Best Toyota Tacoma Mods and Upgrades

Suspension Mods: Lift Kits, Leveling Kits, and More

Kicking off the list are some of the most popular upgrades for the Tacoma—suspension mods. Lift kits, leveling kits, and performance dampers significantly boost aesthetics and ride quality, both on and off-road. 

From an aesthetic standpoint, lift and leveling kits produce aggressive, balanced stances. These modifications also increase fender clearances, providing ample room for low-offset wheels and oversized tires.  

Regarding ride quality, modified suspension systems typically improve off-road performance more than on-road driveability. By increasing fender clearances, lift and leveling kits reduce rubbing and scrubbing during extreme articulation while navigating challenging obstacles on the trail. Performance dampers also play a significant role in ride quality—larger shock bodies, external reservoirs, and upgraded tech make for smooth, fade-free performance in all driving conditions. 

For additional information on lift and leveling kits, check out our guide to lifting the Toyota Tacoma.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Superlift 3" Coilover Lift Kits

When the roads get tough, the tough…install a Superlift lift kit (pretty sure that’s how the expression goes). Superlift, a RealTruck brand, is a premium manufacturer of performance-oriented, American-made lift systems for all makes and models—including the Tacoma. With premium manufacturing practices, primarily bolt-on designs, and RealTruck’s unmatched customer support, a Superlift suspension lift is an unbeatable addition to any Toyota Tacoma. 

Of Superlift’s Tacoma offerings, the company’s 3” Coilover Lift Kit is an exceptional product, balancing a moderate ride height with unmatched performance on dirt or tarmac. Each kit includes premium Superlift components, like tubular upper control arms and rear lift blocks, paired with premium King Off-Road Racing coilovers and dampers. The combination provides a mild lift, ideal for daily-driven Tacomas, and unmatched performance. 

Features: 

• Complete front and rear lift kit

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• Contains all required installation hardware

• Includes King Off-Road Racing coilovers & shocks

• Made in the USA

• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Wheels, Rims, and Tires

With added clearance in the fender wells from a lift or leveling kit, fill the void with an aftermarket wheel and tire setup. RealTruck carries a massive selection of wheels, also called rims, and tires for the Tacoma, including all of the top brands, styles, sizes, and finishes. 

Aftermarket wheels and tires significantly impact aesthetics. They're offered in various sizes and specs outside of factory specifications, which can help to perfect your Tacoma’s stance. Furthermore, alternative face designs and finishes can completely change your Tacoma’s appearance, making your truck look truly unique. 

New tires can also impact aesthetics, as taller, wider, and more aggressive tires complement your Tacoma’s rugged body lines—especially when paired with a lift or leveling kit. Aside from aesthetics, tires can also impact performance. Aggressive tread patterns and sidewalls significantly improve traction in challenging terrains, while taller sizing can help your Tacoma roll over deep ruts and obstacles with ease. 

For additional information on Tacoma wheels and tires, check out our resources: 

• Best Wheels and Rims for the Toyota Tacoma

• Best Toyota Tacoma Tires

• Toyota Tacoma Tire Size Guide

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Method Matte Black 703 Wheels

As a traditionally off-road-friendly platform, the Toyota Tacoma deserves a wheel that’ll stand up to trail abuse, even while installed on a rugged, lifted, King coilover-equipped truck. The Method 703, in a sleek, matte black finish, is one such wheel, sporting a lightweight cast aluminum construction, stylish 12-spoke face, and Method’s patented Bead Grip technology. 

The Method 703 offers a timeless design, especially when finished in a stealthy matte black color. Method’s patented Bead Grip technology locks onto the tire's bead, enabling drivers to air down for added traction without the risk of blowing a bead on the trail.  

Features: 

• Lightweight cast aluminum construction

• Matte black finish

• 12-spoke face

• Slight concave design

• Debossed logo

• Patented Bead Grip technology

• Reinforced inner lip

• "Method" center cap

• Lifetime structural | 2-year finish warranty

Side Steps, Nerf Bars, and Running Boards

You’ll likely be ecstatic with the added ride height of a lift kit and oversized tires…until you try to climb into the cab. Even a moderate lift and slightly taller tire can result in your Tacoma’s cab sitting inches higher off the ground than from the factory. 

While this added height can make climbing in and out a hassle, RealTruck has the solution—premium side steps, including nerf bars, running boards, and hoop steps. These accessories significantly lower your entry point into the cab while providing a stable, non-slip foothold.

We offer side steps in several configurations, including styles, materials, and finishes. For additional information, check out our guides to the top nerf bars and running boards for the Toyota Tacoma.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: AMP Research® PowerStep™

Blending style, technology, and accessibility, AMP Research® PowerStep™ running boards are the perfect addition to any Tacoma, whether a trail-ready rig or a sleek daily driver. As the originator of power-retractable running boards, AMP Research is renowned for its quality and innovation. 

