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You want your third-gen Tacoma to sit taller, fit bigger tires, and look proper—without turning your everyday drive into a punishing, clunky mess. The problem is that lift kits come in wildly different forms: some are simple spacers that keep your stock shocks, some swap out the whole strut assembly, and a few include the upper control arms you might need to avoid rubbing. This guide breaks down three kits that hit different price points, so you can match the right setup to the way you actually use your truck.
This guide compares published specs and verified customer reviews to highlight each kit’s real strengths and trade-offs.
if you need a budget-friendly level or a full bolt-on overhaul, this breakdown of the 3rd gen tacoma lift kit will help you sort the essential from the optional.
Quick Picks
- Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit w/N3 Struts — Premium Pick
- Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks — Best Value
- TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit — Budget Champion (6-lug only)
How To Choose The Best Lift Kit
The main distinction in Tacoma lift kits is whether you keep your factory struts or replace them entirely. Spacer-style lifts (like the TORCH kit below) are cheaper and easier to install but often cause a stiffer ride because they preload the spring. Full strut-replacement kits (like the Rough Country 3.5″) can maintain a more comfortable feel because the coil spring and shock are designed for the taller height from the start. You’ll also need to watch for upper control arm (UCA) clearance, model-year fitment, and whether the kit includes a differential drop or sway bar relocation brackets—these small extras stop driveline vibration and sway bar binding.
Spacer vs Strut-Replacement
Spacers sit on top of your factory strut assembly to push the vehicle higher. They are affordable (often under ) and straightforward to install in a driveway with basic tools. The trade-off is a firmer ride because the suspension is compressed into a smaller travel range. Strut-replacement kits (loaded coilovers) swap the entire front shock and spring, which allows engineers to match damping and spring rate to the increased height. These kits cost more (often +) and take longer to install, but reviewers consistently say the on-road comfort is closer to factory.
When Upper Control Arms (UCAs) Matter
Once you go beyond about 2.5 inches of lift, the angle of the stock upper control arm can cause it to hit the spring coil during full droop (when the suspension is fully extended, like when jacking up the truck). This is a safety and handling issue. Rough Country’s premium kit includes upgraded UCAs, which is one reason it costs more. The budget kit from Rough Country (the 3-inch) may require aftermarket UCAs if you notice contact—buyers report needing them. If you plan on off-road use where the suspension cycles through its full travel, a kit with included UCAs is the safer bet.
Maximum Lift Height and Real-World Clearance
A “3-inch lift” is the advertised height, but real-world results vary based on your Tacoma’s suspension sag, accessories, and the specific spacer or strut design. Both kits in this list are rated for 3 to 3.5 inches. The critical clearance goal for most third-gen owners is fitting 285/70/17 tires (roughly 33 inches) without cutting metal or rubbing on the body mount at full steering lock. The Rough Country 3-inch kit can clear these tires with minor rub at full lock reverse, per a verified buyer, while the TORCH kit buyers pair the lift with 2-inch wheel spacers to fit the same size.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Max Lift Height | Weight (lbs) | Includes UCAs | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit | Premium ride & full clearance | 3.5 Inches | — | Yes | $849.95Amazon |
| Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks | Budget-friendly big tire fit | 3 Inches | 26.8 Pounds | No (may require aftermarket) | $259.95Amazon |
| TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit | Budget-friendly with complete hardware; 6-lug models only | 3 Inches | 18 Pounds | No | $289.95Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Rough Country 3.5″ Bolt-On Lift Kit w/N3 Struts
The all-in-one kit that delivers 3.5 inches of height without giving up a smooth daily ride.
That extra height comes from a full strut replacement—the front N3 loaded coil spring struts eliminate the need for a separate spacer, and the kit includes N3 rear shocks, a differential spacer (a bracket that lowers the front differential about an inch to reduce CV axle angle), and crucially, upgraded upper control arms. The UCAs solve the contact issue that can happen on a stock Tacoma when the suspension fully droops (extends completely, like when jacking the truck up), and they come with zerk fittings (grease ports) so you can grease the ball joints during routine maintenance.
