I’ve Lifted Trucks in the Past, but When I Lifted the 2024 Toyota Tundra, I Was Surprised of the Results on Its Performance

Customizability is an important component of the ownership experience for many car owners. Among the countless ways owners make their vehicles their own, lifting trucks remains one of the most popular. This afternoon, I encountered a post by Collin Johnston showcasing his own venture into the customization of his truck through the “2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” group on Facebook. He recently bought a 2024 Toyota Tundra and decided to install the RC 1.75-inch front lift and 0.75-inch rear lift on his truck after ample research. His experience sheds light on some crucial aspects of spacer lifts, particularly the ride quality and handling changes.

Collin had a lot to say about his experience:

“I finally pulled the trigger on a 24 Tundra. I did a lot of reading on these forums before I decided to do the RC 1.75-inch front lift and .75-inch rear lift. I want to give an honest review from someone who has lifted trucks in the past with suspension lifts (Icon), UCA replacements, and now a spacer lift. The change in suspension is absolutely noticeable despite what many posts say. The front suspension is a little stiffer, which I actually prefer. It makes the truck feel “lighter” and more responsive. It actually feels very close to the stiffer feel a nice suspension lift would provide. However, you can tell it lacks the same performance off-road. The rebound feels sluggish, and the dampening is too soft. But if you're staying on the road, it feels great in my opinion.

To my disappointment, the rear suspension after the lift became shockingly poor (pun intended). With the spacer, I believe the shock rests at probably 90% extension, which means going over something like a speed bump is going to feel like going over a curb.

All in all, I am satisfied with the changes or even improvements the lift did to the front end but would recommend shocks for the rear since they are relatively cheap. Hope this finds the right people and helps them make a decision.”

The Tundra is loved by so many for this very reason. Besides the reliability and reputation that you get from buying a Toyota, this truck offers the configurability that many truck owners love to explore and add on to their vehicles. The world of after-market upgrades and enhancements offers a near limitless possibility for enthusiastic and passionate motorists. This is in addition to the already stock options that you get from Toyota such as the color options for the 2024 Tundra.

Here’s an image showcasing Collin’s result:

The Reality of Spacer Lifts and What You Need to Know

Spacer lifts are one of the most popular and budget-friendly options for giving trucks a more aggressive stance, better ground clearance, and an overall enhanced presence on the road. But as with many modifications that sound too good to be true, there’s more beneath the surface.

Unlike full suspension systems that upgrade shocks, springs, and control arms, spacer lifts simply increase the distance between the suspension components and the truck’s frame. Essentially in my opinion, it’s a shortcut. Effective in appearance but often lacking in performance. Now I don’t say that to discredit Colin’s work or space lifts, as his truck looks incredible, but even he mentioned that himself. For those unfamiliar with the 2024 Tundra’s aspects, this detailed breakdown of the 2024 Toyota Tundra’s features is a good starting point.

Collin’s experience underscores one of the most overlooked truths about spacer lifts. While they can tighten up front-end feel and give the truck that lifted look without hitting the bank too hard, the rear suspension can suffer.

When the shocks are pushed near their full extension, rebound control is compromised, and even small bumps can feel huge. It’s the kind of modification that looks great in photos but might leave you regretting after a drive through a pothole-riddled neighborhood.

How the Front Lift Improves Ride Quality Slightly

Despite some of the challenges, Collin noted that the front-end feel actually improved. The stiffer suspension made his Tundra feel “lighter” and more responsive, which is an interesting benefit of adding a front spacer lift and honestly speaking

This sentiment was echoed by another Tundra owner, Gabe Smith, who commented:

"Good review. I went with the RC 3.5 and surprisingly the ride quality is still smooth. It gives it more of a truck feel while driving compared to factory, which I prefer."

The improved steering response is a known characteristic of lifted trucks. By raising the front end, some of the factory softness is removed, and the suspension components become more rigid. However, this comes at the cost of off-road performance, as Collin noted. The rebound becomes slower, and dampening is not as controlled as with a high-quality full suspension kit.

