So many owners have looked get a more rugged look. The stock wheels and tires weren’t necessarily how you imagined a pickup truck should look. The searches for ‘largest tires to fit a Tacoma’ are very common, but the answers vary.

What’s the largest tire you can fit on a Tacoma?

The stock TRD Offroad package tire is a 32… maybe 32.5. And that’s truly the largest you can go without rubbing. I put 33s on with a 3.5″ lift kit and I rubbed–in reverse, taking turned entrances into shopping center ramps, and into my own driveway. Parking is embarrasing if you have to reverse into a spot, as the tire and suspension flexes in the undesired direction and causes rubbing on the frame where the cab mounts. Owners that say you can install 33s without any mods is kinda correct–if you’re only going straight, and not turning over bumps, but the reality is that eventually you will rub.

How do you fix tire rubbing on a Tacoma?

Enter the cab mount chop or CMC. You can also do a cab mount relocate, which is also an option if you’re going 35s.

The Cab Mount Chop (CMC)

It involves cutting the metal part of the frame where the cab mounts to it. There are laser-cut plates sold, but the best way is to first cut away the area, then make a cardboard template for the fill plate that will then be welded on. You paint it up to prevent rust, then you’re all done. It’s simple for any metal fabricator. Look for instructions and pictures online. There are a ton of videos. The common problem with the precut plates is that if your cut isn’t exact, you’ll have large gaps that might not be ideally filled with weld material and won’t be as strong. Overlaps aren’t as big of a problem, as you can grind them down.

Here are a few pics from the CMC. Don’t have a great ‘before’ shot, but you’ll get the idea:

Here’s what it looks like after the chop (above).

Tacoma Fender Liner Trimming

What can first help before the CMC is trimming plastic and reshaping the fender liner?

One of the easier things to do is heat up a section of the fender liner with a heat gun and push it back. This piece rubs on the tire a little bit which can reduce rubbing, but won’t solve everything.

This video was taken after I heated up the section and used a Louisville Slugger to push the liner back in one spot until it cooled.

The post Tacoma Cab Mount Chop first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Tacoma Rock Sliders: What to Know Before You Buy or Build

If you love getting off-grid in your Tacoma, rock sliders aren’t just a cosmetic upgrade — they’re essential gear. But with so many options on the market, it’s easy to end up with something more decorative than functional. Whether you’re looking to purchase or fabricate your own, this post will help you understand what matters when choosing rock sliders for a 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma, especially if you’re into serious trail use.

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What Are Rock Sliders, Really?

True rock sliders are armor. They mount to your frame and are designed to support the full weight of your truck when sliding over boulders or uneven terrain. They also double as protection for your rocker panels and cab. Unlike nerf bars or side steps, rock sliders are meant to take a beating.

But here’s the catch: many products marketed as “rock sliders” are just reinforced side steps. They might look rugged, but they’re not always designed to withstand real abuse.

If your off-roading includes any kind of rock crawling or technical trail driving, make sure you’re getting the real deal.

My Setup: Custom Rock Sliders by Maze Marciel

For my 3rd Gen Tacoma TRD Off-Road Long Bed, I decided to skip the mass-produced options and go custom. Enter Maze Marciel, a certified welder and fabricator with serious off-road sensibilities. You can check out his fabrication work on Instagram: @mazemarciel.

Maze built a set of custom sliders tailored to my wheelbase and intended use. Here’s what makes them special:

• Installation to accommodate maximum clearance

• Kickouts at the rear, to deflect rocks and provide pivot leverage

• Bolt-on

The end result is exactly what I wanted: something trail-functional that blends in visually with the rest of the truck. Maze also did my cab mount chop (CMC) — a must-do if you’re running larger tires and want full turning clearance without rubbing. (More on that in a separate post soon.)

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What you don’t exactly see if how you don’t even notice anything is installed from the side view of the truck. As you get closer you’ll see the bar assembly. The slight angled helps it blend in, yet provide full functionality.

 Weld-On vs. Bolt-On Sliders

One decision you’ll need to make is how your sliders attach:

• Weld-on sliders are more secure, stronger, and won’t rattle or shift over time. But they’re permanent and require a skilled welder.

• Bolt-on sliders offer flexibility and ease of install, but can loosen up and may not hold up to repeated hard hits.

For serious wheeling, weld-on is often the way to go — especially if you’re already working with a fabricator.

