Our Services
Lift Kits & Suspension
Performance Tuning
Wheels & Tires
Custom Fabrication
Diagnostics & Maintenance
What Lift Kits and Suspension Upgrades Work Best on a 4Runner or Tacoma?
Toytec Lifts builds Toyota-exclusive systems that are engineered around how 4Runners and Tacomas handle IFS geometry. A 3″ to 4″ lift with upper control arms gives you clearance for 33″ to 35″ tires without introducing the CV bind problems that come from cheap spacer kits. Franklin Overland pairs Toytec systems with Fox or Bilstein shocks depending on your budget and ride preference.
For Tacomas, the 3rd-gen benefits significantly from UCAs and a quality coilover up front. Icon Vehicle Dynamics is a popular choice for drivers who want tunable compression on trails like Talladega. We size the system to your tire goal first, then build suspension around it — not the other way around.
How Is a Land Cruiser Build Different From a 4Runner?
The Land Cruiser 80 and 100 series run solid front axles — a fundamentally different animal from the IFS 4Runner. That means better articulation off the shelf, more straightforward lift options, and a platform that responds well to ARB air lockers and steel bumper systems. The 200 series added more electronics complexity but kept the mechanical capability.
Land Cruisers are heavier and the parts ecosystem is smaller than Tacoma, but the builds are deeply satisfying. Franklin Overland stocks ARB bumpers, CBI Offroad accessories, and Dobinsons suspension for these rigs. The FJ Cruiser shares the 4Runner platform and benefits from identical lift kits — it’s an underrated trail machine with a devoted following.
What Tires and Wheels Work Best for Alabama Trail Driving?
Oak Mountain’s rocky sections reward a taller sidewall — 33×10.50R15 or 285/70R17 all-terrains give you compliance without sacrificing street manners. Bankhead’s clay and loose shale make mud-terrain tires worth considering for rigs that spend more time off pavement. Franklin Overland carries multiple tire lines and can match tread pattern to your primary terrain.
Wheel spacers from our inventory work well for correcting backspacing on factory Toyota wheels when you want wider stance without a full wheel swap. We also carry complete wheel and tire packages for Tacoma and 4Runner owners who want to match lift and rubber in a single appointment.
Can a Tacoma or 4Runner Handle a Full Overland Build — Rooftop Tent, Bumpers, and All?
Yes — both are engineered for it. iKamper rooftop tents mount cleanly on factory roof racks or aftermarket Sherpa racks. CBI Offroad and ARB front bumpers add winch mounts and recovery points without requiring major chassis modifications. Rigid Industries and Baja Designs pod lights and light bars can be wired cleanly through factory harness taps.
Franklin Overland can stage a build over multiple visits or complete it all at once. The Toyota ecosystem is deep enough that every component has been tested together — you’re not guessing at fitment.
Quick Takeaways
- Franklin Overland builds Toyota trucks and SUVs for Oak Mountain, Bankhead, and Talladega trail systems.
- 4Runner and Tacoma are the most popular build platforms — massive aftermarket support, bolt-on upgrades.
- Brands stocked include Toytec Lifts, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, ARB, CBI Offroad, and iKamper.
- Land Cruiser 80, 100, and 200 series are full builds — lockers, bumpers, rooftop tents, and more.
Franklin Overland is the right shop if you’re serious about building your Toyota the right way — bring your rig in and let’s talk through what it can handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3rd-gen Tacoma better to build than a 2nd-gen?
Both are excellent. The 2nd-gen (2005–2015) has a longer aftermarket track record and parts are slightly more affordable. The 3rd-gen benefits from a better factory frame and more modern electronics. Your budget and current ownership usually drive that decision.
Do you work on Land Cruiser 80 series rigs?
Yes. The 80 series is one of the most rewarding platforms we build on. Suspension, lockers, bumpers, lighting — the aftermarket for FJ80 is strong and we keep common components in stock.
Will a 2" body lift on my 4Runner clear 35s?
Unlikely without significant trimming. A 2″ body lift combined with a 3″ suspension lift can get you to 35″ tires on some 4Runner generations, but you’ll need fender trimming and careful wheel offset selection. Franklin Overland will walk through the fitment math before you commit.
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One of the most trusted off-road performance shops in Birmingham.