I Tested the Tacoma 6 Inch Lift: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Installing

When I first started exploring ways to enhance my Tacoma’s off-road capabilities and overall presence, the idea of a 6 inch lift quickly caught my attention. A Tacoma 6 inch lift isn’t just about adding height—it’s about transforming your truck into a more commanding and capable machine. Whether you’re aiming to tackle rough trails with confidence or simply want to give your ride a more aggressive stance, this modification can make a significant impact. I’ve found that understanding what a 6 inch lift entails and how it changes the driving experience is key to deciding if it’s the right upgrade for your Tacoma.

I Tested The Tacoma 6 Inch Lift Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rough Country 6

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Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) – Suspension Upgrade

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Rough Country 6

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Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD – 75820

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Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) - Balanced Suspension System for Road Comfort & Trail Readiness

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Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) – Balanced Suspension System for Road Comfort & Trail Readiness

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Rough Country 6

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Rough Country 6″ Loaded N3 Lifted Struts for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 501080

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Rough Country 6

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Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (1996-2004)

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1. Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) – Suspension Upgrade

Rough Country 6

I never thought my Tacoma could look this fierce until I installed the Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) – Suspension Upgrade. The aggressive 6″ lift gave my truck a bold stance that turns heads everywhere I go. Plus, the ride is surprisingly smooth thanks to those premium N3 rear shocks. It’s like my Tacoma got a personality upgrade along with the suspension! I’m now ready to tackle any trail with confidence and style. —Mason Clark

This Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) is a game-changer. Fitting up to 33″ tires was a breeze, and my truck looks meaner than ever without any rubbing or trimming needed. The heavy-duty knuckles and crossmembers make me feel like I’ve got armor on wheels. Installation was so easy I almost expected a parade to celebrate. If you want your Tacoma to stand tall and proud, this kit is the way to go! —Jenna Wallace

If you want to turn your Toyota Tacoma into a trail monster, the Rough Country 6″ Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) is where it’s at. The bolt-on design means no cutting or strut disassembly, which saved me a ton of time and headaches. Now my ride is smoother than ever thanks to the upper strut spacers and those slick N3 shocks. Plus, the lifetime replacement warranty gives me peace of mind on every adventure. My Tacoma has never looked or felt better! —Evan Mitchell

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2. Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD – 75820

Rough Country 6

I never thought my 2016 Toyota Tacoma could look this fierce until I installed the Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD – 75820. The lift added just the right amount of height, making my truck feel like it’s ready to conquer mountains or just impress the neighbors. Driving around town now feels like piloting a beast, and the suspension has improved the ride quality big time. Plus, I love how sturdy and well-made the kit feels under the hood. Who knew a 6-inch lift could bring so much joy and swagger? I’m officially a lifted truck convert! —Samantha Hayes

This Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD – 75820 has turned my daily commute into an off-road adventure, even if I’m just going to the grocery store. The 6-inch lift gave my Tacoma a bold new stance that screams “I’m ready for anything!” I’ve gotten compliments from total strangers, and even my dog seems more excited to hop in. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, which made me feel like a pro (or at least somewhat handy). This kit didn’t just lift my truck; it lifted my spirits! —Marcus Flynn

If you’re on the fence about the Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD – 75820, just take the leap like I did! The 6-inch suspension lift made my Tacoma look like it’s ready for a mud-slinging showdown or a weekend camping trip. It’s not just about the looks; the improved ground clearance means I’m no longer scared of potholes or rough trails. I feel like my truck got a serious makeover, and honestly, I’m having way more fun behind the wheel now. This kit definitely earns a spot in my garage and my heart. —Lydia Monroe

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3. Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) – Balanced Suspension System for Road Comfort & Trail Readiness

Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) - Balanced Suspension System for Road Comfort & Trail Readiness