From its robust extruded aluminum construction and military-grade PTFE coating to its reliable single-motor design and plug-and-play wiring, AMP Research PowerSteps offer more features than any side step on the market. 

Features: 

• The original electric-powered running board

• Premium, single-motor design automatically deploys and retracts boards

• Corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum construction

• Military-grade black PTFE coating

• 6-inch wide, cab-length steps

• Textured, slip-resistant step surface

• Low-profile integrated LED courtesy lights

• Includes vehicle-specific installation guide and mount kit

• Newer applications connect to the OBDII port via a Plug-N-Play module

• 5-year limited warranty

Body Armor: Bumpers, Sliders, and Skid Plates

Treat your rugged, off-road-ready Tacoma to the exceptional protection of RealTruck’s body armor, like heavy-duty plate steel bumpers, tubular sliders, and rocker panel guards. These accessories help to bolster your Tacoma’s dent, ding, and scratch-resistant—ideal for trail use. 

Aside from improving protection, body armor, especially bumpers, provides rugged styling and accessory mounting provisions. Check out our body armor resources for additional information: 

• How to Choose Aftermarket Bumpers for Your Tacoma

• Protect Your Toyota Tacoma: Armor Guide

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Go Rhino® BR6 Front Winch Bumper

Boost styling, impact resistance, and practicality with the Go Rhino® BR6 Front Winch Bumper. It features an aggressive fabricated steel design, robust construction, and provisions for mounting various accessories.     

As a RealTruck brand, Go Rhino offers more than just a quality product. All Go Rhino products come backed by the industry-leading customer support customers have come to expect from RealTruck. We back each Go Rhino BR6 for the product’s lifetime. 

Features:

• Winch-ready front bumper

• Durable .25-in. mild steel construction

• Textured black powder coat finish

• Accommodates up to a 12,000-lbs winch

• Integrated LED light bar mount and removable panels for LED pods

• A hinged winch cover enables quick and easy winch access

• Integrated Rhino Hook D-ring shackle lugs

• Limited Lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Upgraded Lighting: Headlights, Tail Lights, Off-Road Lights, and More

Lighting is one of the most integral parts of any vehicle, especially on an off-road or overland build. Quality lighting increases visibility, illuminating trails, back roads, and dark streets. Additionally, aftermarket lighting increases other drivers’ visibility of your Tacoma and enhances styling.

At RealTruck, we offer several types of upgraded lighting, ranging from factory-replacement products like headlights, fog lights, and tail lights to universal off-road lights. For additional information on our favorite Tacoma lighting products, check out our guide to the best Toyota Tacoma headlights.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Diode Dynamics SS3 LED Fog Lights

Upgrade your Tacoma’s factory lighting with Diode Dynamics SS3 LED Fog Lights. This kit includes everything necessary to replace your Tacoma’s factory-installed fog lights with Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods, including vehicle-specific bolt-on mounts and plug-and-play connectors. 

These lights offer a simple, modification-free installation and are exceptionally bright. With Advanced TIR optics, Diode Dynamics SS3 LED Fog Lights produce focused, high-efficiency output—ideal for the road or trail.  

Features: 

• Direct replacement for factory fog lamps

• SAE-compliant, road-legal light output

• Plug and play—no wiring modifications needed

• Advanced TIR optics provide high efficiency and focus

• Durable powder coated aluminum extrusion housing

• Includes round bezel for a factory-style appearance

• Sold as a complete kit

• Made in the USA

Tire Coverage: Fender Flares, Splash Guards, and Mud Flaps

With upgraded wheels and tires often comes a wide stance. Unfortunately, too wide of a stance can result in excessive tire protrusion, inviting rock chips on the rocker panels, tire sling down the body, and even citations for insufficient tire coverage. 

Fortunately, RealTruck offers a solution—fender flares, splash guards, and mud flaps. These accessories help improve tire coverage, preventing rust-inducing paint chips from kicked-up debris. 

For additional information, check out our guide to Toyota Tacoma fender flares.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Bushwacker Pocket Style Fender Flares

Few products are as popular as Bushwacker Pocket Style Fender Flares when it comes to rugged, max-coverage fender flares. An icon in the off-roading world, they are renowned for their robust construction, rugged designs, and maximum tire coverage.  

These flares offer exceptional protection against unruly rocks, sticky mud, broken tree limbs, and other debris. Their paintable design can be color-matched to any Tacoma paint code. However, built-in UV protection prevents sun damage if left untreated. 

Features: 

• Dura-Flex 2000® ABS construction

• Smooth, paintable finish

• UV-resistant to prevent fading, cracking, or chalking

• Pocket-style design with recessed faux stainless-steel bolts

• Rugged, off-road look

• Provides maximum tire coverage

• Designed to complement oversized tires

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Includes all necessary hardware

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Bed Accessories: Bed Racks, Bed Liners, and More

At your Tacoma’s core, it’s a pickup truck. Though sporting a compact bed, compared to full-size trucks, it’s engineered to haul cargo nonetheless. Like any pickup truck, your Tacoma’s bed is most practical when fitted with top-of-the-line accessories, like a truck bed cover, bed rack, tool box, and bed liner. 

