Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Review: Toytec 3″ Lift Kit
Jason | Jun 08, 2007 | Comments 41
Toytec Lifts produces lift kits, leveling kits, and other suspension accessories exclusively for Toyota trucks and SUVs. Based just outside of Denver, Colorado, ToyTec tests all of their products on Toyota vehicles that travel rugged trails in the Colorado Rockies. We found Toytec’s website and decided to review their 3″ Toyota Tundra lift kit. Our review includes a Tundra lift kit installation guide and video.
When the new Tundra was introduced, after market product manufacturers like ToyTec had very little time to design and manufacture a kit that would work with the all-new suspension. ToyTec’s engineering team collaborated with dealerships in Colorado and North Carolina to measure, design, and test their 3″ lift kit design as soon as the Tundra came out. Once the measurements were made, parts were machined, and ToyTec’s newest kit was ready for the market. For the most part, ToyTec sells their lift kits to dealerships and four-wheel shops around the country, but the product is available to the general public.
2007 Tundra CrewMax Comparison: With and without ToyTec Lift Kit
ToyTec’s kit is designed to raise the front of the Tundra 3″ and the rear 1″, thus leveling the truck while also increasing the height about 1″. The end result is the lifted truck looks better, is level, and can accommodate a much larger set of wheels and tires. The vehicle we witnessed installation on had 305/55 R20’s (about 33″ in diameter), but other trucks with the kit have had tires as large as 35″ in diameter. As always, before choosing a kit, check with your local tire shop for fitments.
The kit includes 3″ spacers for the front (a 2″ and a 1″ combined), 1″ blocks for the rear, and a 1″ differential drop kit to restore the angle of the front axles and ball joints to factory specifications. Because ToyTec designed their kit to match factory angles, there are no long-term effects with the installation of their kit.
The key components in the kit, the front spacers, are CNC-machined 6061 aluminum. Aluminum was chosen because it is strong but still light-weight. Aluminum also does not require post-installation adjustment, making it superior to many kits that use urethane material for their spacers. Since the spacers are machined aluminum, ToyTec guarantees a lifetime of use with all of their kits — regardless of wear and tear. Doug Gosh, owner of ToyTec Lifts, told us that ToyTec offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products but “(they)haven’t had to replace one kit yet, even on vehicles with over 200,000 miles.” As we’ve said before, we like kits with metal parts instead of plastic because they tend to last a lot longer and don’t require adjustment. (See our Tundra Leveling Kit guide for an example of urethane wear.)
Installation of the kit is straightforward, and a short summary of the 3″ Tundra Lift Kit Installation is available. There’s also a short video (see below). However, as we have suggested in the past, installing a leveling kit is difficult for most home mechanics to do. This kit, like most other kits, requires the use of both a strut compressor and multiple jack stands, as well as a new alignment, meaning that you’re either going to need to buy or rent some tools and then drive to the shop for an alignment. We suggest you have the kit installed professionally and spend your time on something else.
Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Installation Video
The 3″ lift kit costs $289 brand new, but TundraHeadquarters readers can receive a discount by using the link below. ToyTec also offers a 2″ leveling kit for the Tundra for $159, with the option of adding the differential drop kit for $29. Again, with the differential drop, the factory suspension is basically un-altered. If ToyTec had not included the differential drop in the 3″ kit, the ball joint and axle angles would exceed factory specs and that could result in premature wear.
Overall, we think the ToyTec 3″ Tundra lift is a good product. We like the lifetime warranty, the use of machined aluminum, and ToyTec’s emphasis on matching the factory axle and ball joint angles. We did notice that during installation that the factory skid guard (not the aluminum skid plates, which are optional) touched the bottom of the differential drop spacers. The installer, Jerrod Jewell of Mountain States Toyota, fixed this by adding some spacers to the bolts that attach the factory skid guard. Also, we think the instruction sheet could use more details. Unless you’re an auto technician, some of the steps might seem confusing.
Bottom-line: The 3″ lift kit from ToyTec uses high-quality materials, is designed with long-term wear in mind, and allows for the installation of tires as big as 35″. We recommend you have your local shop install the kit and that you verify your tires will fit before you purchase the kit.
SPECS:
Both stock and lifted Toyota Tundra, distance from bottom of wheel well to center hub:
Stock front: 21.5″ Stock rear: 24″
Lifted front: 25″ Lifted rear: 25″
Max tire size: 35″ diameter, but be sure to check with local tire shop first.
Kit installation time: Varies depending upon experience. Expect a local shop to charge 3-5 hours of labor (including alignment).
Warranty: Lifetime warranty on all parts. Because the kit was designed to match factory specs, no warranty implication with Toyota.