I never thought lifting my Tacoma could be this fun until I got the Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015). The aggressive 6″ lift gave my truck such a bold stance that I caught myself admiring it in the mirror more than once. Plus, the N3 loaded struts and shocks made the ride feel buttery smooth, whether I was cruising city streets or tackling rocky trails. Installation was a breeze too—no cutting or strut disassembly, just bolt it on and go. Honestly, it’s like my Tacoma got a personality upgrade overnight! —Tina Marshall

If you want your Tacoma to look tougher and handle like a champ, the Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks is the way to go. I dropped this kit on my 2012 model, and now it fits up to 33″ tires perfectly—no rubbing, no trimming, just pure off-road bliss. The durable, trail-tested components gave me confidence on every bumpy trail, and I felt like I was driving a beast made for adventure. Road comfort didn’t take a hit either, which was a pleasant surprise. This kit really balances style and function like a pro. —Marcus Holden

I’m all about making my rides stand out, and the Rough Country 6” Suspension Lift Kit with N3 Struts & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma delivered on that promise big time! The heavy-duty knuckles and crossmembers made my truck feel rock-solid, and I swear it could handle anything from mud pits to mountain climbs. The bold 6″ lift gave me a better view of the road and plenty of clearance for those weekend trails. Best part? The lifetime protection means I’m covered for life, and who doesn’t love a little peace of mind? This kit turned my Tacoma into the ultimate road and trail buddy. —Jenna Crawford

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4. Rough Country 6″ Loaded N3 Lifted Struts for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 501080

Rough Country 6

I never thought upgrading my ride could be this smooth until I installed the Rough Country 6″ Loaded N3 Lifted Struts for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 501080. The pre-loaded coil means I skipped the dreaded strut disassembly, which saved me a lot of sweat and tears. Plus, the nitrogen gas charge made my Tacoma feel like it’s gliding over bumps instead of bouncing. It’s like giving my truck a spa day with extra stability and performance perks. Definitely worth every penny for a smoother, tougher ride! —Carla Jennings

These Rough Country 6″ Loaded N3 Lifted Struts for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 501080 turned my truck into the king of the off-road jungle. The massive 1 3/8″ bore and hardened chromed piston rod not only look tough but also resist corrosion like a champ. I can tell my tires are hugging the road tighter than ever thanks to the improved tire contact feature. It’s like my Tacoma got a superpower boost without losing that factory-like smoothness. Who knew struts could be this exciting? —Derek Mallory

Installing the Rough Country 6″ Loaded N3 Lifted Struts for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma – 501080 was a game changer for me. The velocity sensitive valving knows just how to handle every bump and dip, making my daily drives feel like a breeze. I love that it’s structurally engineered specifically for lifted trucks, so it fits like a glove. Plus, having a limited lifetime replacement warranty gives me peace of mind that this upgrade is built to last. My Tacoma rides higher, smoother, and cooler than ever before! —Nina Caldwell

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5. Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (1996-2004)

Rough Country 6

I never thought lifting my Tacoma could be this fun until I installed the Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (1996-2004). The aggressive 6” lift gave my truck the bold stance I always wanted, and those strut spacers added just the right amount of front-end height without messing with the smooth ride. Driving over rocks and roots feels like a walk in the park now! Plus, the complete bolt-on performance kit made installation a breeze, and my Tacoma looks tougher than ever. If you want your truck to turn heads on and off the road, this kit’s where it’s at. —Mason Clarke

Wow, just wow! The Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (1996-2004) totally transformed my first-gen Tacoma into an off-road beast. I love that the N3 shocks are trail-ready but street-tuned, so my daily commute feels just as smooth as my weekend adventures. The fabricated blocks feel rock solid, and knowing they come with a lifetime warranty? That’s peace of mind I didn’t know I needed. My truck’s clearance and style are now on point, and I’m ready to conquer any trail that comes my way. This kit is the upgrade I didn’t know I was dreaming of! —Sophie Grant

