift Blocks - Courtesy of the Liftcraft Amazon Store

Add-A-Leaf - Courtesy of the ICON Amazon Store

Leaf Pack - Courtesy of All-Pro Off-Road

Body Lift - Courtesy of Suspension Connection

 

* Please note that some of these links are affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.

The Toyota Tacomas are built for off-roading. Toyota offers plenty of trim levels dedicated to the off-road sport and lifestyle. What do you do when you want to spend the night out in the wild? From weekend camping to serious overlanding, a rooftop tent will make your trip even better.

Why a rooftop tent? Tents that you can put on the ground can take up very little space and can be pretty inexpensive, but rooftop tents offer so many benefits. While more expensive, the size you get is leaps and bounds over most ground tents. When camping, it is always best to stay off the ground if possible to help avoid unwanted critters and weather from joining you. A rooftop tent keeps you high off the ground and safe. They are also very fast to set up compared to ground tents as they normally “pop up.”

Types of Roof Top Tents

There are a few different types of rooftop tents, and they have a few different mounting options too. First, despite the name, some can be either mounted on your roof or over your bed. They usually need a specific mount/roof rack that the base of the tent must attach to. Sometimes you can get these mounts directly from the tent’s manufacturer, and other manufacturers offer mounting options that work with aftermarket racks.

The most basic of the rooftop tents pop up to form one single sized room around the size of the bed or cab of the truck. They generally have a few windows and one entry, similar to a normal single person or smaller two-person tent. These can either pop straight up to a rectangular shape or pivot up on one side to form a wedge.

Larger models have about double the surface area that hangs over the side of your truck. They are supported by a ladder that climbs up to the entry point of the tent. These are similar in size to a large ground tent, but since they are folded up on the back/top of the truck, assembly is as easy as opening it up, and it unfolds and pops up. They can generally be up and ready in less than three minutes.

There are some that are basically mansions. While similar to the larger model described above, these offer different levels and rooms. For example, you can find these with a tall room that surrounds the ladder section. It’s great for a living room to set up some chairs and relax before heading up to the main tent. Since the ground is your floor, you don’t have to worry about weight limits, and the fact it leads up to the main section, you can stand up fully without worrying about hitting your head.

Mounting A Roof Top Tent To Your Tacoma

When it comes to mounting these, you need a rooftop tent rack. Sometimes you can get these with your tent through your tent’s manufacturer, but I would suggest probably getting one you like from outside the tent manufacturer. I did a whole post on Toyota Tacoma bed racks, but in short, they are extremely versatile additions to your truck. Not only can you mount a tent on top, but there are so many storage, lighting, and hauling options. If you get one from the tent’s manufacturer, there is a chance that it may be useful for just the tent, and that’s it.

Bed racks for Tacomas can be found from around $500 to $1000 depending on modular attachment points, finish and color, material, and size.

Roof racks for Tacomas are around $200 to $700. These can be a little trickier to make sure they work with your tent. A common reason people get a roof rack is to have an area to tie down equipment to. For that reason, they don’t have to be level or support excessive weight. Take a look online to make sure the rack you choose supports or can work with rooftop tents if that’s how you plan to mount your tent.

A quick word of advice: the bed of your truck is far more capable of supporting weight. While the A, B, and C pillars can handle the extra weight on the roof, the roof itself is not entirely designed for it. There is a chance the metal can flex and dent. Be careful with your selections.

Popular Brands Of Roof Top Tents

While there are many brands of tents (many are covered in this post), two of the biggest that are most popular with Taco drivers are Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) and Tepui. These and all other tents we cover in this post offer many different sizes and options.

CVT (Cascadia Vehicle Tents)

One tent that will pop up (no pun intended) over and over again in your searches is Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT). They make units from $1000 to close to $3000, but they are a favorite for sure. From two-person to four-plus person tents, if you have a tent need, they can cover it. You can also rent their tents as well. 