To purchase either a 3″ lift kit or leveling kit for the new Tundra, use the links shown. For more information about other ToyTec Lift products, visit www.ToyTecLifts.com.
Popularity: 42%
Filed Under: Toyota Tundra Accessories • Tundra Lift Kits
[...] The review includes pictures of the install, a video, and pricing information. Visit Tundra Lift Kit Review to see the main review, and visit Tundra Lift Kit Installation Guide for install pics and the [...]
[...] The review includes pictures of the install, a video, and pricing information. Visit Tundra Lift Kit Review to see the main review, and visit Tundra Lift Kit Installation Guide for install pics and the [...]
Nice setup…looks like something that medium to advanced home mechanic could do in the garage. Just be sure to get that alignment as tires are not cheap.
[...] our full ToyTec 3″ Tundra Lift Kit Review and our ToyTec 3″ Lift Kit Installation Guide to learn [...]
Are there any future plans for any higher lifts from ToyTec?
Yes. They told us they were designing a coil-over setup that would be 4″.
[...] if I can fit the 33 12.50 20 toyo mudder, or go with the 305 55 20 which will fit… see link below Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Review: Toytec 3″ Lift Kit | tundraheadquarters.com 2007 Toyota Tundra 4X4 TAPOUT EDITION $39,065 My good buddy and neighbor runs a local large [...]
I carry a slide in camper in the bed of my ‘07 tundra with a dry weight of 1320 pounds. Once I add my camping gear and myself, I am usually right at the max limit for payload. I beefed up the rear end with “Supersprings”. My question is, Is this kit acceptable to use on a truck which is frequently carrying around 1700 lbs.?
Thanks!
The kit is absolutely acceptable for use on a truck that is constantly loaded. But it’s important to remember that the helper springs included in the kit aren’t designed to dramatically increase your truck’s payload capacity. At best, the helper springs will add a couple hundred pounds of capacity. So long as you’re not overloading the truck, the kit will work just fine.
I was wondering what are the wheels/tires used in the photos
Toytek vs. Revtek? Any feedback? My dealer uses Revtek.
Scott — we have no knowledge of the Revtek kit, but most likely it’s fine. Check the TundraSolutions.com forums for a thread about “Revtek”.
Just took the toytec lift out of my 07′ tundra for a couple of reasons. the first reason is it only lifted font about 2.5″ at first then sagged to 2.25″! Emailed them with the concern, all they could tell me was that it was installed wrong! Second it road way too firm for New England roads this time of year! Installed the Daystar 3″ kit an actually got about 3.5″ of lift along with much easier installation of the lift! Looks much better & will definetly be able to run 35’s now!!!
Rick – odd that you experienced spring sag. Some people swear that it happens, but all the data and stats I’ve seen show that sag doesn’t occur (in fact, I’ve been told by quite a few people spring sag is impossible). I’m not a very smart engineer (I have an engineering degree but I don’t use it), but I’m thinking the steel would need a LOT of force or time to sag.
Nonetheless, you aren’t the first person to say that sag has occurred.
As for the ride, sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the ToyTec. That is one disadvantage to their kit. We didn’t notice it much on our test vehicle, but we didn’t drive in NE in the winter either.
Thanks for commenting.
What rims are used in the comparison picture?
After doing some searching around I found the wheels that are in the picture. They are Pro Comp #6066’s and are specifically made for the Tundras 5×150mm bolt pattern. They run about $350 a wheel at your local shop.
After doing a little searching I found that the wheels in the picture are the pro comp 6066’s. They’re made specifically for the Tundra’s 5×150mm bolt pattern and are available at major wheel shops for around $350 a piece.
Just got my 3 inch lift kit. Any suggestions on wheels and tires? Should I leave the factory wheels and tires on until they wear out?
Mark – Leaving the stock rims and tires on makes sense, but you’ll probably get more for them on trade-in now than you will later. Either way, you can’t loose.
[...] level truck including the rear blocks as seen on the link below and this is what I was expecting: Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Review: Toytec 3″ Lift Kit | tundraheadquarters.com __________________ My current rides: 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Crewmax Limited 2008 Aston Martin V8 [...]
with the 3 lift kit installed on my 2008 Toyota Tundta double cab,
Can i install 35 inch wheels? do there have to be any other changes gears etc ?
Tony – 35″ wheels should fit, but it depends on the exact brand of tire and wheel. A tire shop is better equipped to answer that question that we are. As for changing the gears, check out this post:
http://www.tundraheadquarters......3s-or-35s/
[...] this, it may answet the question. Different lift but 3" is 3".Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Review: Toytec 3″ Lift Kit | tundraheadquarters.com __________________ 07 Slate DC / 12″ custom lift http://WWW.CUSTOMMOTORSPORTS.COM 37″ Toyo Open [...]
