Best Leveling Kit for Tacoma: Top 4 Picks for 2021

When you purchase a Toyota Tacoma, you want to make sure it functions well and looks good. With the best leveling kit for Tacoma, you can have both. With the factory suspension, you are left with an uneven ride that tilts slightly in the front. However, a Tacoma leveling kit changes all of that with a simple installation.

Our Toyota Tacoma leveling kit reviews will show you which models are best for your truck. We will also examine the difference between a leveling and lift kit, as well as show you how to install it. You can change the appearance of your Toyota truck and get back on the road quickly.

What is a Tacoma Leveling Kit?

You might have noticed that the front of your Tacoma truck naturally sits a bit lower in the front or rear. While it’s a subtle difference, it can create an imbalance or rake. When you add heavy loads to the back of the truck, it might even lead to additional sagging that creates a bottoming-out situation.

If the truck continues to bottom out, the suspension can wear out prematurely. With a leveling kit for Tacoma trucks, you raise the front or rear of the truck to match the other end for an even look and better ride.

Benefits of the Best Leveling Kit for Tacoma

There are several benefits you can achieve with the right Toyota Tacoma leveling kit.

Protect suspension parts: With a leveling kit, you raise the one end of the truck. This increases the distance from the frame and axle, which reduces the sag. Without the sagging, there’s less damage to the vital suspension components and less stress because the truck isn’t bottoming out.

Easy to install: With a Toyota leveling kit, you are simply adding some spacers to the truck. You won’t need to mess with the suspension or add a complete lift. Most people can handle leveling a Tacoma on their own, without a lot of expertise.

Better Appearance: With a level truck, you get an aggressive look that adds more confidence. The truck will stand taller and intimidate other drivers on the road who are still traveling with a saggy pickup.

Toyota Tacoma Leveling Kit Buying Guide

Before you read through our Toyota Tacoma leveling kit reviews, consider these factors as you pick the best one.

Compatibility

If you are searching for a 2015 Tacoma leveling kit, it won’t do much good to search through the 2014 Toyota Tacoma leveling kit options. Your kit must be compatible with the truck you drive. With that said, many of the best Toyota leveling kits are compatible across a range of models. Additionally, you want to make sure the leveling kit is designed for either your 2WD or 4WD truck. Some kits only support one or the other.

Suspension vs. Level

The next consideration is whether you even want the leveling kit. Some people find they would be happier with a Tacoma lift kit instead. The suspension lift will raise the truck in the front and back while providing a more level appearance. With this type of kit, you can achieve more ground clearance and add larger tires. However, it is a more complicated installation and often changes the driving dynamics. The leveling kit, on the other hand, is going to raise the front of your truck to match the rear. It’s a cheap solution and simple to install.

Material

You must evaluate the material that the leveling kit is made from, especially if you want it to last. The best material would be aircraft-quality aluminum, which is stronger yet lighter than steel. However, this material is also some of the most expensive. Don’t overlook the value of billet aluminum too. This undivided material increases the overall strength.

Aside from these materials, you will also find options that are made from fabricated structural steel, spring steel and carbon steel. The fabricated and carbon steel will add more strength to the truck, while spring steel is great for adding to the loading capacity of your pickup.

Construction

Aside from the materials used, you want to look at the quality of the construction. Spacer and lifting blocks should be designed to provide maximum durability. Additionally, a powder-coated finish will help resist corrosion.

Clearance

The leveling kit isn’t going to raise your truck enough to put on big beefy tires, but you still want to examine both the fender and ground clearance that the kit provides. Evaluate your needs to ensure you get enough clearance for what you want.

Installation Requirements

You don’t want to spend an entire day installing the leveling kit and most people want to avoid the cost of a mechanic. Look for a kit that includes all of the hardware you need and has detailed instructions. A good Toyota leveling kit isn’t going to require any advanced tools to finish the installation.  Additionally, it shouldn’t take more than one or two hours. Read through the Tacoma leveling kit customer reviews to hear what other people thought about the installation.

Price

You might want a cheap 2018 Tacoma leveling kit, but you should never skimp on this part of your truck. After all, your suspension is expensive. If you mess up the valuable components, you could be looking at expensive repairs down the road, which would negate all of the savings you achieved from buying a bargain basement option. Do yourself a favor and choose a highly-rated leveling kit from a top manufacturer.

Top 4 Toyota Tacoma Leveling Kit Reviews

1. Supreme Suspensions 2” Review – Best Toyota Tacoma Lift Kit

If your Toyota truck has started to sag in the front, this 2” lift is sure to help. Supreme Suspensions has been the leader in lifting technology for many years, with boatloads of happy customers to prove it. This particular leveling kit will work with your 2005-2021 Toyota Tacoma truck with 2WD or 4WD. However, it does not fit the Tacoma with five-lug wheels, so be careful what you purchase.

