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Is a 6 inch lift worth it?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by HHunterx4x4, Aug 1, 2025 at 5:02 AM.

  1. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:02 AM
    #1
    HHunterx4x4

    HHunterx4x4 [OP] Member

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    Looking to lift my 2021 tacoma sr 4x4 either 3.5-6 inches.I got it a few days ago so im not in a rush. I know i have to cut my frame to fit either but just wondering if its worth it. Also would me cutting my frame depreciate the truck by alot? if you guys have any recommendations for the actual lift it self it would be greatly appreciated


    Edit: Sorry for the confusion guys i thought having 4 wheel drive meant you were taking it off road appreciate all the help and i can take a joke yall are actually pretty funny
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2025 at 5:12 PM
  2. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:06 AM
    #2
    BabyBilly

    BabyBilly Well-Known Member

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    LOL happy Friday!

    $1k for a budget won't get you much. Don't start cutting into the frame, it will affect resale value. Keep the lift under 2.5"
     
  3. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:07 AM
    #3
    HHunterx4x4

    HHunterx4x4 [OP] Member

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    Is this a bad question lol i just got into vehicles as a whole not really knowledgeable
     
    Steves104x4 likes this.
  4. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:07 AM
    #4
    ace_10

    ace_10 Well-Known Member

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    I bet it can get over the curbs at the mall just fine as it is.
     
  5. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:26 AM
    #5
    21TRDPro

    21TRDPro Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, what is your goal? How will you be using the truck. Many, many threads on TW about the +’s and -‘s of adding lift. As @BabyBilly notes - anything greater than 2.5 could affect resale, may require cutting into frame or dropping diff which introduces other sets of challenges which will cost more $. Just my $0.02
     
  6. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:42 AM
    #6
    That one old guy

    That one old guy Well-Known Member

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    Keep it around 2-ish. It'll look good and your wallet will feel better. Nice set of wheels & tires and you're gold.
     
  7. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:45 AM
    #7
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    No, it's a great question, because

    Any question, before you make any move, is a great question, as it helps the learning curve.

    One thing to always consider is function to be followed by form.

    IE, if it makes something perform better for your use (function) then sure, do it in a way that it looks good (form)

    And if doing something major just for looks, proceed with caution, as you might not like the functional results.

    Good luck with your learning, and keep asking Qs before opening your wallet.
     
  8. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:47 AM
    #8
    ridefreak

    ridefreak Well-Known Member

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    Pretty much guarantee a 6" lift will affect resale, handling, stopping and fuel mileage negatively,
     
    JDAM, gudujarlson, BillF1564 and 6 others like this.
  9. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:50 AM
    #9
    Taco-Grinder

    Taco-Grinder It's all part of the adventure.

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    It doesn't have to be Friday.

    New guy asking a question because he wants to learn, and there always has to be this type of response.
    Grow up.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
  10. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
    #10
    RustyGreen

    RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

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    Welcome to the forum :hattip:

    I suggest you drive the truck for quite a while before making any changes, see what you actually need to do the things you want to do before making any modifications. These are very capable trucks in stock form perhaps only needing a more aggressive tire.

    Just about every modification has both pros and cons and shouldn't be done without careful thought.

    Cutting the frame will absolutely tank the resale value.
     
  11. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
    #11
    HHunterx4x4

    HHunterx4x4 [OP] Member

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    Thank you brother
     
    BabyBilly and Taco-Grinder like this.
  12. Aug 1, 2025 at 5:57 AM
    #12
    BabyBilly

    BabyBilly Well-Known Member

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    It didn't have to be, but somehow it is.

    Lighten up dude this is a forum. You get good advice and have to take a little ribbing now and then.
     
  13. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:00 AM
    #13
    ace_10

    ace_10 Well-Known Member

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    OK. Sorry Mom.
     
  14. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:02 AM
    #14
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    tell us your looking at rough country lifts without telling us your looking at rough country lifts
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2025 at 1:33 PM
  15. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:40 AM
    #15
    jmneill

    jmneill Well-Known Member

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    :rofl::rofl:
     
  16. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:41 AM
    #16
    Buck Henry

    Buck Henry Well-Known Member

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    I just cannot imagine a 6 inch lift being safe or comfortable to drive. And concerning resale; you definitely are reducing your target market significantly with that kind of extreme suspension mod. Whatever you do, good luck brother!

    But then again, what the hell do I know?
     
  17. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:50 AM
    #17
    RichochetRabbit

    RichochetRabbit Bing Bing Bing

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    I like to start with "reversible" modifications ... skid plates that remove easily, replacing H11 low beam headlights with H9 (or OEM LED headlights), etc. And even those I want to know why I need them. Skid plates were added so I can go off-road, not because I just wanted to spend the money. I replaced the H11 low beam bulbs with H9 ($30 per year) to have better headlights.

    And traditionally "Friday threads" are crazy things like "scheduling my OCI ... oil change intervals ... based on my astrological sign". Starting one on a Monday will gather much ridicule and mockery.
     
  18. Aug 1, 2025 at 6:50 AM
    #18
    jwctaco

    jwctaco Retired, going slow in the fast lane

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  19. Aug 1, 2025 at 7:09 AM
    #19
    Taco-Grinder

    Taco-Grinder It's all part of the adventure.

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    @HHunterx4x4
    I can't give you advice on the type of lift your thinking about.
    On my truck I installed a Dobinsons suspension system. I have approximately 2 1/2 of lift. I installed it myself after going to YouTube school and getting advice from TW members. Lots of good videos on YouTube and lots of bad ones. Get to know other members in your area. Here in Wisconsin we have a great group. We had a mod day not to long ago where we installed new suspensions on 2 trucks.
    Just remember, do lots of research.
    Be ready to spend some money.
     
  20. Aug 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM
    #20
    OldSchlPunk

    OldSchlPunk A legend in my own mind!

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    Small lift, slightly oversized tires, well...
    @HHunterx4x4, as Dan @Taco-Grinder said, a 2 1/2" suspension lift with 33" tires is a proper lift. You could even go to 35s, but that gets a bit more involved. If you think about it, a 33" tire alone gives you almost an inch to start with over stock. Add the suspension lift and you're up to 3 1/2", which is a healthy lift for an IFS. It's quite noticeable when you walk up to it, and even moreso when you climb in.

    You don't mention where you are, but in some states that require an inspection for registration, cutting the frame will be an instant fail...even if it's re-welded. In general, the DOT frowns on welding on the frame, but many people get away with it as long as the frame wasn't weakened. Cutting a chunk out of a crossmember qualifies as weakening...especially that crossmember.

    Honestly, anything more than that is obviously just for looks, because it won't give you any functionality. That is, unless you're going with a solid axle and 4-link. At that point, you're getting into serious money, and time.

    What is your end goal/use?
     

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