Yes, you can fit a 33-inch tire on a 3” lift Toyota Tacoma without any issues like rubbing or scrubbing. In the first and third generations, you can even install a 33” tire without any lifting. But in this case, the tire will be against the body mount. Meanwhile, in the 2nd gen, you’ll need further modification along with lifting, such as implementing a body mount chop, fender trimming, or utilizing a spacer kit.
This is just a key takeaway of total discussion. Continue reading for a comprehensive guide.
Can You Fit 33-Inch Tires On A 3-Inch Lift Toyota Tacoma?
It’s possible to fit a 33″ tire on a 3″ lift in a Toyota Tacoma. However, the specific generation of the vehicle may require additional modifications such as body mount chopping and fender trimming to ensure adequate clearance.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the modifications required for different generations of the vehicle, please refer to the following table.
| Generation of Toyota Tacoma | Possible issue you don’t lift 3” | Necessary additional modifications |
| First Generation | Scrubbing with the body mount | No modification needed |
| Second Generation | Rubbing with fender and body mount | Body mount chopping Fender trimmingSpacer kit |
| Third Generation | Rubbing and scrubbing while turning | No modification needed |
Note:
Standard wheels won’t work with larger tires if you lift your Toyota Tacoma by 3 inches. You’ll need to get new wheels or spacers. After-market wheels can fit bigger tires, but they may require some modifications, and there’s a risk of wheel bearing problems. Generally, 285mm tires require wider wheels than the original ones.
Now, let us delve into a detailed discourse on each successive generation.
First Generation (1995 – 2004)
The original stock tire size for the first-generation vehicle is 31 inches. However, it is feasible to install a larger 33-inch tire without requiring additional modifications or a lift.
Nonetheless, maneuvering the vehicle while turning may result in rubbing. Consequently, it is advisable to implement a 3-inch lift to prevent any potential rubbing or scrubbing issues. Take a look at the image below for a visual understanding.
Source: ThatRedYota YouTube Channel
The image depicts the Toyota 3rd generation vehicle equipped with a 33-inch tire, without any lift. Observable clearance between the tire and fender suggests a lack of complications.
However, upon high-speed turning, the tire does make contact with the fender, leading to issues. You probably can see the sign of that. To mitigate such concerns, a lift of 3 inches suffices. Lifting 3″ will eliminate rubbing and scrubbing issues.
Second Generation (2005 – 2015)
The stock tire size for a Toyota Tacoma 2nd Gen typically ranges between 29 to 30 inches in diameter. If you want to upgrade to a 33-inch tire size, you will need to lift the suspension by at least 3 inches to accommodate the larger tire size.
Upgrading the suspension with a 3-inch lift kit will provide additional clearance between the wheel wells and the tires, which is essential to prevent rubbing or scraping issues. However, some people reported that they face rubbing issues even after lifting 3”.
In this case, you may need to do some additional modifications. The lift kit will also improve the vehicle’s off-road performance by increasing the ground clearance and allowing for larger tires.
Third Generation (2016 – Current)
The 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma can accommodate a 33” tire without requiring any adjustments. However, it is important to note that this may lead to rubbing and scrubbing against the body mount. This is due to the fact that the stock tire size for the Tacoma 3rd gen is typically 30”, which does not provide sufficient clearance for the larger tire size to move and rotate freely.
Despite some claims in online forums that a 33” tire can be fitted on a Toyota Tacoma 3rd gen without a lift, this is not entirely accurate. In fact, this may result in the tire colliding with the fender or body mount at high speeds.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to install a 3” lift when fitting a 33” tire on a Toyota Tacoma 3rd gen. This will ensure sufficient clearance and prevent any potential collisions with the body.
Do you own a 33-inch tire as well? If yes, can I fit 33 inch tires on 20 inch rims? Check it yourself!
How To Install a 3” Lift Kit On Toyota Tacoma?
The process of installing a lift kit on your Toyota Tacoma is quite complex and requires the removal of critical bolts and parts. It is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of automotive professionals to ensure the task is performed correctly.
However, if you are feeling confident and would like to attempt it yourself, we have provided a helpful video guide below to assist you in the installation process.
How Much Does It Cost To Do a 3” Lift On Toyota Tacoma?
The cost of doing a 3″ lift on a Toyota Tacoma can range from $500 to $3,000 if you do the installation yourself, and between $1,000 and $3,000 if you have a professional mechanic do it. However, additional upgrades and modifications can increase the cost.
When it comes to lifting a Toyota Tacoma, the cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type of lift kit you choose, installation method, and labor costs. A 3″ lift kit can cost between $200 and $2,500, depending on the brand, quality, and features of the kit.
If you decide to install the lift kit yourself, you’ll need to purchase the kit and some basic tools. While the kit can range from $200 to $1,500, the tools you’ll need to purchase will typically cost an additional $50 to $100.
On the other hand, if you decide to have a professional mechanic do the installation, you can expect to pay between $300 and $1,500, depending on the shop’s labor rates and the type of lift kit you choose.
It’s important to note that there may be additional costs associated with lifting your Tacoma, such as alignment adjustments, brake upgrades, and suspension upgrades. These costs will depend on your vehicle’s condition and the type of lift kit you choose.
Before we move forward, check the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 vs. Toyo Open Country AT2 vs. BFG KO2 post if you’re confused about which tire should you choose for a better experience.
Can You Fit 33 Tyres On Toyota Tacoma Without 3-Inch Lift?
If you don’t want to use a lift kit, cutting/chopping the body mount of the Toyota Tacoma and fender trimming is the most popular alternative. Another effective solution is to utilize a spacer kit to accommodate a 33” tire on the vehicle. And these modifications are needed in the 2nd generation of the Tacoma even after lifting it 3”.
As previously discussed, it is typically not a major challenge to fit a tire of this size on the other 2 generations of the Toyota Tacoma, making these options worth considering as alternatives to a lifting kit. So, let’s discuss these briefly below.
Body Mount Chopping
The most efficient approach to installing a 33-inch tire on a Toyota Tacoma, particularly for the 1st and 3rd generations, is through body mount chopping. It is worth noting that fitting a tire of this size in these generations should not cause significant problems, except for rubbing against the body mount.
Removing the body mount is an effective solution to this issue. We advise seeking the aid of a professional automotive mechanic to accomplish this task. However, if you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, you can refer to the video guide below for assistance.
Fender Trimming
Fender trimming can serve as an alternative to a lifting kit. However, it is not a comprehensive replacement for lifting. This is because fender trimming may not fully resolve the collision issue with the body mount. In such a scenario, you have the option of either cutting the body mount or using a spacer kit. But, this process is labor-intensive and requires specialized tools.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced automotive professional. Alternatively, you may choose to undertake the task yourself by following the instructions outlined in the video below.
Spacer Kit
The spacer kit is a viable option to consider instead of a lift kit. What the spacer kit does is that it enhances the gap between the suspension/wheel well and the wheel. This adjustment is useful in preventing any unnecessary rubbing or scraping between the body mount and the wheel well.
This kind of modification is particularly essential for the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) to avoid any rubbing of the tire with the control arm. Almost all Toyota Tacoma have IFS. While very few models have solid axle.
It’s worth mentioning that installing a spacer kit can be a complex and time-consuming process. It’s highly advisable to seek the services of a professional automobile mechanic to handle the installation of a spacer kit on your Tacoma.
FAQs
What Is A Good Lift Kit Height?
A lift kit is between 1.5” to 6”. Depending on your need you can choose a kit for your vehicle. It basically depends on the driving condition. If you drive your vehicle off-road, a large lift kit is better. You might also need a larger lift kit to fit a bigger tire than the stock of the vehicle.
Do Bigger Tires Hurt Your Transmission?
Yes, a bigger tire hurts your transmission’s gear ratio. Installing bigger tires on a truck without adjusting the axle ratios can reduce the effective gear ratio. It causes the engine to operate below its power band, which can negatively affect performance and fuel economy. However, it does not directly harm the transmission.
Is A Taller Or Wider Tire Better?
It depends on the specific use case and road conditions. High-profile tires with plenty of space for air are more comfortable, but wider tires offer more grip on dry roads. However, there is a higher risk of aquaplaning with wide tires.
Conclusion
Well, we’re at the very end of the discussion on can you fit 33-inch tires on a 3-inch lift Toyota Tacoma. Generallyfor off-roading people usually tends to use a bigger size tire for better ground clearance. But enhancing the tire size is not the only way to do so. Therefore, always consider all the circumstances before upgrading the tire size.
Cheers!
