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Why Our 1" Diff Drop Kit Is a Must for Toyota Tacoma Kits

As Locked Offroad, we’re excited to introduce our 1" Diff Drop Kit (DK‑811949) a precision-engineered solution designed specifically for lifted Toyota Tacomas from 2016 to 2023. If you’re serious about building a capable off-road Tacoma, this diff‑drop upgrade is a must-have.

Lifting your Tacoma improves ground clearance and approach angles, but it also increases the strain on front CV axles due to sharper operating angles. Our diff drop kit corrects that by lowering the front differential by one inch, reducing CV stress and allowing smoother, more reliable drivetrain performance. Whether you’re running long-travel suspension, daily driving with a lift, or tackling technical trails, this kit helps preserve vital components and extends their lifespan. It’s a small part that delivers a big difference where it counts underneath your rig.

Product Information

We designed the DK‑811949 1" Diff Drop Kit to lower the front differential by one inch, which helps correct the steep CV axle angles that come from lifting a Tacoma. This reduction in angle alleviates binding and reduces wear on your CVs especially important when using long-travel suspension systems or running a full-time 4WD setup.

This drop kit is crucial for lifted trucks built for overlanding, rock crawling, or any aggressive off-road terrain. Whether you're running our Offroad Shocks, a complete long-travel kit, or just a spacer lift, this kit ensures the driveline remains smooth and stress-free under load.

Compatible with all 3rd‑Gen (2016–2023) Toyota Tacoma 4WD models, it helps:

  • Improve CV articulation

  • Reduce vibration at higher speeds

  • Protect drivetrain components from premature failure

  • Provide consistent performance on and off the trail

It's a small but powerful upgrade that reinforces both performance and longevity in your Tacoma build.

Prevent CV Damage Early

We developed this kit to address a common issue in lifted Tacomas: excessive CV axle angles that lead to binding, clicking, and even catastrophic failure. When combined with long‑travel suspension systems, extended coilovers, or aftermarket control arms, the factory differential position no longer supports proper axle alignment. That’s where our 1" Diff Drop Kit comes in.

If you’re using a 2.5" lift or bigger, or running aftermarket upper and lower control arms, dropping the front differential becomes essential not just for smoother operation but for long-term drivetrain health. Our kit lowers the diff just enough to relieve tension on the CVs without compromising ground clearance or suspension geometry.

This is one of those rare upgrades that’s both affordable and impactful. It doesn’t just prevent binding and vibration; it actively preserves your investment in expensive suspension components and keeps your rig trail-ready for the long haul. We consider it a foundational mod for any high-clearance or off-road Tacoma build especially before heading into more advanced suspension setups.

Everything You Need

In the box, you’ll receive everything you need:

  • Precision-cut diff‑drop plate

  • Grade‑8 hardware kit (bolts, spacers, washers)

  • Instructions for installation

  • Integration with the existing factory skid plate (no extra parts required) TACOMABEAST

That’s it no guesswork, no sourcing third-party brackets.

Built for Lifted 4WD Tacomas

Anyone running a lifted Tacoma (especially Gen 3, 2016–2023) with retained 4WD should consider this kit. If you’re installing:

  • Long‑travel suspension systems (e.g. Dirt King or others),

  • 2.5" coilover lifts or bigger

  • Extended control arms, or you’ve noticed vibration or CV discomfort during articulation, then our diff drop kit is essential to preserve your drivetrain.

Key Features and Benefits

1" Front Differential Drop Plate
Reduces CV angle by lowering the diff one inch vital for lifted, high-articulation setups.

Durable Grade‑8 Hardware
Every bolt, washer, spacer is grade‑8, zinc‑plated and engineered to withstand off‑road loads and corrosion.

Zero Fitment Modifications
Bolts into factory frame rails and uses the standard Tacoma skid plate mounting with no drilling or welding required.

Compact, Lightweight Design
Minimal wiring interference, lightweight yet rock‑solid strength, with a package weight around 3 lbs in a small form factor Overland Warehouse.

Easy Installation & Field Serviceable
Installation is straightforward with basic hand tools. It’s easy to inspect or uninstall in the field.

Affordable Price Point
At around $38–$39 retail, this kit offers excellent value as a preventative drivetrain insurance policy.

Ideal for Off-Roaders, Builders, and DIYers

  • Overlanders who run long-travel suspension on rough terrain get smoother articulation, fewer distractions, safer 4WD operation.

  • Weekend warriors installing 2.5" lifts Maintain reliability without spending on complete axle re‑designs.

  • Performance enthusiasts building full suspension upgrades Provides control arm geometry support and reduces unwanted CV stress.

  • DIY installers who want a flexible, bolt‑on solution without machining or fabrication.

What You Get in Every Kit

When you order our Diff Drop Kit, you’ll receive:

  • 1 × precision-machined drop plate

  • Full set of hardened grade‑8 mounting hardware: bolts, spacers, washers

  • Assembly instructions

  • No external brackets or weld-on components, just plug‑and‑play with your factory skid plate mounting points.

Everything is included for a clean, professional install. We keep pack‑outs minimal but complete.

1" Diff Drop Kit

Trusted by Tacoma Builders Like Us

We build suspension accessories for real off-road use not just for looks, but for performance that holds up in harsh conditions. Our focus is simple: rugged, reliable, field-proven components that work when it matters most. The 1" Diff Drop Kit DK‑811949 is a perfect example of that mindset.

While the kit is sourced from Dirt King Fabrication, every unit we offer is tested, installed, and validated on our own lifted Tacoma builds. We put our products through real-world trails, long miles, and tough conditions to ensure they’re worth recommending to our community.

We also take pride in supporting our customers beyond the purchase. Whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned off-roader, our team is here with product guidance, installation help, and technical support to make sure you’re getting the most from your upgrade.

If you're building a Tacoma that’s meant to do more than mall crawling, you can trust us to deliver parts that meet the challenge.

Ready to Protect Your Drivetrain? Order Now

If you’re ready to upgrade your Tacoma drivetrain performance and longevity, get our 1" Diff Drop Kit DK‑811949 today on our website. It’s a simple install that prevents costly CV axle damage down the road order now, and gets your Tacoma ready for real adventure.

Closing Statement

We hope this article has shown why our 1" Diff Drop Kit (DK‑811949) is a smart, affordable upgrade for serious Tacoma builds. At Locked Offroad, we build gear for go‑anywhere performance, and this is a key part of that mission. Thanks for reading, and if you’re building with toyota tacoma kits this diff drop kit belongs in your setup.




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