There was a time when most manufacturers refused to offer lift kits for their off-road-based vehicles. A suspension lift is, however, one of the most common and desirable modifications, and for decades, drivers have been relying on the aftermarket industry to provide these suspension kits. The problem with user-selected lift kits is that they all promise the greatest performance, and not all suspension kits are equal. Unfortunately, some are unreliable and poorly engineered. Toyota engineering is the stuff of legends, and the company is now offering a lift kit developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) that makes the already capable Tundra pickup bigger and bolder with a more aggressive stance. This new lift kit is available across the USA as a dealer-installed option, and it’s the only Toyota-approved lift kit designed to work with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system.
Mikhal el Arculli, TRD principal engineer, said,
“There are many compromises with aftermarket lift kits, some of which can impact the function of vehicle features or safety systems. We have designed this kit to work seamlessly with the Tundra’s standard features, retain all Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) functionality, maintain similar stock driving dynamics by creating a kit with a high center of gravity and provide a look and feel customers want with a lift.”
Front and rear Bilstein monotube shocks and taller TRD red coil springs are tuned by TRD, much like the tried-and-true, dealer-installed lift kit available on the Tacoma mid-size pickup that debuted in 2021. The Bilstein shocks feature digressive pistons to provide low-speed body control and exceptional high-speed stability. Toyota equips the kit with forged upper control arms (UCAs) from Detroit-based Roush Performance up front, and they are matched with beefed-up lower steering knuckles, outer tie rods, tie-rod sleeves, extended drive shafts, bump stops, and extended brake flex hoses. A set of spacers assist the rear springs in their lifting duties. These stronger UCAs complement the additional suspension travel given with the lifted suspension.
This raises the truck, increasing frame ground clearance by 2.6 inches, and boosts off-road capability with improved approach and departure angles. The approach angle rises from 21.0 to 26.0 degrees, and the departure angle from 24.0 to 25.0 degrees; you will have to fit larger tires if you want to raise the differentials.
The Tundra TRD lift kit includes all the necessary hardware, but it can only be installed by a Toyota dealership. It is currently available for the 2022 model year and newer Tundra iForce and iForce-Max 4×4 models with either the 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed. The kit is incompatible with the TRD Pro, TRD Sport, or trucks equipped with the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) or air suspension.
For added peace of mind, the Tundra TRD lift kit comes backed by the same warranty as all TRD accessories, which includes a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty on parts if installed before or at the time of the sale. However, if purchased after the new vehicle purchase, the coverage is 12 months, regardless of mileage from the date the accessory was installed on the vehicle or the remainder of any applicable new vehicle warranty (whichever provides greater coverage).
The manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing for the kit is $3,995, not including installation labor.
For more information, contact your local Toyota dealer, visit TRDusa.com or find the dealer nearest you on Toyota.com.
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