How to Install 3rd Gen Tacoma Lift Kit? | Tools, Steps & Tips

Installing a 3-inch lift kit on a 3rd Gen Tacoma (2016–2023) requires new coil-overs, shocks, and mandatory aftermarket Upper Control Arms (UCAs) to maintain proper ball joint angles and allow for alignment.

A lifted Tacoma looks right, but a poorly installed kit rides wrong and can damage the truck’s safety systems. The difference between a successful DIY install and a costly mistake comes down to preparation. It isn’t just the lift itself — it’s the supporting hardware you pair with it. Here’s exactly what a 3-inch job requires, the order the work goes in, and the pitfalls that catch first-time installers.

What You Need Before Starting on a 3rd Gen Tacoma Lift Kit

This guide applies to 3rd Gen Tacoma 4×4 models (2016–2023). It does not apply to 2WD models or trucks equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). The core parts needed for a 3-inch lift go beyond just new struts and shocks.

Stock upper control arms cannot maintain the correct ball joint angle at this height. Aftermarket UCAs are mandatory, not optional. You also need brake line extensions or drop brackets to prevent line damage at full droop, and extended bump stops to keep the coil-overs from bottoming out.

Does a 3rd Gen Tacoma Really Need New Upper Control Arms?

Yes. Stock UCAs cannot maintain the correct ball joint angle when the suspension is dropped by 3 inches. This leads to insufficient caster (under 3 degrees), wandering steering, and premature ball joint failure. Aftermarket UCAs restore the suspension geometry, giving you the 3–4 degrees of positive caster the truck needs to stay stable on the road. Without them, a professional alignment shop simply cannot get the front end into spec.

Choosing the Best 3rd Gen Tacoma Lift Kit: Parts That Matter

The right kit depends on how you use the truck. SkyJacker’s TC536STUB kit includes both coil-overs and UCAs, making it a complete single-vendor solution. Rough Country’s 3-inch kit is a popular budget option, though users often need hub extenders or separate UCAs to get the alignment right. For a full breakdown of the top recommendations, check out our tested roundup of the best 3rd gen tacoma lift kits. It compares ride quality, hardware quality, and value for every major brand.

3rd Gen Tacoma Lift Kit Installation Steps

Installation follows a standard sequence: disassemble the front suspension, swap the coil-overs, install the new UCAs, and torque everything to spec before getting an alignment. Work on level ground with the truck securely on jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.

Removing the Stock Suspension

Start by removing the front wheels. Disconnect the brake line brackets using a 12mm socket for the lower mount and a 10mm for the upper. Remove the sway bar end link and the cotter pin from the tie rod. Separate the tie rod from the knuckle by hitting the flat portion of the drop knuckle with a hammer. Loosen the upper control arm castle nut (17mm) but leave it seated. Hit the knuckle again to release the UCA ball joint tension. Remove the 3x 14mm upper shock mounting nuts and the 17mm lower strut bolt, then pull the entire strut assembly out.

Installing the New Coil-Overs and UCAs

Remove the plastic pop clips on the dust covers in the wheel well. Top out the coil-over before disassembly, then use spring compressors to release the tension. Remove the top hat with a 17mm wrench and vise grips. Install the new strut through the OEM spring with compressors still installed, reinstall the OEM top hat, and tighten it fully. Install the new aftermarket UCA and tighten its bolts.

Final Assembly and Torque Specs

Reinstall the sway bar, tie rod, and brake brackets. Torque every suspension bolt to the manufacturer’s spec. The critical values are 47 ft-lb for the lower strut bolt, 85 ft-lb for the UCA mounting bolts, 81 ft-lb for the lower shock bolts, and 207 ft-lb for the lower control arm bolts. Reinstall the wheels, lower the truck, and drive it directly to a professional alignment shop. Caster should be set between 3 and 4 degrees.

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Lift Installation

The most expensive mistake is driving without an alignment. A 3-inch lift changes the truck’s geometry completely. Running it without a professional alignment shreds tires and makes the truck unstable. The other common error is failing to replace the UCAs — stock arms will bind and wear out quickly at this height.

A successful 3-inch lift comes down to three things: the right parts (UCAs are not optional), the correct torque sequence, and a professional alignment after the last bolt is tight. Skip any of those, and the truck handles poorly and wears out fast. Do it right, and the truck outperforms any stock Tacoma on the trail.