Lifting a 2WD

What is the maximum recommended lift on a 2WD that won't cause ill effects on the drive components? Looks like the Toyota TRD kit is 2" front, 1" rear without any additional mods, so Toyota must feel that's a safe lift without throwing suspension components out of whack. I assume this is done with new struts in the front and a block in the back.

I wonder why the TRD kit won't work on a 2WD? It's not that much more expensive than other options, and includes a pro grill with TSS set up for the lift.

 

Toyota also says the TRD lift "doesn't fit" Double-Cab longbeds either (it will, although I wouldn't be too surprised if Toyota refuses to sell it to you if it's not for an "approved" model).

You can go up to about 1.5 - 2" rear lift before you'll need to adjust (lower) your rear driveshaft center carrier bearing. After adjusting it (along with possibly adding axle shims), you can go up as high as 5-6" lift.

 

But why....

 

Why spend money, and time lifting 2WD Tacoma? Cannot go off road, "only pretty!" Be "highway princess!"

 

Ya was trying to bite my tongue but have to say
Lifting 2wd 4 cyl
Like in the old days guys customizing vw bugs and corollas
way better to sell and get what you want or just by what you want 1st time

 

IMHO You can actually do a fair amount of off-roading with 2wd Tacoma. It has limitations but for many folks it will be just fine. Lifting might allow for a slightly taller tire to get a little more ground clearance.

 

I'm not trying to be a poser. I live in an area that sees frequent flooding, and believe it or not, sometimes an inch or two can make the difference between me getting in/out of the neighborhood, or being trapped in/out.

 

You don't need a reason to lift a truck, don't sweat it.

You can easily run a bunch of cheap lifts without much issue, 3+2 in the rear spacer is quick, won't ride great.

A good TRD but not TRD is this

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...S16BK-1_with_optional_AAL_[Tacoma_16-23].html (cali based but you can see prices)

any 5100 with an AAL or 1" rear block works.

5100's will get you 2" front 1" rear, and ride waaaay better than any cheap spacer lift.

 

For 1 or 2" would taller tires and or wheels work ?
If so it might be cheaper.

 

I lifted my 2WD 1.25 inch.

And I take it off road.


Some of the same rules apply and there are some options that are exclusive to 2WD. Traditional lifts (spacer, suspension) are the equivalent of high heels. You can go up to 3", but you lose your down travel if you do. Most people stick with 2." Again, I prefer 1". As with 4WD, traditional lifts do not give you more options on tire size. The top of the wheel well is not your bottleneck when it comes to tires, it's the steering clearance.

2WDs have the extra option of doing a 4 or 6" spindle lift. This has the advantage of not changing suspension geometry. I think it looks silly, but many people love it. If you want to put it on stilts (or even anything greater than 2"), a spindle is the way to go.



I believe in moderation. Life is harmonious in moderation, grasshopper.

 

If that the case, maybe you need 4x4. One day might get stuck, have to use 4wd to get out, or no get stuck. But it's your call.

 

Just remember there's ALOT more to water proofing a truck besides a lift. Diff breathers and alot of electrical is low slung.

 

Trd kit does work for a 2wd I just don’t know why Toyota wont install it. I’m running the unbranded trd kit, which is billstein 5100 2” and 1 inch rear blocks on my 2wd. You can buy the trd kit and install yourself or take it to a shop. Many others go even higher with no issues, you can lift a 2wd wit more options because there aren’t cv axles to worry about. Notice when you see the street trucks that have giant lifts they are often 2wd because you have so much more room to work with.
Don’t listen to the haters about lifting you 2wd. Make the most out of it. I off road my 2wd all the time it goes 90% of places 4x4 guys go, you just gotta do some sort of rear diff posi/locker mod, air down a lot, and make smart line choices. (mud and snow are your limitations) and I have a blast with it every time! Lift away!

 

Do it, do it. Grab some 5100's up front set @ 2", and put in a 1" block in the rear (with or without new rear shocks), and an alignment . Then get some taller pizza cutters and your all set.

Or, just set it @ 1" up front (without the 1" rear block), and taller tires. But ya, do it, do it.

 

Thanks everyone! I do prefer the "pizza cutter" style tires to having a hot-wheels truck with wheels/tires sticking out 6". What size tire could I put on if I did a TRD, or equivalent lift? Bear in mind I have aftermarket, WeatherTech mud flaps installed.

 

There are PLENTY of threads here on TW about the largest tire size.

My guess is that you're going to regret going with the largest possible tire size due to the performance/acceleration/mpg hit of a tire that weighs 23lbs more than stock tires (each tire.) That hit will be felt even greater with a 4 cylinder as opposed to a V6.. but both feel it.

265/75r16 SL rated is what you want.

 

Thanks...I have 17" Tacoma Sport wheels, but could back into that size with a tire calculator. I thought perhaps I might be able to go taller with a thinner tire.

 

Nice on the 17" wheels.. you may have tire options that're lighter than those of us with 16" wheels.

Unless you're planning on off-roading around sharp rocks or construction sites I'd stay away from heavy ply tires. Play close attention to the weight of the tires. Stock OEM tires are ~35lbs.

255/85r16 or 285/75r16 are tow of the largest 16" tires that will fit the 3rd gen Tacoma with minimal trimming.. but they weigh ~58lbs and 54lbs respectively (for the lightest options.)

 

You can. Search for the "skinny on skinny tires" thread.

As someone who is currently running 255/75-17s, they do look better, but bear in mind that almost every pizza cutter is going to be in an LT weight class... and acceleration will suffer accordingly.