If you love pushing your 1st gen Toyota Tacoma (1995–2004) off-road, the stock suspension will hold you back sooner or later. That’s where long travel suspension comes in.
A long travel suspension for a 1st gen Toyota Tacoma increases wheel travel, improves off-road control, and allows the truck to handle rough terrain at higher speeds. It’s ideal for desert driving, rock crawling, and aggressive trail use—but it comes with higher cost and installation complexity.
Below is everything you need to know before upgrading.
What Is Long Travel Suspension on a 1st Gen Tacoma?
Long travel suspension replaces key factory components—control arms, shocks, and sometimes axles—to allow more suspension movement than stock.
On a 1st gen Tacoma, long travel usually adds:
- +2 to +3.5 inches wider stance per side
- 12–16 inches of front wheel travel
- Stronger parts built for off-road abuse
This upgrade focuses on performance, not comfort or looks.
Why People Upgrade to Long Travel
Stock suspension works fine for daily driving. It struggles when terrain gets rough.
Here’s what long travel improves:
Better Off-Road Control
More wheel travel keeps tires on the ground longer. That means better traction on sand, rocks, and washboard roads.
Higher-Speed Stability
If you drive desert trails, long travel helps absorb bumps without losing control.
Stronger Components
Aftermarket arms and shocks are built for hard use, not grocery runs.
What Comes in a 1st Gen Tacoma Long Travel Kit?
Most quality kits include:
- Extended or boxed upper and lower control arms
- Long travel coilovers
- Limit straps
- Extended brake lines
- Shock mounts or tabs
Some kits also require:
- Extended CV axles
- Fiberglass fenders for tire clearance
Pros & Cons of Long Travel Suspension
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive off-road performance gain | Expensive upfront cost |
| Improved traction and control | More maintenance |
| Handles rough terrain at speed | Wider track affects daily driving |
| Stronger than stock parts | Installation is complex |
Real-World Examples
Desert Runner Build
A Tacoma owner running trails in California upgraded to a +3.5” long travel kit with 2.5” coilovers. Result: smoother high-speed runs and far less suspension bottoming.
Weekend Rock Crawler
Another owner paired long travel with 33” tires and armor. The extra articulation improved crawling over uneven rock ledges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring total cost (alignment, axles, tires add up)
- Skipping supporting mods like bump stops
- Using cheap shocks with expensive arms
- Assuming it’s bolt-on only—some kits need fabrication
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Is long travel worth it for a daily driver?
Not usually. It’s best for off-road-focused trucks. Ride quality can feel stiff on pavement.
How much does a 1st gen Tacoma long travel setup cost?
Expect $3,000–$7,000+, depending on shocks and supporting parts.
Do I need fiberglass fenders?
Often yes. The wider suspension can cause tire rubbing with stock fenders.
Can I install long travel myself?
Experienced DIYers can, but most owners use a professional shop due to alignment and safety concerns.
Does long travel increase resale value?
Only for off-road buyers. For regular buyers, it may lower appeal.
Final Verdict
A long travel suspension transforms the 1st gen Toyota Tacoma into a serious off-road machine. It delivers unmatched control, durability, and confidence on rough terrain.
However, it’s not a casual upgrade. If you mostly drive on-road, the cost and complexity won’t make sense. If off-roading is your passion, long travel is one of the best performance upgrades you can make.
Bottom line: Build it with a clear purpose—and your Tacoma will reward you every mile off-road.
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