The Toyota Tacoma, a perennial favorite among off-road enthusiasts, benefits significantly from a long travel suspension kit. These kits dramatically increase wheel articulation, allowing for greater clearance and smoother rides over challenging terrain. But choosing the right kit can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Tacoma long travel suspension kits, helping you make an informed decision for your off-road adventures.
What is Long Travel Suspension?
Standard Tacoma suspensions have a limited range of motion, restricting wheel articulation and ground clearance. Long travel kits significantly increase this range of motion by lengthening the suspension's travel, allowing the wheels to move up and down farther. This translates to:
- Increased Ground Clearance: More travel means the tires can better navigate obstacles without hitting the undercarriage.
- Improved Articulation: Wheels can move independently, maintaining contact with the ground even when one side of the truck is lifted. This is crucial for tackling uneven terrain.
- Smoother Ride: The increased travel absorbs more bumps and jolts, leading to a more comfortable ride, even on rough trails.
What are the Different Types of Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kits?
Several types of long travel kits cater to varying needs and budgets:
1. Coilover Kits:
These kits replace the factory shocks and coil springs with longer travel coilovers. Coilovers offer precise adjustability for ride height and damping, allowing for customization to your driving style and terrain. They're a popular choice for their balance of performance and adjustability.
2. Leaf Spring Kits (for Tacoma trucks with leaf springs):
For Tacomas using leaf springs (primarily older models), long travel kits often involve replacing the leaf springs with longer ones or adding additional leaf spring components. These kits often provide a substantial increase in travel but typically offer less adjustability than coilovers.
3. Kits with Uniball Upper Control Arms:
Many long travel kits include uniball upper control arms. Uniballs provide superior articulation compared to standard ball joints, further enhancing the suspension's performance. However, they might require additional maintenance.
What are the Benefits of a Long Travel Suspension Kit for my Tacoma?
The advantages extend beyond just improved off-road performance:
- Enhanced Off-Road Capability: Conquer tougher trails with increased ground clearance and articulation.
- Improved Handling: Properly set up, a long travel kit can enhance on-road handling, offering improved stability.
- Increased Comfort: The smoother ride reduces driver fatigue on long off-road journeys.
- Protection of Undercarriage Components: More ground clearance minimizes the risk of damaging the truck's undercarriage.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Long Travel Suspension Kit?
Several factors influence the right choice:
- Budget: Kits range significantly in price, depending on components and brand.
- Driving Style and Terrain: Consider the type of off-roading you'll be doing (rock crawling, desert running, etc.)
- Truck Year and Model: Ensure compatibility with your specific Tacoma year and model.
- Installation: Some kits are easier to install than others; factor in your mechanical skills or the cost of professional installation.
- Maintenance: Certain components, such as uniball upper control arms, require regular maintenance.
How Much Does a Tacoma Long Travel Suspension Kit Cost?
Costs vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000, depending on the kit's complexity, components, and brand. Budget accordingly and consider the total cost, including installation.
What is the difference between a long travel kit and a lift kit?
While both increase ground clearance, a lift kit primarily increases ride height without significantly increasing suspension travel. A long travel kit focuses on extending the suspension's travel range, improving articulation and providing a smoother ride, even if the overall height increase is less dramatic.
Where can I buy a Tacoma long travel suspension kit?
Numerous reputable off-road retailers and parts suppliers offer Tacoma long travel suspension kits. Research different brands and read reviews before making a purchase. (Note: I cannot provide specific retailer links.)
Conclusion:
Choosing the right long travel suspension kit for your Tacoma is a crucial decision that significantly impacts its off-road capabilities and driving experience. Careful consideration of your budget, driving style, and terrain will help you select the ideal kit to transform your truck into a truly capable off-road machine. Remember to thoroughly research different brands and kits before making a purchase to ensure a proper fit and optimal performance.