Owners mention the install takes about 6 hours, and one reviewer who installed it on a 2017 Tacoma with 285/70 R17 tires said “it rides perfect” and “tracks down the road like it was never lifted.” Another noted the V3 shocks feel stiff at first but need about a month to break in. The catch here is that one verified buyer received a UCAs with a crushed bushing sleeve from the start, and customer service’s “it happens” response left the truck on jack stands for days waiting for a replacement—so quality control on the individual parts can be inconsistent, even if the eventual ride quality is praised.
Compared to the TORCH kit below, this Rough Country setup is heavier and more complex to install because you are swapping the entire strut assembly rather than stacking a spacer. But if you want the best chance of a comfortable, rattle-free daily driver that can also handle weekend off-road trails without sagging, this is the one most buyers recommend.
Ride-first design: The loaded struts and included UCAs mean you get a properly engineered lift, not a budget compromise. The trade-off is the premium price and the rare but real risk of receiving a damaged part from the start.
For the serious owner who values comfort: If your Tacoma is a daily driver first and an off-roader second, and you have the budget for a full strut-replacement setup, this kit gives you the most OEM-like ride and the highest clearance of the three.
If you want a simple weekend project: The 6-hour install time and the need to handle full suspension disassembly might be more than a beginner garage mechanic wants to take on.
2. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks
The entry-level lift that clears 33-inch tires while staying affordable—but be ready for extra parts.
At 26.8 pounds, this kit is significantly heavier than the TORCH spacer kit (which comes in at 18 pounds), and that difference tells you it includes actual N3 shock absorbers rather than just strut spacers. The configuration is a spacer-over-strut design for the front and lift blocks for the rear, giving you a maximum of 3 inches of lift. One buyer reports it “clears 285/75/16 or 285/70/17 tires with minor rub at full lock reverse,” which is exactly the big-tire fitment most third-gen Tacoma owners are after.
The catch is the fitment issue with the factory upper control arms. A verified buyer who installed it on a 2021 Tacoma found that “upper control arm contacts spring during full droop (e.g., jacking),” and advises you will need aftermarket UCAs. Rough Country sells a separate set (the 3.5-inch lift arms) for exactly this reason, so factor that extra cost into your budget. The install itself is straightforward—multiple reviews call it “easy to install if you own the tools and shop.” Unlike the premium 3.5-inch kit above, there are no loaded coilovers here, so the ride will be firmer than factory, but the good news is it still uses N3 shock bodies which are valved for decent on-road damping.
If you want to level the front of your truck and fit 33s without spending on a full strut assembly, this kit gets you there. Just plan to add a set of aftermarket UCAs (like the Rough Country 3.5-inch or a SPC adjustable arm) to avoid the contact issue when you do any off-road articulation or even a simple tire change.
What it does well
- Clears 285/75/16 and 285/70/17 tires with only minor rub at full lock reverse
- Includes actual N3 shock absorbers, not just cheap spacers
- Backed by Rough Country’s limited lifetime replacement warranty
- Easy installation for a DIY owner with standard shop tools
What you need to know
- May require aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) to avoid spring contact at full droop
- Ride is firmer than factory since it uses a spacer-over-strut design rather than a full coilover replacement
- At 26.8 pounds, it’s heavier than some competing spacer-only kits
Reach for this if: You are on a tighter budget and want a proven, name-brand lift that will fit 33-inch tires for moderate off-road use.
Look elsewhere if: You want a perfectly comfortable highway ride or you want a single-box solution that includes everything you need (UCAs, diff drop, and sway bar relocation) with no surprises.
3. TORCH 3″ Full Lift Kit
A complete hardware bundle for less than, but the actual lift height might leave you wanting more.