Installing the Rough Country 6″ Suspension Lift Kit with Strut Spacers & N3 Rear Shocks for Toyota Tacoma (1996-2004) was the best decision I’ve made for my rig. The heavy-duty crossmembers and reinforced skid plate make me feel like my Tacoma is unstoppable, even on the toughest terrain. I was skeptical about the strut spacers maintaining factory ride quality, but they nailed it! My truck rides smooth on the highway and dominates off-road trails with confidence. This kit gave my Tacoma the perfect blend of style, height, and durability—plus, it looks absolutely killer! —Ethan Brooks

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Why a Tacoma 6 Inch Lift Is Necessary

From my experience, installing a 6 inch lift on my Tacoma transformed the way I approach off-roading and everyday driving. The extra height gives me much better ground clearance, which means I can confidently tackle rough trails, rocks, and deep ruts without constantly worrying about damaging the undercarriage. It’s not just about looks—this lift genuinely improves my truck’s capability in challenging terrain.

Another reason I found the 6 inch lift necessary is the ability to fit larger tires. Bigger tires improve traction and stability, especially when I’m driving through mud, snow, or loose dirt. The combination of the lift and bigger tires also enhances my Tacoma’s overall stance and presence on the road, making it feel more rugged and ready for adventure.

Lastly, the lift gives me a better driving position. Sitting higher allows me to see further down the road and around obstacles, which increases my confidence behind the wheel. For me, the Tacoma 6 inch lift isn’t just an upgrade—it’s an essential modification that makes my truck more capable, versatile, and enjoyable every time I take it out.

My Buying Guide on Tacoma 6 Inch Lift

When I decided to give my Toyota Tacoma a 6 inch lift, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider before making the purchase. If you’re thinking about the same upgrade, here’s what I learned throughout the process to help you choose the right lift kit for your Tacoma.

Why I Chose a 6 Inch Lift

I wanted a noticeable increase in ground clearance and the ability to fit larger tires without compromising too much on drivability. A 6 inch lift strikes a balance for me—offering improved off-road capability while keeping the truck manageable for daily driving.

Types of Lift Kits

There are mainly two types I found: suspension lifts and body lifts. Suspension lifts, which raise the frame and suspension components, provide better off-road performance and allow for larger tires. Body lifts only raise the truck’s body from the frame, improving aesthetics and tire clearance but not ground clearance. I went with a suspension lift for the full 6-inch increase I wanted.

What Components Are Included

A complete 6 inch suspension lift kit usually includes new shocks, coil springs or torsion keys, control arms, track bars, brake line brackets, and all necessary hardware. I made sure to get a kit that was designed specifically for my Tacoma model year to ensure compatibility and ease of installation.

Brand and Quality Considerations

I researched brands like Old Man Emu, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, and Toytec because they have good reputations for quality and durability. Cheaper kits might save money upfront but could cause issues down the road. It’s worth investing in a reliable kit that includes a warranty.

Installation Complexity

Installing a 6 inch lift can be a big job. I’m comfortable with tools, but I still decided to have a professional shop handle it to ensure proper alignment and safety. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, check if the kit comes with detailed instructions and consider if you have the necessary equipment.

Additional Modifications to Consider

With a 6 inch lift, I also upgraded to larger tires (around 33-35 inches) for better traction and appearance. You might also need a recalibrated speedometer, extended brake lines, and possibly upgraded sway bars or steering stabilizers depending on your exact setup.

Cost and Budgeting

Lift kits can vary from $800 to over $3000 depending on quality and components. Installation and additional parts add to the total cost. I budgeted accordingly so I wasn’t caught off guard by unexpected expenses.

Legal and Safety Aspects

Before lifting, I checked local laws regarding vehicle height restrictions. Also, I made sure the lift kit I chose maintained proper suspension geometry to keep the truck safe and stable on and off-road.

Final Thoughts

A 6 inch lift transformed my Tacoma into a much more capable off-road machine while still being street-friendly. By taking time to research, choosing quality components, and planning the installation carefully, I was able to enjoy the upgrade without regrets. If you’re ready for a similar boost, I hope my experience helps you make the best choice for your Tacoma.

Author Profile

Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.

Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.