School me on after-market UCAs

I see so many guys running aftermarket upper control arms and to the best of my understanding it's only to help achieve proper alignment with a >3"ish lift, and maybe some additional sidewall clearance?
What else are you benefiting from going to a Camburg, Total Chaos, etc UCA?

 

That's pretty much what they are for...alignment. SPC's are popular as well.

 

I'm running Zone Offroad - got my alignment back in spec with caster at the upper end of the acceptable range. Inexpensive and extremely beefy.

I run SPC forged on my 4runner, also a very good option and very reliable.

 

Soooo... UCAs will fall in the 'need-only' category?
If my alignment is within spec on a 3" lift then there's absolutely no reason to go with an aftermarket control arm?

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/everything-you-need-to-know-about-upper-control-arms-uca.4497/

 

caster could not get into spec on my 3 inch lift.

 

That post is slightly convoluted, but the point made about 'increased travel' in conjunction with 'extended length coilover shocks' is interesting.
Would a Bilstein 6112 qualify for this? Would I gain extended wheel travel using an aftermarket UCA along with 6112s?

 

I don’t think the 6112 changes OE the range of motion, I doubt you would gain travel.

The way I understand it, travel is gained by increasing clearance between the UCA and coilover assembly, and also changing the angle of the balljoint to prevent binding on down travel. But since the range of motion is the same with 6112, neither of those would be an issue. There’s some guys on this forum that have an incredible amount of knowledge and experience and would love to hear their input as well.

These 2 articles helped me better understand.
https://www.alldogsoffroad.com/what-are-aftermarket-upper-control-arms-and-when-do-i-need-them

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/4x4-upper-control-arms-explained