Diff drop and UCA question

I'm finally getting my '17 CMOR lifted. Debating between a shop installing 6112's or getting the Icon (stage 2 or 3) kit and doing myself. I've done lift kits before but now that I'm older, I'm just beat to hell after all day wrenching.

My question, with either kit, I'm considering 2-2.5" of lift in front, probably no more than an inch in the rear. For the front, with that much lift, do I need a new UCA or will stock one be sufficient? Also, will diff drop be needed to save my CV boots?

I will not be doing any serious offroading. My truck is mainly used for camping and hunting, with 99% of dirt driving done on fire roads. I honestly can probably get away with no lift, but the wife finally said yes, so I'm getting it done before she changes her mind...you married dudes understand the struggle.

One last question. Suggestions on a less expensive/cheaper lift option that is not a spacer?

Thank you

 

I have close to 3 inch lift in the front and didn't drop the differential. Super knowledgable guy installed and said there wouldn't be any issues and he'd be more concerned with tilting the differential to change the fluid level that sits in it. Gone 20,000 miles with the lift and no issues doing some light off roading.

 

Thank you! Did you change your UCA?

 

I did a 2in lift in the front and did the diff drop. I went through 3 sets of CVs on my FJ cruiser after a 3in lift and thought it might be good insurance. Then I thought about it and my truck is basically at the same height as a TRD pro now, and they don't diff drop from the factory so who knows whats right.

Stock UCAs still.

 

Thanks again. Despite most not getting the DD for 2" lifts, I'm leanings towards getting it only because it's not that expensive and just to avoid the issue later in case I decide to lift it higher. Glad most are able to use the stock UCAs. From what I can tell, getting the bolt out (esp passenger side) is a bit of a pain and decent ones aren't cheap. SPC's are about $750, which is almost half of the cost of the rest of a lift kit. Yikes...

 

I really don't want to buy new UCAs...but can't help myself but look around and found these:

https://www.extremeterrain.com/free...o-4-inch-lift-fo-t703fu.html#customer_reviews

https://jbaoffroad.com/jba-hd-hc-upper-a-arms-for-2007-toyota-tundra-2wd-4wd.html

 

i didn't want new UCAs either but i recently had the JBAs installed and I'm glad i did.

 

How did it improve it? Issues before?

 

fixed alignment issues. I had issues with my camber and caster before.

 

I did. I have 295/70R18 on the stock rim and ended up having to get spidertech spacers to get a bit more clearance.

 

6112's front top setting; 5160's rear, no block. 295's on factory TRD rims, factory UCA's, (they are close to the tire). Installed at ~24k miles. Currently @ 69k. No Issues!

 

No rub huh? Just looking at Tiger's response where he got hub spacers for the additional clearance. I'm fine with close, as long as there's no rub. Also, I'm running 285/70/18 on stock wheels.

 

BTW CalBluTundra, very nice looking rig

 

Having 6112/5160 installed tomorrow, with DD. No UCA, but may order it later and install myself. Pics to follow

 

So with the 6112/5160, to avoid the rear being lower than the front, I'm having shop add a deaver leaf pack. I'm having them max the front. Anyone have experience with this set up?

 

Top pic was a few months after getting the truck with 285's. Bottom pic is today, still with 285's, after getting it home. Sort of noticeable, ride I'd say is slightly better. But damn it could use some 295s at least...

Thank god I opted for the leaf pack. Otherwise ass would be dragging. It's very close, but mainly because the back has a drawer system with lots of tools and recovery gear that live there, plus the weight of the shell.