Tepui Roof Top Tents

Another popular full-sized tent is from Tepui (now owned by Thule). For around the same price as a CVT, they offer hard shell and soft tents. They have plenty of different models to fit your needs. Compared to CVT, they offer plenty of tents that don’t hand over the size of the truck.

Roofnest

If you need different options, then different options within those different options, Roofnest will be your go-to brand. They offer three series of tents: Condor, Falcon, and Sparrow. Each series has three to five models to get you exactly what you need. If you’re not sure, they have a little questionnaire you can fill out that will help you find the right one. From “basic” to extreme, they have you covered. Literally. They offer a two year warranty from the factory, and are made right here in the USA!

Tuff Stuff

The people over at Tuff Stuff know a thing or two when it comes to tents. Not only are the prices lower than some of the competition, but they offer a lot of bang for your buck. With eight different models to choose from, the ability to sleep two to four people, multiple levels, and more… You’re bound to find something to fit your needs. Unlike some companies that offer slightly different “models,” these guys make each model unique and ready for a specific task. They offer a one year warranty, but have an excellent chart on their website that will break down every detail of each model side by side so you can make sure you get the right one you need.

iKamper

If you are looking for a fast tent deployment, iKamper boasts about its patented one minute setup time! The four models they offer are sleek, fast to set up, and come in all the sizes you may need to accommodate what you’re looking for. You can get different finishes on the shell as well. While made in South Korean, time and dedication is put into each one to assure quality, comfort, and durability. They even offer a warranty up to five years should you have any concerns. These guys are quite popular on social media and always seem to be developing new models and improvements based upon the needs of the people!

23Zero

No, this is not a new DNA analyzing company… It’s based off the coordinates of Alice Springs, Australia, which they claim is one of the toughest places on the planet. 23Zero offers a large selection of different style tents depending on your style of play. One of the key features with each tent is their Light Suppression Technology. With all of the windows closed, these tents allow almost zero light penetration, and they are designed to keep you about 15% cooler! Surprisingly, these won’t have you break the bank either, depending on which model you get. They also have a large selection of other accessories including awnings so you can get the most “indoor space” in your next outdoor adventure. With location their name is based off of being so tough, you can be sure their tents are too.

Roam Adventures

While an included mattress is not particularly uncommon, the guys at Roam Adventure offer the thickest mattress on the market to ensure you sleep comfortably. Their durable tents come in all the sizes you can need from just yourself to up to four people! Their models with a lower annex gives you an extra room below the tent for storage, chilling, or whatever else you need out of the elements. If you like the gaze at the stars, but don’t want to be outside, unzip the skylight! The tents all come with a five year warranty standard as well!

Hutch Tents

Offering 11 different tents, both hard and soft shell, Hutch Tents really knows that each adventurer is different and needs a specific home away from home. They offer your small and “basic” hinge open tents, all the way up to pretty much a folding house. They keep all of their tents as strong and as lightweight as possible, and also offer a line of awnings, racks, trailers, and accessories. The company focuses on comfort across all of their products, and what could be better after a long day off-road? Different models have options such as tent colors and standard features like included lanterns, but you’ll find a one year warranty standard on all models.

Big Foot Tents

Big Foot Tents offers a wide selection of models that claim you’ll have the “best night sleep you’ve ever had.” That’s a pretty large claim. They mostly offer hardshell pop-up tents, but do offer some larger, soft ones as well.

Smittybilt

Smittybilt offers some “universal-fit” options in the event you have more than just your Tacoma. Make sure the measurements fit your truck. You take a gamble with universal fits when it comes to anything, but sometimes they can be more versatile.  

