What a long travel suspension kit does for your Tacoma

A long travel suspension kit replaces your Tacoma's factory suspension with components that allow the wheels to move up and down through a much greater distance. Factory suspensions on Tacomas typically have 6 to 8 inches of total wheel travel; long travel kits extend that to 10, 12, or even 14 inches depending on the kit. This extra movement lets the suspension absorb bigger bumps, rocks, and ruts without bottoming out, and it keeps the wheels in contact with the ground longer on uneven terrain.

The kit includes new shocks (usually remote-reservoir or piggyback shocks), longer control arms, new bushings, extended brake lines, and sometimes a new sway bar or disconnects. Installation typically requires removing the factory suspension entirely and welding or bolting new mounts to the frame. The result is a truck that sits higher, handles rough terrain more smoothly, and can carry heavier loads without sagging as much.

Key Takeaways

  • Long travel kits increase wheel travel from the factory 6–8 inches to 10–14 inches, depending on the brand and model year of your Tacoma.
  • Installation involves replacing shocks, control arms, bushings, and brake lines, and often requires welding new frame mounts.
  • Kits from brands like Icon, Radflo, and Old Man Emu vary in price, ride quality, and how much ground clearance they add.
  • Long travel suspension changes how your truck handles on pavement and can affect warranty coverage, so understanding the trade-offs matters before you commit.

How long travel suspension differs from a straightforward lift kit

A basic lift kit raises the truck by adding spacers, blocks, or taller springs — it increases ride height but does not necessarily increase suspension travel. Your wheels still move through roughly the same distance as before, just from a higher starting point. A long travel kit, by contrast, redesigns the entire suspension geometry to allow the wheels to move much farther.

This distinction matters on rough terrain. A lifted truck with factory suspension will still bottom out on large rocks or deep ruts because the wheels cannot move far enough. A long travel truck can absorb those impacts because the suspension has room to compress. On pavement, the difference is also noticeable: long travel suspensions tend to feel softer and more compliant at low speeds, but they can also feel less planted during highway driving if the shocks and geometry are not tuned well.

Common long travel kit brands and what sets them apart

Icon Vehicle Dynamics makes kits for second-generation (2005–2015) and third-generation (2016+) Tacomas. Their kits use coilovers with remote reservoirs and are known for a smooth ride both on and off road. Icon kits tend to be at the higher end of the price range and often require professional installation.

Radflo Suspension offers kits that emphasize adjustability. You can tune spring rates and shock damping to match your driving style and load. Radflo kits are popular with owners who want to dial in their suspension rather than accept a one-size-fits-all setup.

Old Man Emu (OME) makes kits that are generally more affordable than Icon and Radflo, with a reputation for durability and a slightly firmer ride. OME kits are common on second-gen Tacomas and work well for mixed on-road and off-road use.

Dobinsons and ARB also offer long travel options, particularly for older Tacomas. These kits tend to be modular — you can buy shocks and springs separately and mix components to suit your needs and budget.

Installation complexity and what to expect

Long travel suspension installation is not a weekend project for most owners. The work typically takes 16 to 40 hours depending on the kit, your Tacoma's generation, and whether welding is required. Many kits require new frame mounts to be welded on, which means you need access to a welder or a shop with welding equipment.

Professional installation at a suspension shop usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000 in labor alone, on top of the kit cost. Some shops offer package deals where they sell you the kit and install it together. If you have welding experience and a full tool set, you can do the work yourself, but mistakes in suspension geometry or brake line routing can affect safety and handling.

Before you start, check whether your Tacoma's year and generation have well-documented installation instructions. Third-gen Tacomas (2016+) have more kit options and more detailed guides than older models, which can make the job easier.

How long travel suspension affects ride quality and handling

On pavement, a long travel suspension typically feels softer and more absorbent than the factory setup, especially over small bumps and road imperfections. At highway speeds, this can feel less responsive — the truck may lean more in corners and require more steering input. Some owners find this trade-off acceptable; others prefer the tighter feel of a factory or lightly lifted suspension.

Off road, the benefits are clear. The extra travel lets you maintain speed over rough terrain without jarring impacts, and the wheels stay planted longer on uneven ground, which improves traction. The truck also sits higher, which increases approach and departure angles and helps you clear obstacles.

Ride quality also depends heavily on shock tuning. A poorly tuned kit can feel bouncy or unstable. A well-tuned kit (like those from Icon or Radflo) will feel controlled and planted even with the extra travel. This is one reason why kits from established brands tend to cost more — the engineering and testing behind the shock valving matters.

Cost breakdown and what you are paying for

Long travel kits range from roughly $3,000 to $8,000 for the components alone, depending on the brand and how much of the suspension they replace. Icon kits are typically at the higher end; OME and Dobinsons kits are often in the middle range; budget kits from lesser-known brands may be cheaper but often come with trade-offs in ride quality or durability.

Labor adds another $2,000 to $5,000 if you use a professional shop. Some shops charge hourly rates (typically $100–$150 per hour); others quote a flat rate for a specific kit. Welding, if required, is sometimes billed separately.

Beyond the initial cost, long travel suspension can affect fuel economy slightly (the truck is heavier and sits higher, which increases aerodynamic drag), and it may void or complicate your factory warranty. Check with your Toyota dealer about what is covered before you install a kit.

Warranty and reliability considerations

Installing a long travel suspension kit will void Toyota's factory suspension warranty. Other components — engine, transmission, electrical — may still be covered, but anything related to the suspension, steering, or braking is typically no longer covered by Toyota once you modify it.

Reputable kit manufacturers usually offer their own warranty on the components they sell, typically one to three years depending on the brand. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from off-road use or accidents.

Long travel suspensions are generally reliable if installed correctly and maintained. The main wear items are the shocks, which may need rebuilding or replacement after 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how hard you use the truck. Bushings and ball joints also wear faster than on a factory suspension because of the increased articulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a long travel suspension kit make my Tacoma taller?

Yes, most kits raise the truck by 2 to 4 inches. The exact amount depends on the kit and how much the suspension is compressed when the truck is sitting still. Some of the height comes from the longer shocks and control arms, and some comes from the truck sitting on a higher perch.

Can I install a long travel kit myself if I have basic mechanical skills?

If you have welding experience, a full tool set, and access to a lift, you can do it yourself. If welding is required and you do not have that skill, you will need to hire a shop for that part. Many owners do some of the work themselves and outsource the welding and final alignment.

Do I need to replace my brakes or steering components?

Most kits include extended brake lines to accommodate the longer suspension travel. Steering components like tie rods may need adjustment or replacement depending on the kit and your Tacoma's age. Your installer will tell you what else needs to be done during the initial inspection.

What is the difference between a coilover and a traditional shock-and-spring setup?

A coilover combines the shock and spring into one unit, which saves space and allows for more adjustability. Traditional setups use separate shocks and springs. Most modern long travel kits use coilovers because they allow for the longer travel distances and are easier to tune.

How often do I need to service a long travel suspension?

Shocks should be inspected every 15,000 to 20,000 miles and may need rebuilding or replacement every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Bushings, ball joints, and control arm bearings should be checked annually, especially if you use the truck off road regularly. Regular maintenance extends the life of the suspension and keeps it performing as intended.