What we love most about this option is the aircraft billet aluminum construction of the front strut spacers. With this design, you gain maximum durability and a reliable ride. Plus, the kit itself is simple to install, with handy directions included.

Not only will this 2” lift help you gain a better appearance on the road, but it might just make a little room for slightly bigger tires. You should also notice an improvement in vibrations and axle alignment while driving.

Features:

• Fits: 2005-2021 Toyota Tacoma (not 5-lug)
• Material: Aircraft Billet Aluminum
• Lift Height: 2” Front
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Reduces Vibrations

Pros	Cons
Great value	Some compatibility issues
Strong material
Limited lifetime warranty
Improves appearance

2. KSP Performance Review – Best Front and Rear Leveling Kit for Tacoma

If you want to add a little lift to both the front and rear of your Tacoma, you might prefer this option. It’s a leveling kit that adds 3” to the front and 2” to the rear, giving you a little room for larger tires. This kit will fit the 2005-2019 Tacoma 2WD or 4WD, but only if it has 6 lugs.

Because the kit is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum billet and 12.9 grade solid bolts, you know it isn’t going to fail you. Plus, the powder-coated finish helps prevent corrosion. The company also provides a 24-month warranty for additional protection.

While you still won’t need any fancy tools or high levels of automotive training to install this kit, the process will take a little longer. By adjusting both the front and rear, you should count on double the amount of time of a typical leveling kit.

Features:

• Fits: 2005-2019 Toyota Tacoma (not 5-lug)
• Material: Aircraft Billet Aluminum
• Lift Height: 3” Front, 2” Rear
• Warranty: 24-Month
• Powder-Coated Finish

Pros	Cons
Complete kit	Takes longer to install
Durable, corrosion-resistant material
Superior customer reviews
Allows for larger tires

3. Dynofit 2” Review – Cheap Tacoma Leveling Kit

If you are working on a budget, you don’t need to sacrifice quality with this fine option. Dynofit provides a 2” front lift that works with the 2005-2021 Tacoma 2WD or 4WD trucks that contain 6 lugs. Without a bunch of special tools, you can have this kit installed in just one to two hours.

As with the more expensive options, you can count on the aircraft billet aluminum that contains a T6 treatment. Plus, there are 10.9-12.9 Grade bolts and a black anodized surface that improve durability. You won’t need to replace this set often.

With the two-year warranty, you know you are covered. The only complaint is the confusing instructions. Some customers needed to look up a video online for more help, which isn’t a big deal considering the low price.

Features:

• Fits: 2005-2021 Toyota Tacoma (not 5-lug)
• Material: Aircraft Billet Aluminum
• Lift Height: 2” Front,
• Warranty: 2-Year
• 10.9-12.9 Grade Bolts

Pros	Cons
Cheap	Instructions might be confusing
Durable, long-lasting construction
Doesn’t require specialized tools for installation
Includes warranty protection

4. Rough Country 2” Review – Most Reliable Tacoma Leveling Kit

If you want the company that most people trust, it would be Rough Country. This 2” front lift will fit your 2005-2020 Toyota Tacoma 2WD or 4WD truck with the 6-lug design. You can experience some of the best style and performance.

With the aircraft billet aluminum, you know this kit isn’t going to wear out quickly. Plus, it is simple to install and doesn’t require a strut compressor or a strut disassembly to get the job done. You should only need an hour or two before you can get back on the road.

Rough Country provides a limited lifetime warranty and the kit itself is reasonably priced. However, some customers did find that there were a few added vibrations after the installation. In most cases, it wasn’t that noticeable and only happened at a particular speed.

Features:

• Fits: 2005-2020 Toyota Tacoma (not 5-lug)
• Material: Aircraft Billet Aluminum
• Lift Height: 2” Front,
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Superior Construction

Pros	Cons
Reasonable price	Might cause excessive vibration
Long-lasting parts included
Installation is a breeze
Limited lifetime warranty included

Toyota Tacoma Lift Kit vs. Leveling Kit

As you look at the 2017 Toyota Tacoma lift kit or 2013 Toyota Tacoma lift kit options, you might wonder what makes these different from the leveling kits we examined. As you look at the Tacoma lift kit reviews, you see that each one is made for a specific purpose.

The lift kit is meant to raise the body of the truck. This process can be very involved and requires some special tools, especially if vital suspension parts are being replaced. It could also take an entire day to get the job done. Plus, you are going to spend way more on a lift kit than a leveling kit. However, the lift kit makes room for big tires and adds more ground clearance. If you spend a lot of time off-road, this added clearance might be perfect for overcoming tough obstacles.

