Off-Roading Tacoma Parts Buyer’s Guide

Get Your Off-Road Yota Totally Hooked Up

Just why do we love our Toyota Tacomas for off-roading so much? A few factors include their rock solid reliability, unbelievably good looks and off-road capability that’s second to none. We can go on and on about them, but as a fellow owner, you already know how great they are. What we want to know is: how else can we mod out our rigs to make them even more capable?

The good news is that aftermarket support for Toyota off-road vehicles is robust. It doesn’t matter if you drive a Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser or FJ. If there’s a need for a modification for most any year, model or even trim level of a Toyota produced vehicle, you can bet that someone makes it. Everything we’ll recommend below is perfect for Tacomas, but many of them will fit other Toyota models as well.

Whether you use your Tacoma off-roader for hardcore rock crawling or weekend overlanding, upgrading your vehicle is a great way of personalizing it for your needs. Additionally, adding upgrades will definitely up its performance aptitude. Without further ado, let’s check out some of the latest products designed specifically for Tacoma off-roading applications.

1. Armordillo / CR1 Chase Rack for Tacoma

Application: Tacoma

MSRP: $840

URL: armordillousa.com

Highlights: Whether you are on the road or off the pavement, the Armordillo CR1 Chase Rack for Tacoma off-roading will fulfill all your pickup’s needs. It’s designed by and for the enthusiast. With this in mind, the CR1 Chase Rack features premium steel with a three-inch diameter tube frame. It also has four auxiliary light mounts, and showcases a unique above-the-bed tire carrier. Unlike other chase racks in the market, the spare tire carrier sits above the bed. So, you will not lose the space needed if you use this rack on or off the road. (Light and Tire Carrier sold separately.)

2. Bilstein / B8 8112 (ZoneControl CR) for Tacoma

Application: 2005-2017 Tacoma

MSRP: $799

URL: bilstein.com

Highlights: Bilstein’s B8 8112 (ZoneControl® CR) shocks give you everything you want and need in a bolt-on package for off-roading the 2005-2017 Toyota Tacoma. Bilstein’s unrivaled damping performance is achieved through three compression zones and two rebound zones; all controlled by three fully independent, position sensitive, internal pistons. Costly secondary bump stops, and finicky limit straps, are no longer needed. The B8 8112 (ZoneControl® CR) takes care of it all by controlling every inch of stroke in both directions.

3. Bilstein / B8 Upper Control Arms

Application: Tacoma, Tundra

URL: bilstein.com

Highlights: Available for off-roading Tacomas and Tundras, Bilstein B8 Upper Control Arms are direct fit, premium upper control arms. Designed to correct suspension geometry, they increase cater angles and suspension travel. On top of that, they improve ball joint pivot angles for more straight-line stability on lifted trucks and SUVs. Additionally, they are a perfect complement to any Bilstein 5100 RHA, 6100 RHA, 6112 and 8112 suspension packages.

4. Eaton / ELocker

Application: Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tundra

URL: eaton.com

Highlights: The Eaton ELocker is an electronic locking differential designed for Tacoma off-road drivers that want full control and traction on demand. The ELocker features net-forged gears for the strength and durability needed for off-road and recreational driving. Its electronic controls provide driver-selectable operation and added reliability over similar air-controlled products. By simply pressing a dash switch, drivers can conveniently engage their differential to a 100-percent locked position and back to an open position.

5. Magnaflow / Overland Series Cat-Back Exhaust

Application: Tacoma, 4Runner, GX460

MSRP: $648-799

URL: magnaflow.com

Highlights: The new Overland Series system features MagnaFlow’s No Drone Technology, or NDT. Versatile sound tuning incorporating noise-cancelling quarter-wave resonators results in a less aggressive, but signature, MagnaFlow tone. This technology combined with the compact muffler design, high clearance exit pipe, stainless steel construction and limited lifetime warranty, Tacoma off-roader builders can be confident in the performance and quality of the Overland Series.

