Portal Axles on a 4th Gen Tacoma Off-Road—Crazy or Clever?

Alright, I’m going to give this another shot. Last time I posted here asking for advice, I didn’t get too verbally abused—so let’s roll the dice again

I’m in the early stages of planning upgrades and customizations for my 4th Gen Tacoma Off-Road. I know this forum is full of knowledgeable folks who aren’t shy about sharing their expertise—even if it means roasting my ideas a bit. I can take it.

So here’s what I’ve been digging into lately: portal axles.

While falling down one of those internet rabbit holes, I came across the concept of using portal axles to gain lift and clearance. Visually, they look awesome. From what I can tell, they offer significantly more ground clearance than the traditional lift methods I’ve seen used on Tacomas. Of course, they’re also $$$$$.

I’m curious—has anyone here actually run portal axles on a Tacoma? Is it even remotely practical? Would love to hear thoughts, experiences, or even brutal honesty if this is just a terrible idea.

Floor’s open. Let me have it.

 

use the search function. there are already threads about this

https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/22356160/?q=portals&t=post&o=date&c[node]=292

 

It will be interesting to see if anyone has gone that deep into a new (and expensive) truck........

 

@crashngiggles

 

with the money that they cost you could just buy a surplus HMMWV/ hummer. they come with portals.. and you wont have to ruin the drivability of your taco..

 

I would assume they'd be pretty heavy and add a ton of unsprung weight down at the wheels

 

I’m told $20k for portals. Not worth it IMO.

 

Daily driver? Probably not ideal? Other than that I think it’s a Crazy Clever idea!! Without a doubt the most badass mod available!

 

If you're running portals it's to fit 40's and beadlocks so the unsprung weight is already out the window.

 

True. Seems a little much for a Tacoma tho

One of the benefits of these trucks is keeping them fairly light and nimble in my opinion

 

I don't know of anything other than high clearance bumpers and bigger tires that improve approach angles. If I had money to burn I'd go for portals all day. 74weld makes some really good examples.

 

Nate from Dirt Lifestyle on YouTube is running portals on a 3rd gen, some of his videos could be worth a watch. And he was adapting HMMV portals last I saw, can’t remember what vehicle he had planned for those though

 

Get a Unimog instead. Way more practical and versatile.

 

While still expensive $16-17K for two of the popular options.

 

By the time you add 45" tires and wheels...

 

Do it and report back

 

Let’s not forget install costs

 

If you are running portals and 40's the Tacoma is not the right vehicle to begin with.

 

I think the Icelandic guys who build Tacomas on portals and 40s all the time would disagree

 

The Icelandic guys are different. Let's just say It is not what I would start with.