Images

Full-Sized CVT - Tacoma World User trevordavis14

Full-Sized Tepui - Tacoma World User MJonaGS32

Hard Shell Pivot - Courtesy of Gear Junkie

Full Tent - Courtesy of Low Range Off Road

Roofnest - Courtesy of Overland Discovery

Tuff Stuff - Courtesy of Tacoma World user VR812

iKamper - Courtesy of Truck Brigade

23Zero - Courtesy of 23Zero

Roam Adventure - Courtesy of Roam Adventure

Hutch Tents - Courtesy of Trail Tacoma

Big Foot Tents - Courtesy of Bigfoottents.com

If you want your 4Runner to stand out from the rest, one of the best ways to do so would be swapping out the wheels. If you have a very specific terrain you need to tackle, then adding competent tires to a highly competent SUV will help you get the most out of your driving experience. Before you get started, there are a couple things you should know, so let’s get started with the ultimate wheel and tire guide for your Toyota 4Runner. 

Stock 4Runner Wheel Sizes

Since 1984, Toyota has given the 4Runner a variety of different wheels and tires from the factory. In more recent times, there can be many options depending on the trim level. While different sized tires can fit on stock wheels, it’s best to check your manual to see what size you should have. I’ll get into why that’s important in a second.

4Runner Lug Pattern

Your lug pattern is important to know when considering wheels. Toyota decided to keep it simple on this one with the same six lug pattern… Since at least 1990, all 4Runners have a 6x139.7mm medium offset. You may also see this as 6x5.5, and that is in inches. This is the exact same lug pattern as you'll find on Tacoma's, but Tundra's are a 5 lug pattern.

Lug Torque

When it comes to torquing down your wheels, you want to make sure you follow the correct specs. Always double check your manual, but here are the specs since 1990.

PROBLEMS WITH BIGGER TIRES

Generally speaking, bigger tires on an SUV or truck tend to look better, and Toyota gives us room to expand. However, you may start running into some problems if you go too big. Let’s take a look at some issues you can run into.

Speedometer Calibration

The speed and mileage of your vehicle is calculated by the number of rotations your tire makes. All of this is based upon factory specs. If you intend on going larger, your speedometer and odometer will no longer be accurate.

Here’s an example. Your 2020 4Runner has stock tires that are 265/70R17s, but you put some big ol’ 285/75R17 tires on instead. Your speedometer will read 50 MPH, but you’re actually going 53.52 MPH. While that may not seem like such a big issue, that will add up over time if you drive your SUV quite a bit. Let’s not forget that some police officers may be looking for just that little bit over! You can solve all this by getting your 4Runner reprogrammed for the new tire size.

Over time, that will lead your odometer to be inaccurate.  Not the biggest deal if you plan on keeping your 4Runner for the long run, but still important to keep in mind.

Power Loss

A more noticeable issue with larger tires is a loss of power. When you increase the diameter of your wheel, you effectively decrease your rear axle ratio. This will cause a reduction of torque upon acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency Loss

Larger tires, thicker tread, and tires that are aired down (if you were off-roading) can all cause you to lose a few miles per gallon off your 4Runner. Your drivetrain is optimized to work the best with factory spec wheels and tires. While you won’t damage anything changing to different sizes, drag and the extra power required by your engine and transmission will burn a little more fuel. 

Lift Kits and Spacers: How High can you go?

While higher may be better, unfortunately the sky is not the limit in this case. Toyota designed everything on the 4Runner to work well with factory specs. Eventually you will have to lift, change wheels, or trim away parts of your SUV to get larger tires to fit. If you lift your SUV, you can get away with bigger tires. Generally speaking, if you lift you 4Runner, you can get away with some larger rubber!

Legal Note: If your wheels and tires are wide enough to where they extend beyond the body of your truck, you may have to buy fender flares to cover the excess protrusion. Some states in the US require wheels to be covered. Check with your state laws to be on the safe side.

The guys and gals over at Trail4Runner have an excellent guide that will show you the biggest tires you can run on your 4Runner!

POPULAR 4RUNNER TIRE OPTIONS

When it comes down to what tire to get, it does depend on your needs and budget. While wheels/rims are more style based, you want to make sure you have the right tire for the driving you want to be doing.

Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure

If you want a great tire to use whenever and wherever, then you can’t go wrong with these tires from Goodyear. While a typical all-terrain tire is never best at one thing, if you need to drive on the highway and do some decent off-roading, you’re covered. However, that does come with a price: about $253 per tire.

BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3

If you find yourself mainly using your SUV for some serious offroading and adverse conditions, a good mud tire can help. This rubber from BFGoodrich will make an easy time of mud! While with any tire with aggressive tread, you will have to worry about noise on the highway, so plan accordingly.  Budget accordingly too!  These will set you back $288 each!

Michelin Defender LTX M/S

Even though the 4Runner is very capable off-road, if you find yourself mostly on pavement, you don’t need the noise and drag from aggressive, off-road tires. These tires from Michelin are designed for the highway drivers. Keep in mind that they are not the best in snow or heavy rain, and they will run you about $222 per tire.

Toyo Open Country A/T III

For around $145, these are some good all terrain options for your truck. If you want to do some mild off-roading, go to the grocery store, and not break the bank all in one day, then this could be the option for you. Considering most tires on this list are about $100 more, this one is almost cheap!

You have plenty of options depending on budget, lift, and where you will be driving. As long as you keep in mind the speedometer and odometer changes, as well as potential rubbing issues if you go too big, then you'll be fine.

Wheel Offset

This has been mentioned a couple times, and it has probably come up in your research. So, what is it?  Wheel offset is the distance from the wheel hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. There are three types, and they are measured in millimeters.

1. Zero Offset: The mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel

2. Positive Offset: The mounting surface is located in the front half of the wheel closer to the wheel face.

3. Negative Offset: The mounting surface is located in the back half of the wheel closer to the back lip flange.

POPULAR 4RUNNER WHEEL OPTIONS

Now that we have all the boring terminology out of the way, let’s talk about wheel options! This is definitely going to come down to personal taste. What looks good to you, might look terrible to the next person. However, here are some popular options that many 4Runner owners like.

TRD Pro Wheels

 

If you want factory looks and factory flair, then you can’t go wrong with TRD Pro wheels. You can find these on Amazon for $830 for all four wheels. Considering higher end factory trim pieces generally cost a pretty penny, this is a pretty good price! They come in a matte black and gun metal silver color and are definitely a fan favorite.

Fuel Anza

Fuel makes a few popular wheels that are popular with 4Runners, as well as Tundras and Tacomas alike. The Anza is one of their most popular wheels. It is a sleek, five-spoke design that has an aggressively subtle look. They can be found for around $200 each, and you can select different color options. Bronze and black seem to be most popular.

Relations Race RR2

If you’re looking for something that’s modern, sleek, and simple, these wheels from Relations Race fit the bank. They do many many other models so you can get the color and style you want. You can get them for around $270 each.

Anthem Off-Road Intimidator

If you want something aggressive that says “here I am,” then these are it. The muscular design paired with the black finish will be sure to set you 4Runner apart from the rest. While not cheap at over $300 each, you get what you pay for: style and intimidation.

In closing, there are a ton of options out there for you and your SUV. Now that you have the knowledge, get out there and find what works for you and your budget, and make your Toyota 4Runner look and run the best!

Image Credits:

Fuel Anza - Courtesy of Tail4Runner

Race Relations RRS - Courtesy of Race Relations

Anthem Off-Road Intimidator - Courtesy of Anthem Wheels

TRD Pro Wheel - Courtesy of Trail Built Off Road

The Toyota 4Runner is a great looking SUV from the factory. Sharp lines, conservative amount of badges, and a stylish interior. What if you want to be a little different? What if you’re tired of chrome? If you want to be different and not break the bank, you might want to consider “blacking out” your 4Runner either partially or all the way. Here is your ultimate guide to do just that!

