Just finished my 2026 Build
My 2006 Tacoma was totaled in April and went with my first new truck. I’ve always owned lifted Tacomas and I planned on waiting a while before building my new one, but with a week off work, what else was I supposed to do?! LOL
No matter how much you plan and research, you never really know how it’s going to actually turn out. I’m very happy the results. To help anybody else looking for information here’s the build:
Truck- Heritage Blue SR5. I planned on lifting so I opted not to pay for the TRD suspension just to remove. Cold weather package.
Lift- 3-1/2 Rough Country lift, with M1 Struts w/M1 Rear Shocks (no spacers). Rear coils.
Rims- Rough Country 79 Series, Gunmetal Gray/Black, 17x8.5, 0mm offset. Tires stick out about 2”, so I’ve ordered the sport fender flares and should arrive by the end of the week.
Tires- 285/70R17 Nitto Recon Grappler A/T. All mounted and balanced, tire pressure sensor installed before shipping.
For me, I knocked out the rear in a morning and had the front tore down by end of day. Second day, front completed and decided to do the front diff dropdown on the third morning. No cutting or permanent modifications required.
To replace the upper control arm, the instructions state to basically remove the bumper, radiator mount, etc. I got half way through and decided to watch their install video, and they had a much easier way… you can jack the radiator mount to compress (drivers side) and it gives you just enough clearance to remove that large control arm bolt. Highly recommended doing it that way.
Ride is a firmer than stock, but not in a bad way. Minimal hum. 4 cylinder turbo has no issues at all with the larger tires and the truck handles great.
Yes, there are many ways to lift with so many personal preferences, but this was my path with no regrets. I’ll try to answer any questions if anyone is interested.