{
 "slug": "cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner",
 "title": "Cost to Lift a Tacoma or 4Runner: Every Tier Priced (2026)",
 "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/",
 "markdown": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner.md",
 "description": "What it costs to lift a 3rd gen Tacoma or 5th gen 4Runner, from a $154 spacer to $4,000 coilovers, with install, alignment and UCAs.",
 "quickAnswer": "Lifting a 3rd gen Tacoma costs about $450–$900 for a spacer level, $1,400–$1,900 for an Old Man Emu kit, $2,000–$2,800 for Bilstein 6112/5160, $2,900–$3,400 for an Icon Stage 2 kit, and $3,000–$4,000 for Fox or King coilovers, installed with an alignment. Add $670–$800 for upper control arms if you go past about 2.5″ of front lift. A 5th gen 4Runner Icon kit is $2,090 (Stage 1) to $3,032 (Stage 2 with UCAs) before install. Parts prices seen October 2026; install figures are owner reports.",
 "platforms": [
  "Tacoma",
  "4Runner"
 ],
 "category": "Mods & Builds",
 "author": "Rob Krause",
 "published": "2026-10-21T02:10:00Z",
 "updated": "2026-10-21T02:10:00Z",
 "sections": [
  {
   "heading": "Lift Cost by Tier (3rd Gen Tacoma)",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#lift-cost-by-tier-3rd-gen-tacoma"
  },
  {
   "heading": "The Parts You Might Also Need",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#the-parts-you-might-also-need"
  },
  {
   "heading": "Install Labor: What Owners Paid",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#install-labor-what-owners-paid"
  },
  {
   "heading": "5th Gen 4Runner",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#5th-gen-4runner"
  },
  {
   "heading": "How to Spend It Wisely",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#how-to-spend-it-wisely"
  },
  {
   "heading": "Frequently Asked Questions",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#frequently-asked-questions"
  },
  {
   "heading": "Related Guides",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-lift-toyota-tacoma-4runner/#related-guides"
  }
 ],
 "faqs": [
  {
   "q": "How much does it cost to lift a 3rd gen Tacoma?",
   "a": "From about $450–$900 installed for a front spacer level to $3,000–$4,000 for Fox or King coilovers, and more for the top-tier kits. A complete Bilstein 6112/5160 or Old Man Emu setup lands around $1,400–$2,800 installed, with alignment."
  },
  {
   "q": "How much does it cost to lift a 5th gen 4Runner?",
   "a": "An Icon kit is $2,090 (Stage 1) to $3,032 (Stage 2 with UCAs) in parts; plan on about $2,500–$4,000 installed with an alignment."
  },
  {
   "q": "How much is labor to install a lift on a Tacoma?",
   "a": "Owners report roughly $350–$800 for the install, plus $90–$150 for the alignment. A cab mount chop for larger tires adds about $200–$300."
  },
  {
   "q": "Do I need upper control arms with a lift?",
   "a": "Usually past about 2.5″ of front lift, or when the factory UCA starts to hit the coilover or the tire. They cost about $670–$800."
  },
  {
   "q": "Is a spacer lift worth it?",
   "a": "For a small level and a slightly bigger tire on a truck that sees mostly pavement, yes. For off-road use or more than about 2″ of lift, a coilover kit rides and articulates better."
  }
 ],
 "related": [
  {
   "title": "Cost of 33 vs 35 Inch Tires on a Tacoma or 4Runner: The Full Build (2026)",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-of-bigger-tires-toyota-tacoma-4runner-33-vs-35/"
  },
  {
   "title": "Cost to Regear a Tacoma, 4Runner or Tundra (2026 Prices)",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/cost-to-regear-toyota-tacoma-4runner-tundra/"
  },
  {
   "title": "Toyota Regear Chart: Tire Size vs Gear Ratio vs RPM",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-regear-chart-tire-size-gear-ratio-rpm/"
  },
  {
   "title": "The Toyota Truck Home Garage Tool List: What You Need for Every Job",
   "url": "https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-truck-home-garage-tool-list/"
  }
 ],