First off, what is “blacking out” something?  If you’re unfamiliar, blacking something out means you take a part or parts of the truck that are painted or chrome, and make them black: matte, gloss, or semi. This, as you will see, can be achieved by a number of methods depending on the part.

Here are some of the main methods of blacking parts out. I am not going to go into much detail about specific parts just yet. 

METHODS OF BLACKING OUT YOUR 4RUNNER

Replacement Parts

Sometimes the easiest and most effective way to black out a part is to simply replace it with a new one that is blacked out or tinted.

Covers and Overlays

If you don’t want to go about replacing parts there are tinted or blacked out covers that could be placed over some exterior and interior parts.

Sprays, Dips, and Paints

Products such a Plasti Dip are a favorite product for blacking parts out on a budget. Products like Plasti Dip come in a spray can that apply a rubber coating to the part in question. The best part is that it is durable, but also easily removed. You can also go the more permanent route and use paint!

Let’s get to the main event… Parts you can black out on your Toyota 4Runner!

EXTERIOR BLACK OUT

Window Tint

One of the first things many people choose to do is black out their windows. It’s cheap, and it can be done at a local shop near you. If you’re feeling crafty enough, you can also do it yourself. Tint comes with some great benefits: it really dresses up your ride, it protects you from the sun and keeps the interior of your truck lower, and it blocks people from easily seeing who is driving the best 4Runner in town! Make sure you follow all local and federal laws regarding the amount of tint. You don’t want your investment to lead to tickets and you having to remove it!

Smoked Headlights, Taillights, and Third Brake Light

Toyota’s sleek and somewhat squinty approach for the new 4Runner’s headlights and chiseled tail lights compliment the overall look of the SUV well, but the overall chrome flair might be too much for some. Thankfully, that’s easy to change. When talking about blacking out your lights, it is generally referred to as them being “smoked.” Smoking your lights will give you that tinted look to compliment your style.

With the blessing of interchangeable parts, you can easily swap out your factory lights for aftermarket ones that come smoked out of the box! Taillights are anywhere from $300-$600 for a complete set, and headlights are around $600-$1000. Some of these do indeed come with tinted/smoked lenses, but since many are utilizing modern LED technology that doesn’t need reflective surfaces, it’s not uncommon to find these aftermarket kits with clear lenses but blacked out housings. This will achieve the same effect, but it will also allow the usually impressive design of the LEDs to be seen even with them off.

You can go for a much cheaper approach, but be aware that it may look cheaper, not last as long, and could cost you a lot in tickets if you do it the wrong way (I’ll get to that in a second.) There is film/vinyl available for around $60 that simply sticks over the plastic and spray coatings for around $20.

Film or vinyl covers can either come pre-cut to size, or you can use a large sheet of it, and form it to your lights yourself, and cut as needed.

While I generally encourage people to try something new and take a risk, I would suggest a complete swap of pre-tinted/smoked lights. A big reason is time. A good set of smoked lights will last the length of the truck. Film and spray coatings will shrink and become brittle with age. UV rays and incandescent bulbs will expedite the problem. When it gets that dry, it’s not the easiest or most fun thing to get off.

Remember the ticket thing I mentioned? Headlights and taillights are designed to help you see what’s around you, and for other drivers to be able to see you. The US Department of Transportation (or your country’s equivalent) takes that very seriously, and they regulate what is and what is not allowed. Local police will enforce that. If you tint something yourself, you could run the risk of doing too much, and you could have to pay for it. If you get a kit out of the box, they are generally (DOT) approved and safe for use. Of course, please check before buying.

Front and Rear “Toyota” Emblems

Thankfully Toyota was nice enough to ditch fender mounted emblems, but we still have the front and rear ones. However if you don’t like seeing a giant chrome “T,” there are ways to change that. You can find overlay kits, like this 4Runner emblem overlay kit on Amazon, that will allow you to place a blacked out version over the emblem. Another popular option would to be to break out a can of Plasti Dip or paint.

