If you are an off-road enthusiast looking to take your Toyota Tacoma to the next level, you may have heard of the term “long travel kit.” A long travel kit is a suspension upgrade that allows for greater wheel travel, making it ideal for off-road adventures. With a long travel kit, you can tackle rough terrain with ease and confidence.
A Tacoma long travel kit is a popular upgrade for those who want to improve their vehicle’s off-road capabilities. It typically includes new control arms, shocks, and other components that allow for greater suspension travel. The result is a smoother ride over rough terrain and improved handling in challenging conditions. However, it’s important to note that installing a long travel kit requires some knowledge and expertise. It’s best to have it installed by a professional to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
Understanding Tacoma Long Travel Kit
As a Tacoma owner, one of the most popular upgrades you can make is installing a long travel kit. Long travel kits are designed to increase the suspension travel of your truck, allowing it to handle rough terrain and high-speed off-road driving. In this section, I will explain the benefits of long travel kits and the components that make up a typical kit.
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Benefits of Tacoma Long Travel Kit
The primary benefit of a long travel kit is increased suspension travel. With more suspension travel, your truck can better absorb bumps and dips in the road, making it more comfortable to drive off-road. Additionally, long travel kits can improve your truck’s stability and handling, allowing you to take on more challenging terrain with confidence.
Long travel kits also allow you to run larger tires, which can improve your truck’s ground clearance and overall off-road performance. By increasing your truck’s suspension travel, a long travel kit can also help prevent bottoming out, which can damage your suspension and other components.
Components of Tacoma Long Travel Kit
A typical long travel kit includes several components, including upper and lower control arms, shocks, and coilovers. The control arms are designed to increase the suspension travel of your truck, while the shocks and coilovers are responsible for dampening the suspension movement.
Other components that may be included in a long travel kit include tie rods, steering extensions, and brake lines. These components are necessary to ensure that your truck’s steering and braking systems function properly after the long travel kit is installed.
In conclusion, long travel kits are an excellent upgrade for Tacoma owners who want to improve their truck’s off-road performance. By increasing suspension travel and improving stability and handling, long travel kits can help you take on more challenging terrain with confidence. When shopping for a long travel kit, be sure to choose a reputable manufacturer and consider the specific needs of your truck and driving style.
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Choosing the Right Tacoma Long Travel Kit
If you’re in the market for a long travel kit for your Tacoma, you’ll quickly realize that there are a variety of options available. Choosing the right kit can be overwhelming, but it’s important to consider a few key factors before making a purchase.
Compatibility with Tacoma Generations
First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the long travel kit you choose is compatible with your Tacoma’s generation. For example, a 1st gen Tacoma long travel kit will not fit a 3rd gen Tacoma. Be sure to double-check the compatibility before making a purchase.
Quality and Brand Considerations
When it comes to long travel kits, quality is key. You’ll want to choose a kit from a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality products. Some popular brands for Tacoma long travel kits include Total Chaos, Camburg, and JD Fabrication.
It’s also important to consider the specific components included in the kit. Look for high-quality shocks, control arms, and other components that are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road use.
In addition to quality and brand considerations, you’ll also want to consider your budget when choosing a long travel kit. While some kits may be more expensive than others, it’s important to remember that investing in a high-quality kit will ultimately save you money in the long run by reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
Overall, choosing the right Tacoma long travel kit requires careful consideration of compatibility, quality, brand, and budget. By taking the time to research and compare options, you’ll be able to find a kit that meets your specific needs and provides the performance and durability you’re looking for.
Installation Guide of Tacoma Long Travel Kit
Tools and Equipment Needed
Before starting the installation process of a Toyota Tacoma long travel kit, it is essential to have the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Jack and Jack stands
- Socket wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Pry bar
- Hammer
- Drill
- Sawzall
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
It’s also recommended to have a friend help you with the installation process, as some of the parts can be heavy and difficult to maneuver alone.
Step-by-Step Installation Process of Tacoma Long Travel Kit
Installing a Toyota Tacoma long travel kit can be a time-consuming and challenging process, but with the right tools and equipment, it can be done. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Begin by jacking up your Tacoma and placing it on jack stands. Make sure to secure the vehicle properly before proceeding.
- Remove the wheels and tires from the vehicle, and then remove the brake calipers and rotors.
- Remove the upper control arms and the factory spindle. You may need to use a breaker bar to loosen the bolts.
- Install the new upper control arms and spindle that come with the long travel kit. Tighten the bolts to the torque specifications provided in the kit instructions.
- Install the new lower control arms, which are longer than the factory ones, and attach them to the spindle. Again, make sure to tighten the bolts to the torque specifications provided.
- Install the new shocks and coilovers, following the instructions provided in the kit.
- Install the new CV axles and tie rods, making sure to tighten the bolts to the torque specifications provided.
- Finally, reinstall the wheels and tires, and lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take your time with the installation process. It’s better to take longer and do it right than rush and make mistakes. With a little patience and the right tools, you can successfully install a Toyota Tacoma long travel kit and enjoy improved off-road performance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Tacoma Long Travel Kit emerges as a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts and Tacoma truck owners seeking enhanced performance and versatility. With its meticulously engineered design, this long travel suspension system opens up a world of possibilities, allowing drivers to conquer challenging terrains with confidence.
The increased wheel travel, improved damping, and robust construction make it a valuable investment for those who crave both comfort and capability on their off-road adventures. As your Tacoma takes on new challenges with the Long Travel Kit, you’ll undoubtedly experience a transformation in your driving experience, pushing the limits of what your truck can achieve.
FAQs:
Q1: What’s the deal with the Tacoma Long Travel Kit, and how does it make my Tacoma cooler?
A: The Long Travel Kit is like giving your Tacoma a suspension makeover. It makes your off-road journeys smoother, more comfortable, and way more fun. Imagine handling bumps and rocks like a pro – that’s what this kit brings to the table.
Q2: Is putting in the Tacoma Long Travel Kit a brain teaser?
A: Installing the kit might sound like a puzzle, but fear not! Most kits come with step-by-step guides. Still, for the smoothest ride (pun intended), having a pro handle the installation is the way to go.
Q3: Where does the Tacoma Long Travel Kit shine – mud, sand, or rocky roads?
A: This kit is an all-terrain superstar. Whether you’re tearing through the desert, navigating rocks, or taking on wild paths, the Long Travel Kit is designed to handle it all. It’s your pass to off-road bliss.
Q4: Will slapping on the Long Travel Kit mess with my Tacoma’s on-road groove?
A: We get it – you want both worlds. Some kits balance off-road prowess with on-road comfort. But keep in mind, the focus here is off-road awesomeness. It might trade a bit of smooth on-road sailing for off-road domination.
Q5: Can my Tacoma still rock its factory tires with the Long Travel Kit?
A: Absolutely! The kit often plays nice with stock tires. But, if you want to take it up a notch and show off more ground clearance, upgrading to larger tires is the way to go. Chat with the pros or the kit makers to find your tire soulmate.