 "content_markdown": "> QUICK ANSWER\n>\n> **Lifting a 3rd gen Tacoma costs about $450–$900 for a spacer level, $1,400–$1,900 for an Old Man Emu kit, $2,000–$2,800 for Bilstein 6112/5160, $2,900–$3,400 for an Icon Stage 2 kit, and $3,000–$4,000 for Fox or King coilovers,** installed with an alignment. Add **$670–$800** for upper control arms if you go past about 2.5″ of front lift. A 5th gen 4Runner Icon kit is **$2,090** (Stage 1) to **$3,032** (Stage 2 with UCAs) before install. Parts prices seen October 2026; install figures are owner reports.\n\n\"How much is a lift?\" has a five-tier answer. A spacer level and a set of long-travel coilovers both raise the front of the truck, but they cost ten times apart and ride nothing alike. This guide prices each tier for the 3rd gen Tacoma (2016–2023), with 5th gen 4Runner numbers where we found them, and adds the line items people forget: install labor, alignment, control arms and the rear.\n\n## Lift Cost by Tier (3rd Gen Tacoma)\n\n| TIER | EXAMPLE PARTS | PARTS PRICE | INSTALLED, WITH ALIGNMENT |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| **Spacer level** | MaxTrac 2.25″ front spacers (not for TRD Pro) | $154 | ~$450–$900 |\n| **Budget complete kit** | Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus kit (base) | $900 | ~$1,400–$1,900 |\n| **Bilstein** | 6112 front coilovers ($997) + 5160 rear shocks (~$538 pair) | ~$1,535; add a $271 Icon add-a-leaf for rear lift | ~$2,000–$2,800 |\n| **Icon complete** | Icon Stage 2: 2.5 coilovers, 2.0 rear reservoir shocks, add-a-leaf | $2,407 | ~$2,900–$3,400 |\n| **Premium coilovers** | Fox 2.5 Performance Elite front pair ($2,500), or King 2.5 front ($1,805) + rear reservoir shocks (from $1,103) | ~$2,500–$2,900 front and rear | ~$3,000–$4,000 |\n| **Top tier** | Old Man Emu BP-51 kit; OME 2″ lift kit | $3,310; from $4,179 | ~$3,750–$5,100 |\n\n**How we built the installed column:** parts price plus the owner-reported install and alignment figures below ($350–$800 install, $90–$150 alignment). Labor is not standardized, so treat it as a planning range.\n\n## The Parts You Might Also Need\n\n| ITEM | WHY | PRICE |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Upper control arms | More droop and correct ball joint angle past about 2.5″ of front lift; often needed for 33s at full lock | $667 (Bilstein B8, listed out of stock) to $800 (SPC) |\n| Rear add-a-leaf | 1–1.5″ of rear lift to match a leveled front | $271 (Icon 1.5″) |\n| Full rear leaf pack | Replaces a sagging or overloaded factory pack | $417 each for Icon RXT, two needed, U-bolts extra |\n| Cab mount chop | Clearance for 285/70R17 at full lock on many lifted trucks | ~$200–$300 at a shop (owner reports) |\n| Alignment | Required after any front suspension change | $100–$150 four-wheel |\n\n## Install Labor: What Owners Paid\n\nShops do not publish lift install prices, so these are owner reports from TacomaWorld threads (2019–2021). Rates have risen since.\n\n- **$275** for a spacer lift, including the alignment\n- **$350** install plus **$90** alignment\n- **$750** install plus **$140** alignment\n- **$650–$800** install for a coilover kit; a cab mount chop added **$200–$300**\n- **$755** for suspension plus **$200** for UCAs\n- About **$2,600 out the door** for a complete Old Man Emu kit, parts and labor\n\n**Alignment** by itself is about $100–$150 for a four-wheel alignment (TireGrades, 2026).\n\n## 5th Gen 4Runner\n\n| KIT | PARTS PRICE |\n| --- | --- |\n| Icon Stage 1 (0–3.5″) | $2,090 |\n| Icon Stage 2 with tubular UCAs | $3,032 |\n\nThe 4Runner uses coil springs at all four corners, so a lift is front coilovers and rear springs and shocks, not a leaf pack. Install labor is in the same range as the Tacoma. Expect about $2,500–$4,000 installed with an alignment, depending on the kit.\n\n## How to Spend It Wisely\n\n- **Lift for the tire you want.** A 2″ level and a 285/70R17 (33″) is the most common Tacoma and 4Runner combo. Our [3rd gen Tacoma 33s guide](/guides/285-70r17-3rd-gen-tacoma-33-tire-fitment-guide/) and [5th gen 4Runner fitment guide](/guides/biggest-tires-on-a-stock-5th-gen-4runner-fitment-guide/) show what each lift height clears.\n- **Spacers are cheap, not free.** A spacer lift keeps factory shocks and spring rates, and the ride gets stiffer and the droop shorter.\n- **Budget the rear.** A leveled front with a stock rear sits nose-high when the bed is empty and nose-down when it is loaded. An add-a-leaf or rear leaf pack fixes that.\n- **Do not skip the alignment.** Any front lift changes camber and toe, and an unaligned truck eats tires fast.\n- **Factor in gears.** Lift plus 35s usually means a [regear](/guides/cost-to-regear-toyota-tacoma-4runner-tundra/), which can cost more than the lift.\n\n*Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.