The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular platforms for suspension upgrades, and for good reason. It's capable from the factory but transforms into something special with the right lift kit. The question is: which one?
We've compiled real-world feedback from Tacoma owners running Icon, Old Man Emu (OME), Bilstein, and Fox suspension systems. This isn't about spec sheets. It's about how these kits actually perform after 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 miles of use.
Quick Comparison: The Four Contenders
| Brand | Price Range | Best For | Lift Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5100 | $600-900 | Daily drivers, budget builds | 0-2.5" |
| Old Man Emu | $1,200-2,500 | Overlanding, heavy loads | 2-3" |
| Fox 2.0/2.5 | $1,400-3,500 | Desert running, high-speed | 0-3" |
| Icon Stage 1-4 | $1,800-5,000+ | Maximum performance | 0-3.5" |
Bilstein 5100 Series
The Bilstein 5100 is the gold standard for Tacoma owners who want a noticeable improvement without spending $3,000+. It's a monotube shock with adjustable ride height (front) and delivers a ride that's better than stock in almost every way.
What You Get
- Monotube design with digressive valving
- Front adjustable from 0 to 2.5 inches
- Zinc-plated body for corrosion resistance
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Uses factory coil springs (or aftermarket)
Real Owner Feedback
What Owners Say
"The ride is firmer than stock but more controlled. Highway driving is actually better because you don't get that floaty feeling anymore."
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value ($600-900 for set) | Not rebuildable |
| Improved on-road and off-road | Limited to 2.5" front lift |
| Easy DIY installation | No reservoir (less heat dissipation) |
| Widely available | Requires separate coil springs for lift |
Best Coil Pairings
- OME 886: Medium duty, 2-2.5" lift, best all-around
- OME 885: Heavy duty, for bumpers and accessories
- Dobinsons C59-302: Similar to OME, slightly softer
- Icon Dual Rate: Progressive feel, trail-focused
Our Verdict: The 5100 is the smart choice for 80% of Tacoma owners. If you're daily driving with occasional trail use, start here.
Old Man Emu (OME) / ARB
Old Man Emu is the suspension division of ARB, the Australian off-road brand known for building gear that survives the Outback. OME suspension is engineered for loaded vehicles and delivers a plush ride even when carrying gear.
Kit Options
| Kit | Components | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OME Nitrocharger Sport | Shocks + Coils | $1,200-1,500 | Budget OME option |
| OME BP-51 | Bypass shocks + Coils | $2,000-2,800 | Premium adjustable |
| OME Heavy Duty | HD shocks + 885 coils | $1,400-1,800 | Loaded builds |
Real Owner Feedback
What Owners Say
"Coming from Bilstein 5100s, the BP-51 is a different league. The adjustability lets you tune for highway cruising or rock crawling."
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent loaded ride quality | Higher cost than Bilstein |
| BP-51 is field adjustable | BP-51 requires drilling for install |
| Designed for overland use | Nitrocharger Sport is non-rebuildable |
| Complete matched kits available | Less aggressive look than coilovers |
Who Should Buy OME
OME is ideal for overlanders and Tacoma owners who carry heavy loads regularly. If your truck has a bed rack, rooftop tent, steel bumpers, or armor, OME springs are designed to handle that weight without sagging.
Our Verdict: The BP-51 is the best adjustable shock for overlanding. The Nitrocharger Sport is a solid mid-tier option that outperforms Bilstein in loaded scenarios.
Fox 2.0 and 2.5 Performance Series
Fox shocks are the choice for desert runners and high-speed off-road enthusiasts. Their reputation comes from decades of Baja racing, and that DNA shows in how they handle rough terrain at speed.
Kit Options
| Kit | Type | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox 2.0 Performance | IFP (monotube) | $800-1,200 | Budget Fox option |
| Fox 2.0 w/ Reservoir | Remote reservoir | $1,400-1,800 | Extended off-road use |
| Fox 2.5 Coilover | Coilover + Reservoir | $2,200-3,200 | High-speed desert |
| Fox 2.5 Factory Race | DSC Adjustable | $3,000-4,000 | Maximum performance |
Real Owner Feedback
What Owners Say
"For pure street driving, Fox feels stiffer than Bilstein. But the moment you hit dirt, you understand what you paid for. It's night and day."