If you have “TOYOTA” across the front, your best bet is going to be to attack it with a can of Plasti Dip or spray paint, or to replace the letters with black letters.

Tailgate 4RUNNER

The raised 4RUNNER emblem on the back sticks out well, and for some, that might not be desirable. Thankfully you can deal with the number and letters the same way as you did the Toyota emblems: spray them, overlay them or directly replace them! Lucky for you, with a little heat, they will pull right off and you can replace them with the letters that we sell here. It's super fast and super clean. They are $21.99 and you can buy them here.

Wheels

This is where things can get a little pricey. However, it is one of the first things people see when looking at your SUV. They stand out! It could be worth some investment, but let’s talk about some options.

Some of the less expensive options would be “dipping” or “wrapping.” When you “dip” your wheels, you’re referring to spraying them with something such as Plasti Dip. Matte black Plasti Dip is very popular on wheels, and there are lots of pictures and videos online of people doing it. You’ll need more than one can, but you’ll also want to have some backups for when they chip and peel over time. It’s easy to reapply!

“Wrapping” refers to covering the wheels in vinyl. While usually better looking than dipping, it’s not as easy to repair if you get curb rash or other dings. You can also get overlays for some models. They are basically form fitting “hubcaps” that will snap over your existing wheel, turning them into black wheels!

Whatever you do, avoid spray paint at all costs. You will hate your wheels.

While it is your most expensive option, it will be your longest lasting and best looking option: new wheels. This can get very expensive. For example, you can get a set of 4Runner TRD Pro wheels off Amazon, but it will cost $1200. If you have the cash, they are fantastic options. Used wheels are a great option and can be far cheaper, but make sure you inspect them first.

Bumpers

Certain trim models for the 2022 lineup get a bit of chrome up front. Well, it’s actually quite a lot of chrome: the middle section of the bumper, the fog light bezels, and some extra trim. For the time being, your best bet will be Plasti Dip, or something like that. The Nightshade edition has that same trim, but it’s black. You might be able to order that trim in black, and replace your chrome parts with it. However, I cannot confirm that fitment, so order with caution.

INTERIOR BLACK OUT

While the outside is great for showing off (and looking over your shoulder with admiration when you park), the interior is what you see the most of. Might as well make it what you want, right?

Climate Knobs

If you’re not a fan of the bright and flashy A/C control knobs, AJT Design has you covered! For $45 - $65, pop on these covers, and transform the interior. They have a rugged look and come in many different colors (though we know you want black). You can also grab a kit that will black out your radio knobs as well.

Steering Wheel Logo

To keep the shape of the logo, Plasti Dip or paint can lead to good results. If you want something fast and easy, we sell an overlay that you can buy here for $19.99. 

Start Button

Last but not least is the start button. This overlay from AJT Design not only changes the look of one of the first and last things you touch, but it will only set you back $23!

All Trim Vinyl Wrap

If you want to go all out and cover everything, wrapping all non black trim in black vinyl is a very cost effective solution. You could grab a large sheet and do it yourself, but Rvinyl offers a pre-cut kit for your 4Runner.

NIGHTSHADE EDITION

If you want to get everything black from the factory, you do have that option if you order the 2022 Nightshade edition! The wheels are black, trim is black, emblems are black, and you get a black exhaust tip. The interior gets the dark treatment as well! While you will still find some brighter knobs and trims in the interior, it still fits the build. While it will cost you just over $47,000, if you want to start new and warrantied, call up your local Toyota dealer today!

The blacked out look is popular and looks good. The best part is that there are so many different cost options to get the look you want. Just make sure to follow all of your local and federal laws, and have at it!

Image Credits

• Blacked Out 4Runner: Courtesy of VIP Auto Accessories Blog
• Interior Trim: Courtesy of AJT Design
• TRD Pro Wheels: Olathe Toyota