Inexpensive Mods That Can Improve The Off-Road Capability Of Your Gen-4 Tacoma

The Gen-4 Toyota Tacoma is a rugged and versatile off-roader with an excellent modern design and a high level of utility. These trucks are made to be used off-road and have excellent features that are designed for this purpose, but there are still some off-roading improvements that can be made to the Tacoma, regardless of your budget.

Most off-road truck mods are expensive and do not have as much of a benefit as you may want them to, but several very affordable and functional mods for the Gen-4 Tacoma significantly approve the off-roading ability of the truck without costing too much.

Affordable upgrades and mods like lift kits, skid plates, mud-terrain tires, or even simple LED lights can make a modern Tacoma an even better off-roader than it already is, drastically improving the experience of taking this truck on trails, and making it a more capable machine overall.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.

Gen-4 Tacoma Suspension Upgrades

The suspension system of a Tacoma (or any pickup truck, for that matter), is a crucial aspect of its off-road performance. The suspension system determines how well the vehicle handles off-road terrain, how effectively the engine power can be used by the wheels, what size tires the truck can be equipped with, and the overall ride comfort and usability of the vehicle off-road.

Upgrading the suspension of a Gen-4 Tacoma can significantly improve its off-road capabilities, providing better ground clearance, improved stability, and enhanced handling. Suspension upgrades can be affordable, depending on the components, but always make a measurable improvement to off-road ability, regardless of how much they cost.

Leveling Kits And Spacers ($50 – $500)

Leveling kits and spacers are basic suspension modifications that can be a good starting point for improving the Tacoma’s ground clearance. These kits are designed to level out the truck’s stance, which is often uneven in stock condition due to the rear being higher than the front.

Leveling the ride and stance of the truck improves ground clearance, allowing for larger tires, and improving the stability and articulation of the suspension system. These kits are relatively affordable, as prices usually range between $50 and $500. Leveling kits and spacers are an excellent choice for a modest Tacoma upgrade.

Full Suspension Lift Kits (~ $600)

Full suspension lift kits significantly improve the off-road capabilities of the Gen-4 Tacoma, and are typically installed for serious off-roading. These kits can raise the truck by several inches, creating much better ground clearance and allowing for much larger, more aggressive tires. They also improve suspension articulation, which is crucial for navigating through rough and uneven terrain.

Full suspension lift kits are more complex than simple spacers or leveling kits and provide a more comprehensive upgrade to the vehicle’s suspension system. Prices for these kits start at around $600 but can be much more expensive depending on the brand and the extent of the lift.

Upgrading the Tacoma’s suspension is a fundamental step in enhancing its off-road performance. These upgrades improve the vehicle’s capabilities, allow for a more customized and personal off-road experience, and are typically a great bang-for-buck upgrade for these trucks.

Upgrades For Wheels And Tires

The wheels and tires used on the Gen-4 Tacoma play a critical role in its off-road performance. The right combination of wheels and tires can significantly improve traction, stability, and durability on various types of off-road terrain.

Upgrading the wheels and tires of a Tacoma is simple and can be relatively affordable, but has impressive results, especially for a Tacoma that is used for serious off-roading, or on very rugged terrain.

The typical choices for wheel and tire upgrades for the Gen-4 Tacoma are all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. All-terrain tires are great for drivers who need a versatile tire for both daily driving and occasional off-roading, and mud-terrain tires are ideal for those prioritizing maximum off-road performance at the expense of on-road comfort.

All-Terrian Tires ($120 – $750 Each)

All-Terrain tires provide a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. These tires are suitable for various terrains, but their performance in deep mud is less effective compared to Mud Terrain tires.

All-terrain tires are less specialized than other specifical-application tires and are therefore usually less expensive than purpose-built tires, and are available widely, making them more affordable.

The pros of A/T tires include:

• Quiet and comfortable on the pavement, even at high speeds.
• Provide good traction in snow, mud, rock, and soft sand.
• Durable for both trail and pavement use.

The cons of A/T tires include:

• Not as effective in deep, clay-like mud.
• Some all-terrain tires may have increased road noise with wear.

Models like the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015, and the Firestone Destination X/T are popular choices for their balance of off-road capability and on-road manners. The BFGoodrich T/A KO2 is another excellent option, known for its good performance in various conditions except deep mud.

Mudd-Terrain Tires ($200 – $950 Each)

Despite their name, mud-terrain tires are designed for diverse terrains, including deep mud and rocky trails. They have aggressive tread patterns for maximum traction in off-road conditions. These tires are more specialized and more expensive than other types of tires that can be fitted to a Gen-4 Tacoma, but they are a worthwhile upgrade for serious off-roading.

The pros of mud-terrain tires include:

• Provide maximum traction in off-road conditions, especially in mud and snow.
• Aggressive tread pattern for gripping rocky and uneven surfaces.
• Suitable for severe terrain conditions.

The cons of mud-terrain tires include:

• Typically louder when driving than other tires, producing a “hum” or “howl” sound.
• Faster wear compared to All-Terrain tires, especially when driven hard off-road.

Options like the Cooper STT Pro Mud Terrain and Goodyear Duratracs offer excellent off-road performance with good on-road behavior. The TreadWright Guard Dog MTs are also a notable option, providing strong off-road traction with a mud terrain-like design.

Tacoma Body Armor

The Tacoma is an impressive off-road pickup, but it is still crucial to protect the vehicle’s undercarriage when taking it on the trails. Rough terrain can have many serious hazards, including rocks and debris, that can damage vital parts of the truck. Installing body off-roading armor enhances the Tacoma’s durability and ensures a safer off-road experience.

Skid Plates ($150 – $1000)

Skid plates are essential for protecting the underside of the Tacoma, from rocks, debris, and other hard or sharp objects commonly encountered during off-roading. They act as a shield for vulnerable parts like the fuel tank and transfer case.

Skid plates vary in material, with some made from steel for maximum protection and others constructed from aluminum to improve protection while saving weight. A blend of both materials can be seen in setups where the front plate is steel, and the transmission and transfer plates are aluminum for a balance of protection and weight. Depending on the materials used, Gen-4 Tacoma skid plates can be very affordable, as prices start at around $150 per skid plate, and they can be bought individually.

Off-Road Bumpers ($280 – $1000)

Off-road bumpers are designed to enhance the Tacoma’s clearance, approach, and departure angles. These bumpers are usually made of sturdy materials like steel and are designed to follow the truck’s lines closely while offering substantial protection.

They can come equipped with additional features such as winch mounts, light bar cutouts, and tow hooks. The front bumper, in particular, can significantly improve the approach angle, allowing the Tacoma to tackle steeper and more challenging obstacles.

This simple mod can significantly improve the off-road capabilities of a Tacoma, and allow it to reach places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Off-road bumpers can be expensive, but they can be bought from aftermarket companies for affordable prices, making them excellent value for money.

Rock Sliders ($800 – $1,000)

Rock sliders protect the Tacoma’s rocker panels, which are particularly susceptible to damage when traversing over rocks and other large obstacles. These sliders are typically made from durable materials like DOM steel and are often angled to serve dual purposes – protection and a step to improve access to the truck.

This mod is crucial for preserving the integrity of the vehicle’s sides and can even support the full weight of the truck, proving the toughness and value of good rock sliders. However, rock sliders can be among the most expensive body armor upgrades for a Tacoma, as they are usually specially made for each vehicle, and can be difficult to mount to the truck, as they must be securely welded or bolted to the frame to be useful.

Rock sliders for this truck can cost upwards of $1000, but certain versions can be found for between $800 and $900. The price of this mod is justifiable for serious off-roaders who traverse very technical trails.

Lights And Recovery Equipment

Off-roading in a Toyota Tacoma, especially during night-time or challenging conditions, demands excellent visibility and robust recovery capabilities. Upgrading the Tacoma with advanced lighting and recovery equipment not only enhances safety but also increases the vehicle’s off-road utility.

Advanced Lighting Upgrades

Enhancing night-time visibility in off-road conditions is crucial for safe and enjoyable adventures. Adding advanced lighting upgrades like LED headlights, taillights, and pod lights significantly improves visibility.

These lighting options, which include products from Rigid Industries and others, offer intense illumination to light up dark trails and assist in navigation through rough terrains. These lights provide functional benefits, but they also add to the aesthetic appeal of the Tacoma, making it look more rugged and ready for off-road challenges.

Recovery Winches

A recovery winch is an essential tool for any serious off-roader. In challenging conditions, where the risk of getting stuck is high, a winch can be a lifeline. Winches like the Warn Zeon 10s have the strength and reliability needed for self-recovery. It’s important to choose a winch that matches the weight of the Tacoma and to consider various mounting options, such as custom frame tow hook-mount winch trays, aftermarket winch mount bumpers, or hitch-mount winch trays.

Adding a winch increases the Tacoma’s recovery capabilities but also adds to the overall off-road readiness of the vehicle, as well as the safety of using the vehicle on difficult terrains.