6. Magnuson / TVS1900 Supercharger System 

Application: 2016+ Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6

MSRP: $6,695

URL: magnusonsuperchargers.com

Highlights:  Need more hot sauce on your Taco? Magnuson has the answer with its TVS1900 Supercharger System for the third gen Tacoma 3.5L V6. Whether you use your truck for dusty desert racing, overlanding, towing or daily driving, bolting on an extra 90 horsepower and 65 ft-lb will make your Tacoma off-roader even more capable than it already is. Magnuson Superchargers are engineered to deliver these substantial power gains while maintaining the reliability and longevity that Tacoma owners demand.

7. Rago Fabrication / Secondary Battery Box

Application: 2016+ Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $ 216

URL: ragofabrication.com

Highlights: Whether you are running dual batteries to power your accessories or as just an extra power source, you want to keep that battery safe at all costs. Rago’s Secondary Battery Box keeps your Group 34 or 35 Odyssey Battery secure while you ride on rocky trails. (Or, when you just want to test the speed demon in your Tacoma off-roader.) This product mounts onto the passenger side of your vehicle to give it a little room to breathe. Made from strong, rust-free stainless steel, the Rago Battery Box offers protection on all sides of your battery and includes mounting points for the Redarc or Blue Sea System, as well as your differential breather kit.

8. WARN / Semi-Hidden Kit – No Grille Guard

Application: 2016+ Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $850

URL: warn.com

Highlights: Warn now offers the low-profile, Semi-Hidden winch mounting system without the grille guard tube for an even cleaner, more subdued appearance on your off-roading Tacoma. These systems offer a durable yet minimalist look that maintains the vehicle’s factory style and allows users to install a low-profile winch up to 12,000 lbs. in capacity. Includes welded eyelets for shackles. Made in the USA.

9. Go Rhino / CEROS Low Profile Roof Rack

Application: 2016+Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $624.95

URL: gorhino.com

Highlights: The aerodynamic, low profile design of the CEROS Low Profile Roof Rack brings cutting-edge style and practicality to any off-roading Tacoma. It features exclusive 4-CORE crossbars braced by an aluminum frame. Off-roading Tacoma owners can bolt any accessory to this rack with the 4-CORE extruded track system of slotted bars. It can accept any 1/4 inch-20 hex bolt or quick-release clamp, offering unlimited mounting options for accessories, gears and tools. Go Rhino designed the CEROS roof rack with integrated lighting options to mount a light bar or cube lights to give a sleek and streamlined look. They also included strategic mounting slots, to hide wiring from lights. The CEROS rack uses factory mounting holes for easy, no drill installation.

10. 4 Wheel Parts Factory / Tacoma Rear Bumper + Swingout Accessory Gate 

Application: 2016+ Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: Bumper $1000 / Swingout $600 ea.

URL: 4wheelparts.com

Highlights: The modular rear bumper is the optimum solution for any user who wants the looks and benefits of a steel bumper without sacrificing their OE styling or sensors. The base rear bumper provides recovery points, light mounts for 6″ single row light bars and rock lights, integrated bottle openers and storage cubby while also allowing the customer to keep their factory tow hitch, back up and blind spot sensors.

The bumper comes fully powder coated to be trail ready out of the box. For increased storage, 4 Wheel Parts Factory offers an optional upgrade to a Rear Bumper Swing Out on either the driver or passenger side. The more extreme overlander can choose to upgrade to both Swing Outs for the ultimate adventure rig setup. Each swing out comes loaded with features such as universal mounting plate for a customizable setup, drop down tables for a flat work surface, integrated bottle opener, a unique Quick-Cam latch and serviceable bearings to keep them operating smoothly.

