Tacoma Armor Discussion: Skid Plates and Oil Change Access

k2idle · 2025-09-11T17:22:55+00:00

Best Budget Lift Kits for the 2024+ Tacoma When picking an entry-level lift kit for your Tacoma, the first step is figuring out your goals. Do you just want the truck to sit a little taller for daily driving and looks? Are you trying to clear a specific tire size without major trimming? Or do you plan on wheeling the truck hard and need the extra geometry correction for off-road performance? Basic lift kits usually rely on spacers and preload collars. These raise the truck at a lower cost and keep your factory shocks, but they don’t always address suspension geometry. That’s where upper control arms (UCAs) come in. A kit that includes UCAs gives you better alignment numbers and ball joint angles, which pays off in tire wear, steering feel, and long-term durability. Entry kits also differ in how much height they provide. A modest 2–2.5" lift often keeps the truck driving close to stock and only needs an alignment. Going 3" or higher usually requires extra parts like differential drops, track bar brackets, or bump stop spacers. The higher you go, the more you’re stepping toward a full suspension setup. Knowing your target tire size, budget, and how much effort you want to put into the install will help narrow down which kit is best for your truck. Peak Suspension – 2-Piece Summit Kit This kit lifts the Tacoma about 2.25" up front using a two-piece design and gives you the option of 1" or 2" rear spacers. Tubular UCAs are included to keep alignment and geometry in check. 2.25" front lift 1" or 2" rear spacers Tubular UCAs included Clears up to 35" tires with proper offset Find it online at Tacoma Force: https://www.tacomaforce.com/products/2-piece-summit-kit-lift-4th-gen Ironman 4x4 – 3" Lift & Level Kit A budget spacer setup that nets about 3" of lift in the front and 1" in the rear. Good for stance and bigger tires if you’re running a coil-rear Tacoma. 3" front, 1" rear Strut, coil, and preload spacers Fits coil-spring rear models only Bolt-on install Find it online: https://www.ironman4x4.com/products/3-lift-level-kit-toyota-tacoma-2024-76119001 Westcott Designs – Preload Collar Lift Kit This preload collar system reuses your factory shocks and springs to keep the ride close to stock. It provides a modest lift without needing UCAs. 2.50" front, 0.75" rear No UCA required CNC-machined collars, anodized finish Fits up to 35" tires with proper offset Find it online: https://westcottdesigns.net/product/2024-2025-toyota-tacoma-preload-collar-lift-kit-trd-off-road-trd-sport-sr5/ Rough Country – 3.5" Lift Kit A taller more intensive entry-level package that raises the Tacoma 3.5" and includes geometry assist. Comes with upgraded UCAs. 3.5" lift Upper control arms included Bolt-on install Find it online at Tacoma Force: https://www.tacomaforce.com/products/4g-tacoma-3-5-inch-lift-kit-trd-offroad ReadyLIFT – 3" SST Lift Kit This kit delivers 3" in the front and 2" in the rear with spacers and includes UCAs. ReadyLIFT provides clear tire fitment charts up to 35s with the right wheel offset. 3" front, 2" rear Tubular UCAs included Diff drop, shock extenders, bump stops Find it online: https://www.readylift.com/3-sst-lift-kit-toyota-tacoma-2024.html Don’t Forget the Track Bar Angle Anytime you lift the rear of your Tacoma, you change the angle of the track (panhard) bar. When that angle gets too steep, it will result in unstable handling. The fix is a relocation bracket that raises the axle-side mount and levels things back out. The best option right now is the DR.KDSS Bracket, which I’ve already done a full write-up on here: Track Bar Relocation Upgrade by DR.KDSS Find it online at Tacoma Force: https://www.tacomaforce.com/products/botck-trackbar-relocation-kit-4th-gen-tacoma Final Thoughts Entry-level lift kits are all about trade-offs: cost, height, and how much you want to mess with alignment and install. If you want to keep things simple, Westcott or Peak are easy choices. If you want more height, Rough Country or ReadyLIFT will get you there, just be ready for more changes. Ironman is the cheapest way up, but you’re skipping UCAs. Pick based on how you’ll use your truck and the tires you want to clear.

TrdMarkey

Member

Jul 7, 2025

I recently added some factory armor to the front and differential of my Tacoma. I'm still waiting for the sliders to arrive and mulling over whether to get the transfer case skid plate available for the Trailhunter model.

One thing caught my eye: the new TRD front skid plate no longer has an access point for oil changes. I’m guessing this is because the oil filter’s been relocated, which I'm still yet to confirm. I can't lie, this really stood out compared to older plates I’ve checked out.