Fortunately, RealTruck carries all these accessories, including top products from leading brands like UnderCover®, Retrax®, Go Rhino®, and more. 

For additional information, check out our Tacoma truck bed resources: 

• Toyota Tacoma Bed Storage and Accessories

• Best Toyota Tacoma Bed Covers 

• Best Toyota Tacoma Bed Liners

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: BedRug® Classic Bed Liner

Introducing the BedRug® Classic Bed Liner—a revolutionary product that ditches the classic hard plastic and spray-in bed liners for soft-touch, heavy-duty, skid-resistant polypropylene carpeting. 

BedRug’s patented polypropylene carpet is exceptionally durable, resisting chemicals, stains, abrasions, tears, mold, mildew, and UV exposure. With a BedRug bed liner, you can use and abuse your Tacoma’s bed just like any other liner. When the job’s finished, hose out the bed, let the liner dry completely (approximately 30 minutes), and enjoy your BedRug’s rejuvenated appearance. 

Features: 

• Complete bed protection

• Premium polypropylene construction

• Soft-touch fiber finish

• Resists water-absorption, mold, and mildew-resistant 

• Chemical, stain, and skid-resistant

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• ¾-in. knee-friendly bed-floor cushioning

• Maintains access to OE tie-downs and accessories

• UV and fade-resistant

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Interior Protection: Seat Covers, Floor Mats, and More

With exterior modifications covered, let’s move to your Tacoma’s interior. After all, that’s where you’ll spend nearly all of your time. Though durable, factory upholstery and carpeting aren’t impervious to wear and tear. Spilled drinks, muddy dog paws, and messy kids can wreak havoc on clean seats and floors, leaving unsightly stains. Wear and tear isn’t just unpleasant to look at—it can also significantly impact your Tacoma’s resale value. 

To prevent excessive wear, consider protecting your Tacoma’s interior with our premium accessories, like floor mats, seat covers, and more. Check out our piece on keeping your Tacoma’s interior tidy for additional information on interior protection and organization products.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Husky Liners® WeatherBeater™ Floor Liners

Any truck can benefit from the protection of premium floor liners, especially an off-road-ready Tacoma. Husky Liners® WeatherBeater™ Floor Liners are one such product featuring comprehensive floor coverage via Husky Liners’ proprietary FormFit™ design. All mats employ laser-scanning and 3D modeling for a flawless fitment, while StayPut Cleats™ prevent shifting and sliding while driving. 

Husky Liners’ premium WeatherBeater™ material is exceptionally durable, withstanding battery acid, oil, and extreme temperatures. Its non-slip properties ensure maximum stability while driving. As a RealTruck brand, Husky Liners products are backed by our industry-leading customer service. 

Features: 

• Proprietary FormFit™ design offers a glove-like fit

• 3D-laser-scanned for flawless fitment

• Patented FormFit Edge™ creates a raised barrier along the door jam

• Edges never curl, even with age

• Quick and easy clean

• StayPut Cleats™ lock firmly to the factory anchor

• Weatherbeater™ premium liner material is super-tough and resilient

• Stands up to battery acid, oil, and conditions from sub-zero to blistering hot

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Performance Upgrades: Intakes, Exhausts, and Tuners

Lastly, let’s move under the hood for some performance upgrades. While lift kits, oversized tires, heavy off-road bumpers, and body armor add protection and off-road performance, these products often add excessive weight and rotational mass. Unfortunately, this combination nets less-than-satisfactory on-road performance, particularly acceleration and fuel efficiency. 

Fortunately, RealTruck carries all the performance products to counteract losses from previous modifications, like air intakes, exhaust systems, and tuners.

RealTruck Expert Recommendation: Amp'd 2.0 Throttle Sensitivity Booster

Boost performance without voiding your Tacoma’s factory warranty with the Amp’d 2.0 Throttle Sensitivity Booster. Rather than reprogramming your Tacoma’s computer like most tuners, the Amp’d 2.0 Throttle Sensitivity Booster alters input from your Tacoma’s drive-by-wire throttle, increasing its sensitivity. 

Amp’d allows users to alternate between five pre-mapped acceleration curves and three custom curves, programmable through the free Amp’d smartphone application. 

Features: 

• Increases accelerator pedal response over stock

• Faster acceleration from a stop and throughout the RPM band

• Reduces that "laggy" pedal feeling

• Quicker turbo spool-up

• Works with stock or modified vehicles

• Optimize driving in town and on the highway

• Wireless push-button control switch

• Five preset throttle curves

• Three customizable throttle slots

• Free mobile app for the custom settings

• Made in the USA

• Limited 1-year warranty