Buy new Tacoma with lift kit in SoCal

Hi TW,

So I totaled my Beamer and was deciding on a car to buy when a friend suggested a pick up truck. At first I was reluctant, but after looking online, I was like, HTF have I not considered this before! Now I'm discovering this whole new world and just love it.

I have 2 motorcycles, so the taco would not only be my daily driver but also functional. I also feel that this is going making me start off roading, camping, basically all outdoor activites as a new hobby.

I'm definitely getting the 4x4 off road. Decided on the access cab cause I need the 6 ft bed. Double cab would be awesome, but no tandem parking in my DTLA and it is my daily driver. Plus, I'm single and at the most I would take a date out. My friends would just need to uber . Considering either a 2011 or old taco and getting a 6 inch lift or a new Tacoma (love the new gen)

Now coming to the actual question. With the new taco, I hear that warranties could be void with lift. People on this forum are talking about getting them fixed by the dealer. I called 2 dealers and none do lift installation.

Does any one know of a dealer in SoCal that would do a 6inch lift? What do you guys think?

PS: anyone selling a used 2016 taco?

 

I would not buy a used or new 16 Tacoma. Sorry too many issues. Lack of power with bigger tires, will will need to re-gear.
Depending on the size of the lift kit and size of tires ,warranty should be ok if it's not to Extreme. 3 inch lift and 33in tires on a 16 looks great, its what I have.

 

Dont forget rims, tires, and installation. Check out some of the build threads on here and see What they're doing/paying.

A lift might void warranty but only with what Toyota can prove caused your failure. So if your engine blows up you should be fine. If you blew a front driveshaft you will probably be Paying out of pocket.
It doesn't matter who installs the lift so I would take it to a reputable off road shop near you.

 

Thanks guys.

@Sixgun CO cool lift. Knowing me, if I get the 3 inch, I'd soon want to upgrade to 6. I'm just going to go big!

You're right about the used car though. I slept on it and decided to go for a new one. Been calling a couple of dealers here in SoCal.

@monsterkx2fiddy im keeping $5k for the lift tire and install. Less?

I want to get a red one which no one has in stock. I would think it's a popular color. Talking to Toyota of downtown LA. They are willing to do the 6 inch lift and leather seats, but I need to go in first. Dealers!

 

GO 6 INCH IT LOOKS BAD ASS.

 

Plan on a regear, mine's going in next month when gears are available.
Nitro gears 4.88s. Around 2500 bucks.

 

If I was you I'd get the actual Tacoma first before thinking of a lift kit bud. From reading you original post TS, you sound more of a crossover kinda guy to be honest.

 

@Iamsupreme

I know of cases when warranties have been void. For the first two years I'm probably going to be in "crossover" stage with the new truck (warranty). After that I'd probably be wheeling it over your head. But, I appreciate your concern.

 

I thought you didn't need a regear with just a 3 inch lift and big tires (read it on another thread) Why would you need it?

Btw. Do you have front pics of your taco?

 

I wouldn't install a 6" lift.
Lots of work and will cost 1000s to get it done properly.
if you're not wheeling just leave it stock? if thats too hard don't go more than a 3" lift.

 

some said they don't
others think you do

It all depends on preference.

 

You might be, right. I was thinking of probably sticking to 3" first. It's not expensive and less maintenance and as I go, I can think of expanding. That's why I was asking for the pics from @Sixgun CO, but then found many others.

Thanks for confirming that. Sometimes you can get carried away

 

Just being a pedantic asshole but if it's a car it's a bimmer

 

You need to regear if you don't want to have constant shifting or driving 4th gear all the time. Get the Tacoma and drive it stock On the highway 1st. Adding bigger tires is going to make it worse.

 

As others have said, drive the truck stock on and off road before investing in a lift. The Tacoma is a VERY off road capable vehicle right off the factory line. After time if you feel you want to expand on your wheeling capabilities and need the extra clearance, go for the 3 in lift. There are TONS of threads on which lift to get, but ultimately it comes down to how much money you want to spend. Check out my build thread though for what I would consider a mid range lift with new upper control arms.

I took the truck on a 2000 miles Eastern Sierras trip, loaded to the gills, ALL stock and never had a problem.

The 3rd gens definitely have their own (new) personality. The new engine and tranny shifting issue is a known issue and Toyota has a TSB on it.

OP: if you go with a 3rd gen (2016 or 2017) do NOT drive off the lot without demanding they do the tranny TSB ECU work. It has made my truck drive SO much better. I would not re-gear until you actually know you need too. IE: after you get your lift (if you choose too), after you get new/bigger tires and wheels (if you choose to)

 

what kind of lift is on this truck it looks good

 

I

toytec boss with UCA...

 

@MuddyUnders Didnt see this reply. I ve been thinking about it and you're right. I'm going to get to know the taco better and my off roading needs before any mods. I'm a sucker for my cars looking good and just wanted bigger tires What's that you mentioned about TSB update? Do you have a link?

FYI negotiating with the dealer right now. There is an inferno red available in Oregon. He's trying to get me that here in SoCal.

 

When you talk like that and don't add a "bro" in there somewhere, it's very insulting.

 

Well he did say it looks like bad ass, so that's pretty insulting to begin with.