11. 4 Wheel Parts Factory / Tacoma Sliders with Rear Kickouts

Application: 2016+ Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $950

URL: 4wheelparts.com

Highlights: The rock sliders with kickout are the perfect side protection solution for the off-roading Tacoma owner who wants to get after it on the trail without sacrificing their OE footprint. The sliders have an integrated rear kick out to push the truck bed away from obstacles when you make contact, helping to protect your rig. Not only do the sliders provide a sleek design that flows with the OE body lines and increases protection but also provides a secure mounting position for rock lights to help navigate the trails in low light conditions. Each slider comes fully powder coated to be trail ready out of the box

12. 4 Wheel Parts Factory / Tacoma Bed Stiffeners

Application: 2005+ Toyota Tacoma

MSRP: $150

URL: 4wheelparts.com

Highlights: The Tacoma Bed Stiffeners are the best solution for the off-roading Tacoma owner, including those who want to use their rig to its fullest potential on and off road. The unique internal brace system allows for full use of the truck while providing additional strength, integrated bottle openers and tie down point options. The bed stiffeners also provide a customizable logo plate and come fully powder coated to be trail ready out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the best off-road modifications for a Toyota Tacoma?
A: The best off-road modifications for a Toyota Tacoma include the Armordillo CR1 Chase Rack for added tire storage and light mounts, Bilstein B8 8112 shocks for improved suspension, Bilstein B8 Upper Control Arms for correcting suspension geometry, and the Eaton ELocker for better traction control. For increased power, the Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger is an excellent choice, while the Magnaflow Overland Series Exhaust enhances performance and sound. Additionally, the Go Rhino CEROS Roof Rack provides versatile mounting options for gear, and 4 Wheel Parts Factory offers both rear bumpers and rock sliders for superior protection on rugged trails.

Q2: Can I modify my Toyota Tacoma for better off-roading?
A: Yes, aftermarket support for Toyota off-road vehicles is extensive, with products available for various models and years, making it easy to upgrade your Tacoma to enhance its off-roading performance.

Q3. What is the Armordillo CR1 Chase Rack for Tacoma?
A: The Armordillo CR1 Chase Rack for Tacoma offers a sturdy steel frame with auxiliary light mounts and a unique above-the-bed tire carrier, ensuring you don’t lose space when going off-road.

Q4: What does the Bilstein B8 8112 ZoneControl CR offer for Tacomas?
A: The Bilstein B8 8112 shocks provide three compression and two rebound zones, improving off-road performance by controlling stroke in both directions without the need for extra bump stops or limit straps.

Q5: How much power does the Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger System add to a Tacoma?
A: The Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger System adds 90 horsepower and 65 ft-lb of torque to 2016+ Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 engines, enhancing performance for off-road and daily driving.

Q6: How do 4 Wheel Parts Factory Tacoma Sliders with Rear Kickouts protect your truck?
A: These sliders protect your Tacoma’s sides from obstacles, while the integrated rear kickouts help push the truck away from obstacles, maintaining the truck’s original design and adding a mounting point for rock lights.

Q7: What is the most common problem with a Toyota Tacoma?
A: The most common problem with Toyota Tacomas, particularly in earlier models, is rust on the frame. However, this issue has largely been addressed in newer models. For off-road enthusiasts, maintaining suspension components and ensuring proper tire and underbody protection are key to preventing damage during off-roading adventures.

Q8: What is a good year for a Toyota Tacoma?
A: The 2016 and newer Toyota Tacoma models are widely considered some of the best years for off-roading due to improved engine performance and a broader range of aftermarket modification options. Additionally, the third-generation models offer compatibility with upgrades such as the Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger and Go Rhino CEROS Roof Rack, making them a popular choice among off-roaders.

Q9: How many miles will a Tacoma last?
A: A Toyota Tacoma can last well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Its reputation for reliability and durability makes it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts who want a truck that can withstand tough conditions and provide long-lasting performance.

Q10: Are Tacomas low maintenance?
A: Yes, Toyota Tacomas are known for being relatively low maintenance. With their durable build and high-quality components, routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections of suspension parts are usually all that’s needed to keep them in top condition, even when used for frequent off-roading.