Which UCAs?

In the process of leveling my truck and was told I should consider also getting UCAs for lifted trucks. What is a good set that won't break the bank?

 

Spc. Freedom off road is another option.

 

Spc or eibach for $700
Jba for $600
I have the jba & like the build quality, but have only put 1000 miles on em so far.
@bmf4069 how are those freedoms holding up?

freedom offroad for $400

 

Please watch these videos before you make a purchase. The first one preferably but it will help you make an educated decision.

https://youtu.be/huMztKaHsUE?si=3ze8mb9pDScHHv9o

https://youtu.be/InQnp42pfts?si=nVjHweWfU12_ivFx


How much do you plan on lifting the truck and what size wheels/tires do you plan on running? These will all help in the decision with whether or not you'll need UCA for your truck

 

Yeah, I forgot about jba, I like the way those look the best actually.

 

I will be lifting it 2.5".
Wheel is
Size: 17x9
Offset: -12
BP: 6x5.5
Tire is a 285x70x17.

 

100% watch those vids. It'll help you choose the best UCA for you.

I personally would stay away from adjustable. The wheel/tire set up your running isn't extreme enough to warrant it. Freedoms or something a long those lines that help move the ball joint and allow for better clearance at full lock. But yea you're on the right track my guy

 

Thank you sir

 

They're doing good so far. Beat on em pretty good in AZ this year. They're not adjustable though.

 

You’re running jba too?

 

No, he has freedoms. Well, in tx we all have freedom, especially if you dont get caught.

 

I didn't watch the video but I have a similar set up. I've been running SPC arms since 2019 without issue. I don't love the price of them now. Greedy bastards.

Some people had issues with the more expensive uniball arms rubbing the top of the shock bucket(I think that's the right term). They had to take an angle grinder to it.

Read my post here.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/ball-joints-vs-uniball-ucas-on-your-1st-gen.74516/#post-1904212

 

Do yourself a big favor. Read the "Suspension, wheels & tires ..." section of this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

It will give you the education you need on lifting these trucks and what you need to know in general, before you make a stupid mistake, many of which led to that content existing, people that came before you fucking up.

 

I was originally running same wheel specs as you, 9" wide with 4.5 backspace, but with a ~0.6" smaller diameter tire (275/70r17) and a 2" lift. Overall, the truck sits ~4" higher off the ground, making it difficult for the kiddos (11, 13) to get in/out.

I rubbed in the wheel well before reaching full lock, even with my mudflaps off. You too, will rub. At minimum you'll rub your mudflaps and likely need to remove completely. I ended up downsizing to a 8.5" wide wheel and 4.75 backspace and it's much more manageable (same tire size).

Be sure you have the shop doing the alignment give as much caster as possible, dont' use a chain store for alignment. If you go with SPC uppers, don't clock to their recommended OEM setting. Center the UBJ in their slot, clocked at "C" for +1, or better yet B for +1.75 caster. It'll make the truck more driveable on the road, and hopefully mitigate at least some rubbing.

 

And if it helps... some before/after on a truck with ~70k miles, so little suspension wear/fatigue. Pic angles do funny things, especially with the 1st/last pic:

​

 

Those dark grey wheels look so damn fine.