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Key Features to Look For

When evaluating Tacoma rock sliders (whether DIY or store-bought), consider:

Feature	Why It Matters
Kickouts	Help push the rear of the truck away from obstacles
DOM tubing (Drawn Over Mandrel)	Stronger than HREW (Hot Rolled Electric Welded); less prone to denting under pressure
Angle of the slider	Some tilt up 15–20° for better clearance and a sleeker profile
Step plates or top plates	Optional, but nice for daily driving and roof access
Weight	Heavier sliders offer more protection, but can affect gas mileage and ride feel

 

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Buying vs. Fabricating Your Own

If you have access to a skilled welder — or are one yourself — fabricating your own rock sliders gives you full control over materials, angles, and finish. You can dial in features like kickouts, step plates, and exact clearance for your cab mount.

Tacoma Rock Slider: Buying Options

On the other hand, if you’re buying pre-made, some trusted names in the Tacoma space and options I considered. Lead time is long, so I got impatient and the quickest option was 6 weeks out with a personal fabricator. Costs were comparable. Being in Northern California, here are options:

• BAMF – Bay Area Metal Fab

• CALI Raised

• Amazon Rock Slider option

Just remember to confirm whether you’re getting actual sliders or glorified step bars. I’ve seen the stock TRD steps get sheared off on rocks.

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Final Thoughts

Outfit your Tacoma for the terrain you actually drive. If you’re crawling through rocky forest trails, scraping your underbody on ledges, or adventuring deep into the backcountry, custom rock sliders are a must-have. I couldn’t be happier with the setup Maze Marciel put together — strong, sleek, and made to last.

Ready to start your own build? Reach out to Maze and check out his work, or stay tuned for our upcoming post on CMCs for oversized tires.

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Notes from DIY Tacoma Rock Sliders

Mounting Tacoma Rock Sliders

• Add a rubber gasket in between the frame and the mounting plate of the rock sliders to reduce creaking noises caused by frame bending.
• The frame lays up against the pinch welds on the rocker panels, so I had to add some rubber padding to reduce noise from knocking.

Painting Rock Sliders

• Powder coating would be the best option, but my DIY path led me down the Krylon path. I used a base coat of primer, than a flat black.

Behind the scenes shots during production:

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Related Reading

Cab Mount Chop (CMC) for Tacoma Explained →

The post Tacoma Rock Sliders first appeared on Alpine Modern.

Introduction

Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular pickup trucks in the US. It is known for its reliability, ruggedness, and off-road capabilities. The Tacoma is a great vehicle for those who are looking for an adventure vehicle or a weekend warrior. However, it can be limited in terms of tire size. In this blog, we will discuss the largest tires that can be fitted on a Toyota Tacoma.

Tire Sizing Considerations

When it comes to selecting tires for your Tacoma, there are several factors to consider. The most important factor is the tire size. The tire size is determined by the wheel diameter, width, and sidewall height. It is important to select the correct size tire for your Tacoma so that it can properly fit and perform optimally.

You should also consider the type of terrain you will be driving on. If you plan on driving off-road, you may want to consider a larger tire size. Larger tires will provide more traction, which can be beneficial when driving on tough terrain.

The biggest tire you can fit without a body or suspension lift and stock Rims are 275/70/17. Fitting 33-inch tires i.e. 285/70/17 on a stock suspension requires modifications to the front fender liner and rear fender flair.

Tire Types

There are a few different types of tires that can be used on a Tacoma. The most common type is the all-terrain tires, which are designed to handle a wide range of terrain. These tires are typically a bit more aggressive than regular tires, making them ideal for off-roading.

You can also get mud-terrain tires, which are designed specifically for off-roading. These tires are much larger and have deeper treads, providing more traction in muddy or rocky terrain.

The BFGoodrich K02 is an aggressive offroad tire that is most popular among offroad enthusiasts, but there are many other great choices. Since most owners end up driving mainly on the road, there are other great hybrid offroad tires such as the Nitto Ridge Grappler to also consider.

Installing Larger Tires

When installing larger tires on a Tacoma, it is important to make sure that the wheels are properly sized. If the wheels are too small, the tires may rub against the wheel wells or other components. Additionally, the wheels must be strong enough to support the larger tires.

In addition to wheel sizing, it is important to make sure that the tires are properly inflated. Overinflated tires can cause excessive wear and tear on the tires, as well as reduce traction. Additionally, it is important to keep the tires balanced, as unbalanced tires can cause steering and handling issues.

Once you get past a 33″ tire, you’ll need to cut some of the wheel well and/or install a lift kit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the largest tires that can be fitted on a Toyota Tacoma depend on a few factors. The most important factor is the wheel size, as the wheels must be properly sized in order to fit the larger tires. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of terrain and the strength of the wheels when selecting tires for your Tacoma. Installing larger tires on a Tacoma can provide more traction and improved off-road performance, but it is important to ensure that the tires are properly inflated and balanced.

The post The Largest Tires You Can Fit On a Toyota Tacoma first appeared on Alpine Modern.