If you're looking for a truck that remains composed and stable on pavement, this kind of lift might be exactly what you need. On the other hand, if off-roading is a priority, it might be worth considering a more comprehensive suspension upgrade. If unsure of how the Tundra performs stock, it would be wise to review a comprehensive driving review of the 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. And if the 2024 sounds like old news to you, here’s what you can expect from the new Toyota Tundra.

Common Complaints of Rear Suspension Issues

The biggest downside Collin noticed was the rear suspension performance. Because the shocks were almost fully extended, the ride quality became harsh, making speed bumps and road imperfections feel significantly worse.

Another user, Andrew Fuentes, gave his thoughts acknowledging the potential need of replacing the rear suspension:

"I have the same RC spacer kit but thinking of replacing the rear end shocks with some Bilstein 5100's. Nice review!"

Upgrading rear shocks is one of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate the negative effects of a rear spacer lift. Bilstein 5100s, as Andrew mentioned, are a popular choice among Tundra owners looking for a smoother ride and better shock absorption.

Cory Moya, another commenter, brought up an important point about the materials used in different kits:

"I bought the RC 1.75/1.5 kit and have yet to install it. I talked to several people about it as well. Pros and cons. Is your front the composite spacer or steel? My kit came with a composite spacer for the front and steel for the rear. Been kind of leery about the composite spacer."

Choosing the right materials for wheel spacers can significantly impact performance, longevity, and safety. Composite spacers, often made from high-strength polymers or aluminum alloys, are generally lighter, which can reduce unsprung weight and improve handling. They are also resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for areas with harsh weather conditions or exposure to road salt in areas where there is a significant amount of snowfall.

On the other hand, steel spacers are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them a preferred choice for heavy-duty applications, such as off-roading or towing, where extreme stress and impacts are common. While steel spacers may be more resistant to bending or deformation under heavy loads, they are also heavier, which can slightly affect fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics. Ultimately, the choice between composite and steel spacers depends on the specific demands of the vehicle and driving conditions.

Lessons Learned and What You Should Do Before Lifting Your Tundra

Understand Your Needs: If you're lifting for aesthetics and daily driving, a spacer lift could be worth it. However, if you plan on taking your Tundra off-road frequently, a full suspension lift will provide better durability and performance and is a more plausible choice.

Plan for Additional Upgrades: Spacer lifts often affect factory suspension geometry. Consider upgrading rear shocks and upper control arms for a more balanced and comfortable ride.

Research Different Lift Kits: Some kits include composite spacers, while others use steel. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision.

Find Fellow Owners: Find people who have already tackled on this upgrade and that can give you some first-hand experience just like with Collin. Finding results in communities and in groups are a key part of the research process before coming to a decision.

My Final Thoughts: Is a Spacer Lift Worth It?

After reading Collin’s experience and the comments from other Tundra owners, it's clear that spacer lifts come with trade-offs. While they are an affordable way to achieve a more aggressive stance and a slightly stiffer ride, they can also create significant rear suspension issues. If you decide to go with a spacer lift, it is highly recommended to invest in upgraded shocks for the rear, such as the Bilstein 5100s mentioned earlier, to restore some ride quality.

Understanding the different components of lifting your own truck is the only way you can reach an answer. This is a personal preference choice, which means there is no right or wrong here. Each person must decide what kind of ride they want to live with every day. Researching thoroughly and finding opinions of others who have been through the same process before you make it significantly easier on reaching the best decision for your circumstance.

What Do You Think?

Have you installed or considered installing a lift on your truck? If so, what advice do you have for fellow owners?

What are some more pros and cons from lifting trucks that I may have missed?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist with an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Pressroom and Collin Johnston’s post from “2023-2025 Toyota Tundra Owners” public group on Facebook.