On the other hand, the leveling kit is designed to raise one end of the vehicle, so it matches the other end. These are generally less expensive than the lift kit and tend to be much easier to install. While you might be able to install a slightly larger tire, there won’t be a lot of additional room. However, it might provide the space needed to add a snow plow or winch without creating too much sagging.

Installing a Tacoma Leveling Kit

Suspension lifts can be a pain to install, but leveling kits are easier and don’t take long. Depending on what type you purchase, you can follow our installation instructions to get the job done. Here are some basic supplies you will need to get started.

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Torque wrench
• Wrenches in a variety of sizes
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Pliers
• Ratchet
• Extra hardware (bolts, screws and nuts)
• PB blaster

Before you get started, keep a few things in mind.

• Our instructions are generic. You will need to consult the instruction manual with your kit to be sure of the proper procedures.
• Make sure all parts are included before you get started.
• Ensure your truck is secure before performing any installation procedures.
• Always follow the recommended torque specifications from the manufacturer.
• If you don’t feel comfortable performing the installation, seek help from a qualified mechanic.

Installing a Coil Spring Spacer Leveling Kit

1. Remove the tires and raise the suspension until the spring is slightly compressed.
2. Put the spring compressor on the spring.
3. Remove the spring retaining clip.
4. Take off the shocks and sway bar link.
5. Remove the existing bump stop.
6. Lower the axle housing onto your jack. The coil should come out.
7. Put the coil spring spacer in the seat located over the bump stop.
8. Replace the spring back in its place with the compressor still intact.
9. Attach the spring retaining clip.
10. Jack the wheel back up and remove the spring compressors.
11. Place the bump stop in its original place.
12. Install the sway bar link and put the shocks on.
13. Do the same on the other side.
14. Put the tires on and lower the vehicle.

Here’s a video example that might help you get the job done.

Installing a Strut Extension Leveling Kit

1. Jack up the vehicle and remove the tires.
2. Place the studs from the kit in the strut extenders as preparation.
3. Remove the sway bar link and tie rod end fastener.
4. Loosen up the ball joint and remove the lower strut bolt.
5. Support the lower control arm to remove the ball joint.
6. Take off the top three fasteners from the strut while lowering the jack to support the lower control arm.
7. Attach the new strut extension to the top of the existing strut.
8. Reinstall the lower strut bolt on the arm.
9. Fasten the tie rod end and tighten the ball joint.
10. Replace the sway bar link.
11. Put the tires back on and lower your truck.

Installing a Torsion Bar Key Leveling Kit

1. Lift the truck and take off the wheels.
2. Take the pressure off of the torsion bars and suspension with a G clamp.
3. Remove the retaining plates and torsion bar key.
4. Install the new torsion bar key at the appropriate angle.
5. Reclamp the new key to the cross member.
6. Reinstall the retaining plates.
7. Put the tires back on and lower your truck.

FAQs

Will a Toyota leveling kit allow me to install bigger tires?

Most of the time, the leveling kit isn’t going to create enough room for larger tires. If you choose to use a lift and level kit, you can create this extra space. If you can move up in tire size with a leveling kit, it might only be a size. A few of the options we chose make room for larger tires, but we recommend a full lift if you hope to install big, beefy tires.

How difficult is it to install a leveling kit on Tacoma trucks?

Installing a Tacoma level kit is simple and done with basic tools. It shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours if you have some mechanical know-how. However, if you are new to these types of projects, block out an afternoon just to be sure. Additionally, you will need more time if you are installing parts to both the front and rear of your truck. If you choose to add a complete Tacoma lift kit, you might need professional guidance, especially if the suspension components need to be replaced.

Are leveling kits bad for Toyota Tacoma trucks?

The leveling kit won’t change the handling or performance of your Toyota truck the same way a lift kit does. It doesn’t alter the suspension in a way that does any damage, making it a safe way to get the appearance you are hoping for.

What are the disadvantages of a Toyota leveling kit?

Installing a Tacoma leveling kit isn’t just peaches and cream. It might change the fuel economy slightly and create some inaccurate readings if you do decide to put larger tires on. Additionally, if you don’t purchase a high-quality kit, you might end up with vibrations and a rougher ride. You might also need to get an alignment once the installation is complete.

Conclusion

Once you’ve found the best leveling kit for Tacoma trucks, you are ready to take on the world. With a renewed appearance and more capability, your truck is ready to take you places. Where will you go next? The sky’s the limit.

Our top Tacoma leveling kits: