Rough Country has unveiled a front leveling kit for the all-new Tacoma, comprising two steel upper strut spacers, studs, and nuts. Manufactured in Tennessee, this 1.5-inch leveling kit is not compatible with the Trailhunter and TRD Pro models.
Priced at $99.95 with complimentary shipping, this kit is tailored for trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. As a quick reminder, 4WD-equipped models feature an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Limited variant boasts full-time 4WD, while the Limited i-FORCE MAX features a center-locking differential.
Apart from eliminating the nose-down appearance from the factory, the leveling kit enables Tacoma owners to accommodate slightly larger tires. However, it’s essential to recalibrate the speedometer when installing larger tires.
A realignment of the truck is necessary regardless of make and model after installing a leveling kit. Rough Country also recommends checking and retightening the wheels at 50 miles (80 kilometers), followed by another check at 500 miles (800 kilometers) for added assurance.
The installation process, estimated by the Dyersburg-based company, typically takes two to four hours. Necessary tools include a strut compressor and a cutting wheel or grinder to trim the factory strut studs down to the thread’s beginning.
For those less mechanically inclined, it’s advisable to entrust this task to someone with experience in the auto service industry.
Displayed in Supersonic Red, which is a $425 option according to Toyota’s online configurator, the SR5 model featured in the accompanying video enhances its appeal with gloss-black wheels from Rough Country, dubbed the 84 Series.
These wheels, ranging between 17 by 8.5 inches and 18 by 8.5 inches for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, are complemented by mud-terrain rubber from Rough Country. As of the latest information, the largest available measures 35″ by 12.5″ R22.
Only a few midsizers come equipped with 35s from the factory, starting with the high-priced Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and its counterpart, the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV.
Both models feature Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires. On the Jeep side, the Gladiator Sport, Movaje, and Rubicon can be upgraded to 35s with the AEV Upcountry upfit, featuring BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s.
New to the United States in 2024, the Ford Ranger Raptor is advertised with 17-inch wheels (regular or beadlock capable) and 33-inch tires. The U.S. model boasts 405 horsepower compared to 392 and 288 ponies for its European and Australian counterparts, respectively.
The Ranger Raptor surpasses its internal combustion-engined competitors in terms of maximum output. However, when considering off-road enjoyment, 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet (583 Nm) are more than sufficient.
While the Tacoma i-FORCE MAX may offer “only” 326 horsepower, the transmission-mounted electric motor elevates peak torque to 465 pound-feet (630 Nm) at just 1,700 revolutions per minute.
