2024 Toyota Tacoma Owner Says, "I Put On a 2-Inch Level Kit with 285s, Now My Speedometer Is 5 MPH Over, and My Tires Are Rubbing Badly"

Toyota Tacoma owners buy a Taco so they can make it uniquely theirs. Here is one owner’s story that many Tacoma owners can relate to. I’ll also give solutions for those who want to modify their trucks.

2024 Toyota Tacoma owner Joshua Mathew says, 

"I put on a 2-inch level kit with 285s on my 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Here are two issues I need help dealing with:"

"1) The speedometer is almost 5 miles per hour over, and I really care about this topic."  "2) I have bad tire rubbing, and I'm not sure how to trim to prevent this. "

Toyota Tacoma owners love to modify their trucks, no doubt about it. And as is tradition with the Tacoma faithful, many owners are wasting no time personalizing their rigs. 

But sometimes, as our friend Joshua Mathew from the popular Taco Nation Facebook page recently discovered, the path to custom perfection can hit a couple of speed bumps. (pun intended)

Joshua, like many new Tacoma owners, was eager to give his 2024 model a more aggressive stance. He opted for a 2-inch leveling kit on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma – a common upgrade to even out the truck's profile – and then wrapped his wheels in some beefy 285-series tires. The result, visually, is almost certainly a winner. But the performance side, well, that's where the real-world challenges began.

What's Up with the Speedometer?

"The speedometer is almost 5 miles per hour over, and I really care about this topic," Joshua posted, clearly frustrated by the discrepancy. This is a classic tale as old as time in the truck modification world. When you swap out your stock tires for larger-diameter rubber, you inherently change the number of rotations the tire makes per mile. Your truck's computer, still thinking it's running on the original size, miscalculates your speed.

A 5 mph overage at highway speeds isn't just a minor annoyance; it can lead to unintentional speeding tickets, impact fuel economy calculations, and frankly, just plain irk someone who values accuracy. For many, a simple speedometer calibrator is the go-to fix. 

These aftermarket devices plug into your truck's OBD-II port and allow you to adjust the speed signal to match your new tire size, bringing that needle back in line. It's a relatively straightforward solution, but one that new modders often overlook. This is a common problem with a speedometer after installing larger tires.

The Rub of Reality: Trimming Those Wheel Wells

The second major headache for Joshua? "I have bad tire rubbing, and I'm not sure how to trim the wheel wells to prevent this." Ah, the infamous tire rub. It's the bane of many a lifted truck owner's existence. While a 2-inch level and 285s might sound like a conservative setup, the 2024 Tacoma's new platform and wheel well design mean clearances can be tighter than expected, especially at full lock or under compression. This is a common 2024 Toyota Tacoma 285 tire rubbing fix.

Tire rubbing isn't just an annoying sound; it can damage your tires and your wheel well liners over time. The common culprits are often the mud flaps, the inner fender liners, or even parts of the body mount itself. Many enthusiasts resort to the old "trim and tuck" method. This involves carefully cutting away parts of the plastic fender liner, heat-molding them, or, in more extreme cases, performing a body mount chop (BMC) – which is precisely what it sounds like: cutting a small section of the body mount off and welding a new plate to clear the tire.

For Joshua, the question isn't if he needs to trim, but how and how much. It's a delicate dance, often involving trial and error, and the right tools (a Dremel, heat gun, and good old-fashioned patience are your friends here).

Issue 1: Speedometer Calibration

A 2-inch leveling kit and 285s on your 2024 Toyota Tacoma cause the speedometer to be off because you've changed the overall tire diameter from the stock size. This is a common issue and can be fixed with a speedometer calibrator. A speedometer calibrator is a small electronic device that plugs into your vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit) or wiring harness. It corrects the signal from your vehicle's speed sensor to account for the larger tire size. 

Here's how to fix it:

• Find a Calibrator: Purchase a speedometer calibrator designed for a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Reputable brands like Hypertech, Rough Country, or Superchips offer devices that are relatively easy to install.
• Install the Calibrator: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves unplugging the factory wiring harness and plugging the calibrator in-line.
• Set the New Tire Size: Most calibrators come with a simple interface or a smartphone app that allows you to input your new tire size (285/70R17, for example) to correct the speedometer accurately. You are looking to fix an inaccurate speedometer on a 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
   

Issue 2: Tire Rubbing

Tire rubbing with 285s on a leveled Tacoma is a common problem, especially during turns or when the suspension is compressed. It typically occurs on the front of the inner fender liner and the mud flap. To fix this, you'll need to trim the wheel wells. This is how you trim the fender liner for bigger tires on a 2024 Toyota Tacoma.

Here's how to trim the wheel wells:

• Identify the Rubbing Point: Turn the steering wheel to full lock in both directions. Use a flashlight to pinpoint the exact locations where the tire is making contact. It's usually on the front inner part of the fender liner and sometimes on the plastic piece that attaches to the bumper.
• Trim the Fender Liner: You can use a heat gun to soften and reshape the plastic fender liner, or use a utility knife to trim away the excess plastic carefully. You only need to remove the material that is causing the interference. Start with minor cuts and test fit frequently.
• Remove or Trim Mud Flaps: The front mud flaps are almost always the first point of contact. You can either remove them entirely or trim them to provide adequate clearance.
• Modify the Bumper: In some cases, the tire might rub on the lower part of the plastic bumper. Use a cutting tool like a Dremel to trim a small portion of the bumper's lower valance to create clearance.
   

Remember, trimming is a permanent modification. It's best to start with minor cuts and remove only what's necessary to prevent rubbing. If you're wondering how to solve tire rubbing after leveling a 2024 Toyota Tacoma, these steps will help you get started.

In The End

Joshua's experience is a timely reminder that modifying your truck, especially a brand-new generation Tacoma, comes with its own set of challenges. The community, like the Taco Nation Facebook page, is invaluable for sharing solutions and collective wisdom. Whether it's correcting a speedometer or carefully trimming plastic, these aren't insurmountable problems, but they do require a bit of research and elbow grease.

It's all part of the journey when you transform a stock truck into something uniquely yours. You can always search for guides on modifying a new Toyota Tacoma to learn more about these common problems and how to solve them.

Have you experienced similar issues with your 2024 Tacoma or other trucks? What were your solutions? Let us know in the Add New Comment link below and let us know. 

Check out my 2025 Toyota Tacoma story: And So It Begins, I Picked up My 2025 Toyota Tacoma Yesterday, It Has 30 Miles On It, and It’s About to Be Torn Apart

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Joshua Mathew