1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Technical FAQ

1995–2004 Toyota Tacoma Lift Kit FAQ

How do I confirm my 1995–2004 Toyota Tacoma is a 6-Lug model, and why does this distinction matter for a TORCH lift kit?

You can confirm your 1st Gen Tacoma is a 6-Lug model by counting the lug nuts on your wheels (6 total) or checking your rear suspension setup. 6-Lug Tacomas utilize a spring-over-axle setup where the leaf pack sits above the axle housing, whereas 5-Lug models utilize a spring-under-axle layout. Because 5-Lug and 6-Lug models feature completely different front and rear suspensions, they require different lift components.

What lift options does TORCH offer for 1st Gen Tacomas, and how do I choose between them?

TORCH offers a 3" front strut spacer lift for 1995-2004 6-Lug Tacomas. For the rear, we offer both Add-a-Leaf (AAL) springs (1.5"-2" lift) and rear lift blocks (1", 1.5", 2", and 3" lift).

  • Add-a-Leaf (AAL) Springs: Ideal for overlanding, towing, or trucks carrying constant gear (such as bed racks or campers). An add-a-leaf increases your rear spring rate, restores sagging factory leaf packs, and increases payload capacity.
  • Rear Lift Blocks: Best if your bed stays empty most of the time. Blocks maintain comfortable factory spring rate and ride quality while providing a predictable lift height.
Do I need a Differential Drop kit or aftermarket Upper Control Arms (UCAs) when installing a 3" lift on my 1st Gen Tacoma?

Differential Drops and aftermarket Upper Control Arms (UCAs) are not strictly required when installing TORCH 3" front spacers on a factory suspension. However, lifting the front-end changes factory camber/caster alignment angles and ball joint operation. Upgrading to complete kits with aftermarket UCAs restores geometry, allows precision alignments, and improves articulation. On 4WD models, adding a Differential Drop helps correct front CV axle angles to minimize wear on your boots and driveline.

Looking for an all-in-one geometry-correcting setup? Explore our 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 3” Front Full Lift Kit w/ UCAs, Diff Drop, & Extended Rear Shocks.

What is the maximum tire and wheel size I can run with a 3" TORCH lift on a 1st Gen Tacoma without trimming?

We recommend a maximum tire size up to 32” in diameter (such as 265/75R16 or 265/70R17) on factory backspacing to avoid rubbing. Tires of approximately 32.5” diameter (such as 285/75R16) can fit, but would require minor fender trimming depending on wheel offset and backspacing.

How does installing front strut spacers and rear Add-a-Leafs affect factory ride quality, payload, and shock requirements?

Front strut spacers retain near-factory ride quality and allow proper alignment within stock tolerances. Rear Add-a-Leaf springs firm up the rear ride slightly, offering extra support against suspension sag while providing roughly 300-500 lbs of extra payload capacity. Factory struts and shocks have sufficient travel to accommodate up to a 3" lift, meaning stock shocks can be retained.

If you want a budget-friendly lift while keeping your stock front struts and shocks, check out our 1995-2004 Tacoma 3” Full Lift Kit.

Do I need a Brake Proportioning Valve (BPV / LSPV) relocation bracket with a 2"-3" rear lift on a 1995-2004 Tacoma?

A Brake Proportioning Valve (BPV) bracket is not strictly required, and many TORCH lift kits are installed without one. However, it is a suggested upgrade to fine-tune rear braking performance with a 2"-3" rear lift. On 1st Gen Tacomas, lifting the rear increases frame-to-axle distance. Adding our bracket re-aligns the valve arm to match your new ride height, balancing overall braking feel and minimizing front-end nose dive.

Check out our 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 6-Lug BPV Relocation Bracket for a simple, bolt-on solution that does not require disconnecting brake lines to install.