*\n\n| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Leveling kit, 2016–2023 Tacoma | The entry-level front lift | [Shop on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=2016-2023+Toyota+Tacoma+leveling+kit&tag=1434042-20) |\n| Leveling kit, 2010–2024 4Runner | The entry-level front lift | [Shop on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=2010-2024+Toyota+4Runner+leveling+kit&tag=1434042-20) |\n| 1/2\" drive click torque wrench, 10-150 ft-lb | Torquing control arm and coilover bolts to spec | [Shop on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MP1Q3W8?tag=1434042-20) |\n| 24\" breaker bar, 1/2\" drive | Breaking loose cam bolts and seized suspension hardware | [Shop on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001222378?tag=1434042-20) |\n| 3-ton jack stands (pair) | Supporting the truck during the install | [Shop on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CO86BY?tag=1434042-20) |\n\nDoing it yourself? Our [Tacoma torque specs](/guides/toyota-tacoma-torque-specs-suspension-steering-drivetrain/) and [4Runner and FJ torque specs](/guides/toyota-4runner-fj-cruiser-torque-specs-suspension-drivetrain/) list every suspension bolt.\n\n## Frequently Asked Questions\n\n### How much does it cost to lift a 3rd gen Tacoma?\n\nFrom about $450–$900 installed for a front spacer level to $3,000–$4,000 for Fox or King coilovers, and more for the top-tier kits. A complete Bilstein 6112/5160 or Old Man Emu setup lands around $1,400–$2,800 installed, with alignment.\n\n### How much does it cost to lift a 5th gen 4Runner?\n\nAn Icon kit is $2,090 (Stage 1) to $3,032 (Stage 2 with UCAs) in parts; plan on about $2,500–$4,000 installed with an alignment.\n\n### How much is labor to install a lift on a Tacoma?\n\nOwners report roughly $350–$800 for the install, plus $90–$150 for the alignment. A cab mount chop for larger tires adds about $200–$300.\n\n### Do I need upper control arms with a lift?\n\nUsually past about 2.5″ of front lift, or when the factory UCA starts to hit the coilover or the tire. They cost about $670–$800.\n\n### Is a spacer lift worth it?\n\nFor a small level and a slightly bigger tire on a truck that sees mostly pavement, yes. For off-road use or more than about 2″ of lift, a coilover kit rides and articulates better.\n\n## Related Guides\n\n- [Cost to Regear a Tacoma, 4Runner or Tundra](/guides/cost-to-regear-toyota-tacoma-4runner-tundra/)\n- [Cost to Run 33 or 35 Inch Tires on a Tacoma or 4Runner](/guides/cost-of-bigger-tires-toyota-tacoma-4runner-33-vs-35/)\n- [Best Lift Kit for a 3rd Gen Tacoma: Bilstein vs Fox vs Icon vs King](/guides/best-lift-kit-3rd-gen-tacoma-bilstein-fox-icon-king/)\n\nSources (prices seen October 20, 2026): [MaxTrac level at YotaXpedition](https://yotaxpedition.com/products/2-5-front-leveling-kit-tacoma-2016-2023); [Bilstein 6112 at ShockSurplus](https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-6112-2-5-lift-kit-16-23-toyota-tacoma-6-lug); [OME Nitrocharger Plus at ShockSurplus](https://shocksurplus.com/products/old-man-emu-nitrocharger-2-3-lift-kit-16-21-toyota-tacoma); [Quadratec Tacoma suspension listings](https://www.quadratec.com/vehicle/2016-2023-tacoma/jeep-lift-kits-%26-suspension?page=3) (Bilstein 5160, BP-51, OME, King, Bilstein UCA); [Icon K53002](https://iconvehicledynamics.com/products/k53002); [Fox 2.5 at Quadratec](https://www.quadratec.com/p/fox-racing-shox/2-5-performance-elite-series-coil-over-resevoir-front-shock-pair-tacoma/1-2-lift-883-06-178); [SPC UCAs at YotaXpedition](https://yotaxpedition.com/products/upper-control-arm-tacoma-2016-2023); [Icon add-a-leaf at Randy's](https://www.randysworldwide.com/products/51100); [Icon RXT at LiftKits4Less](https://liftkits4less.com/icon-2005-2023-toyota-tacoma-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-spring-pack-w-add-in-leaf); [Icon 4Runner Stage 1 at LowRange](https://lowrangeoffroad.com/2010-present-toyota-4runner-suspension-system-0-3-5-stage-1-by-icon-k53061.html); [Icon 4Runner Stage 2 at Randy's](https://www.randysworldwide.com/products/k53062t); install reports on TacomaWorld ([1](https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/23785182), [2](https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/20501055), [3](https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/22592628)); [TireGrades alignment cost](https://tiregrades.com/tire-maintenance/alignment/how-much-does-a-wheel-alignment-cost)."
}