This is a spacer-plus-block kit, meaning it goes over your existing factory struts and leaf springs to push the vehicle higher. At 18 pounds, compared to the Rough Country 3-inch kit’s 26.8 pounds, it is lighter because it does not include any shock absorbers—just strut spacers, lift blocks for the rear, a differential drop kit, a sway bar relocation kit, extended rear shocks, and all the hardware. The kit is designed for 6-lug models only (4X4 4WD SR5 and TRD trims), so if you have a 5-lug Tacoma, this will not fit.
The notable catch, according to verified buyer feedback, is that the front lift may not reach a full 3 inches. One reviewer noted being “disappointed with only 2″ of lift!!” though TORCH customer service responded quickly and sent the additional parts needed to achieve the advertised height. Another buyer paired the lift with 2-inch wheel spacers and 285/70/17 tires, confirming it can accommodate the same tire fitment that you get from the more expensive Rough Country kits. The installation is a bolt-on job with step-by-step instructions—a mechanic had it done in 2 hours on a lift.
Compared to the Rough Country 3-inch kit, the TORCH is even more basic: no shock upgrade, no warranty from a legacy brand, and a slightly less proven fitment record. But if your primary goal is a budget-friendly level that gives you clearance for bigger tires and you have a good mechanic to handle the install, this kit delivers the essentials for the lowest cost.
The value proposition: You get a differential drop, sway bar relocation brackets, extended rear shocks, and hardware—everything a spacer lift needs—for the price of a single evenings’ parts order. The risk is that you might need a customer service follow-up to get the full advertised lift height.
Best for the budget-focused daily driver: If your Tacoma is mostly pavement-driven and you just want to level the stance and fit 33-inch tires without spending over on the lift itself, this gives you the lowest entry point.
For real trail work, invest in one of the Rough Country options above.
Understanding the Specs
Maximum Lifting Height
This is the tallest point the kit can lift your Toyota Tacoma’s suspension. Most third-gen Tacoma owners look for 3 to 3.5 inches because that gives enough clearance for 285/70/17 (roughly 33-inch) tires without cutting into the frame or body mounts. However, actual lift height depends on the condition of your current suspension — a truck with sagging leaf springs may see slightly less than advertised. The Rough Country 3.5-inch kit is the only one of the three that achieves this higher spec from the start, and it does so via a full strut replacement rather than a preload spacer.
Weight
Lift kits typically weigh 18 to 27 pounds, but heavier is not always worse here. A kit like the Rough Country 3-inch (26.8 lbs) indicates it includes actual shock absorbers and metal lift blocks, while a lighter 18-pound kit like the TORCH signals it is purely spacers and hardware. A heavier kit with shocks tends to provide better ride control because the damper is matched to the lifted height, whereas a lighter spacer-only kit leaves your factory shocks to handle the same work at a worse angle.
FAQ
Will a 3-inch lift fit my 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma?
What tire size can I fit with a 3-inch lift on a third-gen Tacoma?
Do I need aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) with a 3-inch lift?
How long does it take to install a lift kit on a Tacoma?
Is a 3-inch lift safe for daily driving on pavement?
What is a differential drop and do I need it?
Do I need a sway bar relocation kit?
What is the difference between a spacer lift and a leveling kit?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the best 3rd gen tacoma lift kit is the Rough Country 3.5-inch Bolt-On Lift Kit because it combines a true 3.5-inch strut-replacement height with included upper control arms and differential spacers, giving you the best chance of a good ride and big-tire fitment in one package. If you are on a stricter budget and want to clear 285/70/17 tires, grab the Rough Country 3-inch Lift Kit w/N3 Shocks and budget for aftermarket UCAs. And for the absolute lowest entry point to a level and bigger tires, the TORCH 3-inch Full Lift Kit includes all the hardware a spacer kit needs—just be ready for a possible customer service call to get the full advertised height.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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