The Toyota Tacoma, a rugged and reliable truck, is a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. However, to truly unleash its potential on challenging trails, upgrading to a long travel suspension kit is often a necessary step. This comprehensive guide dives deep into everything you need to know about Tacoma long travel suspension kits, helping you choose the right setup for your needs and driving style.
What is a Long Travel Suspension Kit?
A long travel suspension kit significantly increases the articulation and wheel travel of your Tacoma. This means your wheels can move up and down much further than with a stock suspension, allowing you to navigate obstacles with greater ease and maintain better traction on uneven terrain. This increased travel is achieved through longer control arms, upgraded shocks, and often, changes to other suspension components. The result is a smoother, more controlled ride, especially at high speeds over rough surfaces.
What are the Benefits of a Long Travel Suspension Kit for a Tacoma?
The advantages of installing a long travel suspension kit on your Tacoma are numerous:
- Improved Off-Road Performance: The most significant benefit is drastically improved off-road capability. Increased wheel travel allows for better articulation, preventing wheel lift and maintaining contact with the ground for optimal traction. This translates to better climbing, descending, and traversing difficult terrain.
- Enhanced Ride Quality: While often associated with off-roading, long travel suspensions can also improve on-road comfort. The longer travel and upgraded shocks absorb bumps and imperfections more effectively, leading to a smoother, less jarring ride.
- Increased Ground Clearance: Longer suspension travel naturally results in greater ground clearance, allowing you to tackle larger obstacles and avoid scraping the undercarriage.
- Improved Handling: With proper tuning and setup, a long travel suspension can improve the Tacoma's handling both on and off-road.
What are the Different Types of Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kits?
Several types of long travel suspension kits cater to various budgets and off-roading styles:
- Uniball Kits: These kits utilize uniball joints in the control arms, offering superior articulation and durability compared to traditional ball joints. However, they tend to be more expensive.
- Heim Joint Kits: Similar to uniball kits, Heim joint kits provide exceptional articulation but may require more maintenance due to their exposure to the elements.
- Bushing Kits: More budget-friendly, bushing kits use traditional bushings in the control arms. They offer a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness, but articulation might be slightly less than uniball or Heim joint options.
The choice often depends on the intensity of your off-roading and your budget.
What Components are Included in a Typical Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kit?
A typical long travel suspension kit includes:
- Longer Control Arms: These are the foundation of the system, extending the suspension's travel range.
- Longer Shocks: Matched to the increased travel, these shocks effectively dampen the increased suspension movement.
- Coilovers (Often): Many kits incorporate coilovers, allowing for adjustable ride height and spring rate.
- Other Components (Potentially): Depending on the kit, additional components like upgraded sway bars, brake lines, and other hardware might be included.
How Much Does a Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kit Cost?
The cost of a long travel suspension kit for a Tacoma varies significantly depending on the brand, components, and complexity. Expect to invest anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 for high-end, custom setups.
How Do I Choose the Right Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kit?
Selecting the right kit depends on several factors:
- Your Budget: Establish a realistic budget before beginning your search.
- Your Off-Roading Style: Consider the intensity and type of off-roading you'll be doing. Mild trail riding requires a different kit than extreme rock crawling.
- Your Tacoma's Year and Model: Kits are often specific to certain years and models.
- Your Technical Skills: Consider your mechanical abilities and whether you'll be installing the kit yourself or using a professional installer.
What are the Potential Drawbacks of a Long Travel Suspension Kit?
While offering significant advantages, long travel suspension kits have some potential drawbacks:
- Cost: As mentioned, these kits can be expensive.
- Installation Complexity: Installation can be challenging and may require professional assistance.
- Potential for Increased Wear and Tear: The increased stress on components may lead to faster wear and tear.
- Ride Height Changes: Significant changes in ride height may impact the handling characteristics of your Tacoma.
Can I install a long travel suspension kit myself?
This depends entirely on your mechanical aptitude and experience. Installing a long travel kit is significantly more involved than a simple lift kit, and mistakes can have serious consequences. If you're not comfortable working on your vehicle's suspension, seeking professional installation is highly recommended.
Will a long travel suspension kit void my warranty?
Modifying your vehicle’s suspension system may void or affect certain aspects of your warranty, particularly if the modification causes damage to other components. It's crucial to check with your Toyota dealership and thoroughly understand your warranty terms before undertaking any modifications.
What maintenance is required for a long travel suspension kit?
Regular maintenance is crucial for your long travel suspension kit. This includes checking and adjusting components regularly, ensuring proper lubrication, and replacing worn parts as needed. This is particularly important for uniball and Heim joint systems which require more frequent maintenance.
This guide provides a starting point for your research. Remember to thoroughly research different brands and kits to find the perfect fit for your Tacoma and driving style. Always prioritize safety and seek professional advice when needed.