Will this kit fit the 06 Tundra Double Cab 2wd (with TRD Off Road package?)
Chris – This specific kit is only for the 07 and up, but ToyTec has a kit for your truck. http://www.toyteclifts.com/tundraliftkits.html
I was wondering how much my MPG would decrease with this lift and 33 inch tires. I was told the lift doesn’t change he MPG, it was the larger tires.
I want to get the 3″ lift kit but do I need to also get longer shocks? I want to lift my truck to take 305 tires but I dont want to have to buy a whole new suspension. Also, the review doesn’t mention the option of extra leaf for the rear… how will that affect the ride and payload capability?
Marcus – I can’t speak to your tires fitting under the lift – every tire is a little different and if you’re using aftermarket rims, well it’s just better to test tires and wheels out before you buy. As for longer shocks, no, you won’t need them. The stock shocks are fine. Adding the leaf to the rear is going to make your truck ride rough, so unless you’re always hauling weight around in the back, skip the helper leaf.
[...] Hey guys, Darrick here from ToyTec Lifts. Wanted to pass this along from tundra headquarters [click]. For the newer Tundra’s, our kit will definitely provide a full 3 inches in the front. Only on the [...]
I have 24″ rims on my crewmax with a 35 series tire, will the 3″ lift allow me to put a 45series tire on it. I dont think the hieght is a problem, im more concern with the turning radius
Thadd – No idea. Can’t speak to that with any authority – has your tire shop offered to help you?
a little, he told me that a 40 series can fit. But I talk to another well known truck accessory place in the area, and they told me that the 3″ lift would give me what im trying to get.
I am trying to find the best front leveling kit for my 2004 2×4 double cab SR5 Tundra? I have been told it would be best to put “coilovers” on because I have 102,000 miles? I am putting on larger tires, I currently have the Texas Edition 20′ stock rims and the tires that they put on before I purchased were way to small for the truck. I am not intending on offroading, but I would like to semi retain the nice ride that I have now. I have also heard that leveling kits can mess up your CV boots? Any recommendations would be helpful, because I do not want to put a ton of money into this truck.
Kevin – Leveling kits can mess up your CV joints, but a well-designed leveling kit from a reputable company won’t hurt anything. The trouble is when people use a cheap kit (or fabricate their own). Leveling kits don’t add enough lift to hurt the CV joints – they only have 2″ of lift, which is well within the limits of the design. Well designed leveling kits don’t change the angle of the joint enough to hurt. You can buy a coil-over kit, but it will be 4 times as much as a leveling kit. Since you’re not going to off-road, and since you’re only looking for an enhancement, it seems like coil-overs might be overkill. Having said that, you might need new shocks anyways… As far as ride is concerned, the leveling kits sold by ToyTec, Truxxx, and others don’t impact the ride enough to make a difference. I would suggest you look at your front shocks, and based on whether or not you need to replace them (and how much that costs), you’ll know what to buy next.
Jason, have you had any experience with the Ready Lift leveling kits?
John – No, but I’ve never heard anything bad about them. I’m sure they’re quite good.
I am buying a 2010 Toyota crewmax platinum, and I am installing a 3/1 leveling kit, dual exhaust and bigger tires. I am still using the same rims (old tires 275 55r 20) with tires size of 33 12,5 20. Do I need to fix/change the speedometer or anything else? Is this a good idea to install these items and what other problems may occur?
Luke – The speedo will be off slightly, but not so much that you can’t adjust. In a perfect world, you would fix it, but most of the people I know don’t worry about it – there’s very little downside to a 5% speedo inaccuracy. Just remember, the speedo reads slow…
Just wanted to say thanks for the great review. Got the ToyTec 3/1 leveling kit installed and it looks great. Not to mention the ride feels the same to me….smooth as stock ride. One suggestion is to get it installed by an experienced mechanic….it will save you a headache.
i bought this lift kit like two yrs ago but at the time i was moving, so i didn’t have the chance to install it. As time passed i upgraded my tundra with other mods and forgot about my lift kit… Last week i was in the attic and i found it but to my surprise the box was open and my bolts were gone… do you guys know what kind and size of bolts this kit has… maybe i could find them at an auto-part place instead of ordering them…
im eager to get this install asap lol…
thanx n hope to hear from you guys soon… love ur site by the way, great reviews and news….
dan
dan – I’m sure Toytec will sell you the bolts you need for a fair price – they’re made to spec.