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional high-speed performance | Stiffer ride on pavement |
| Rebuildable and serviceable | Higher cost than Bilstein |
| Race-proven reliability | Reservoir routing can be tricky |
| Great heat dissipation | Overkill for casual trail use |
Who Should Buy Fox
Fox is for Tacoma owners who push hard off-road. If you're running desert trails at speed, doing pre-running, or just want suspension that thrives under punishment, Fox delivers. For casual trail use or daily driving, the stiff valving may not be worth the premium.
Our Verdict: The Fox 2.0 with reservoir is the sweet spot. You get reservoir cooling and Fox performance without the 2.5 coilover price tag.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics
Icon represents the premium end of Tacoma suspension. Their systems use extended travel coilovers with CDC (Compression Damping Control) valving, allowing on-the-fly adjustments from soft to firm.
Stage Breakdown
| Stage | Components | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Tubular UCAs + rear shocks | $1,200-1,600 | Geometry correction |
| Stage 2 | 2.5 Coilovers + UCAs + rear shocks | $2,800-3,500 | Complete system |
| Stage 3 | Stage 2 + rear 2.5 coilovers | $4,000-5,000 | Full coilover setup |
| Stage 4+ | Long travel, bypass shocks | $5,000-8,000+ | Pre-runner builds |
Real Owner Feedback
What Owners Say
"Icon Stage 2 transformed my Tacoma. The extended travel means I can take lines that would bottom out lesser setups. Worth every penny."
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best adjustability (CDC valving) | Premium pricing |
| Extended travel designs | Complex installation |
| Rebuildable and serviceable | May require other supporting mods |
| Includes UCAs for geometry | Overkill for light use |
Who Should Buy Icon
Icon is for enthusiasts who demand the best and use their trucks hard. If you're building a serious trail rig, pre-runner, or competition vehicle, Icon delivers performance that justifies the investment. For weekend warriors, it's likely more than you need.
Our Verdict: Icon Stage 2 is the most popular for good reason. It's a complete, matched system that transforms the Tacoma's capability without going full race-truck.
Head-to-Head: Which Should You Buy?
For Daily Driving with Occasional Trails
Winner: Bilstein 5100 + OME Coils
This combo delivers the best ride quality improvement per dollar. It's comfortable on the highway, capable on trails, and leaves budget for other mods.
For Overlanding and Heavy Loads
Winner: Old Man Emu BP-51
OME's expertise in loaded vehicle dynamics makes the BP-51 the clear choice. The adjustability handles everything from empty commutes to fully loaded expeditions.
For High-Speed Desert and Aggressive Off-Road
Winner: Fox 2.5 Coilover or Icon Stage 2
Both excel at high-speed rough terrain. Fox has the edge for pure desert running, while Icon's CDC adjustability makes it more versatile across conditions.
For Maximum Performance (Money No Object)
Winner: Icon Stage 3+
If budget isn't a concern and you want the most capable Tacoma possible, Icon's higher stages with full coilovers front and rear are unmatched.
Tire Fitment by Lift Height
| Lift Height | Max Tire Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock | 265/75R16 (31.6") | No modifications needed |
| 2" | 275/70R17 (32.2") | Minor trimming possible |
| 2.5" | 285/70R17 (32.7") | Trim fender liner |
| 3" | 285/75R17 (33.8") | Trim + crash bar mod |
| 3.5"+ | 33x12.50R17+ | May need regearing |
UCAs Matter
Installation Costs
| Kit Type | DIY Difficulty | Shop Install Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 5100 | Moderate (4/10) | $300-500 |
| OME Nitrocharger | Moderate (4/10) | $300-500 |
| OME BP-51 | Moderate-Hard (6/10) | $500-800 |
| Fox 2.0/2.5 | Hard (7/10) | $600-1,000 |
| Icon Stage 2+ | Hard (8/10) | $800-1,500 |
Always budget for alignment: $80-150 after any suspension work. With UCAs, expect the alignment to take longer and potentially cost more due to additional adjustments. See our guide to alignment for lifted trucks for the target specs.
The Bottom Line
There's no single "best" lift kit for every Tacoma owner. Your choice depends on how you use your truck:
- Bilstein 5100: Best value, great for most owners
- Old Man Emu: Best for loaded trucks and overlanding
- Fox: Best for high-speed off-road and desert
- Icon: Best overall performance (at premium prices)
Start with what matches your actual use case, not what looks coolest on Instagram. A properly set up Bilstein 5100 build will outperform a poorly installed Icon kit every time. Buy what you can afford to install correctly, and upgrade later if your needs evolve.