Aftermarket Upper Control Arm Selection

There are a ton of aftermarket UCAs out there for our trucks. What factors should be considered when looking to select one? Beyond the obvious balljoint types and billet vs. tubular, what should I be considering?

Front suspension: Bilstein 6112 @ 1.9" with 2/1 (L/R) shims for a net 2-1/2-3" lift.
Usage: Mainly on road, ~25k miles/year with some driving on forest service/logging roads. They love to spray the brine on the roads here.

 

Same set up front for me i was able to align no upc needed.

 

I had that same set up with stock uca too. If you want aftermarket ucas, it’s really up to how much do you want to spend. Everyone has their preference and ones they don’t like. I had icon billets before, but went with icon tubular this time. A lot of people talk about spc due to the reasonable price.

 

I was able to get a "decent" alignment as well, though it could have been better, and have not experienced uneven tire wear, but that isn't really what this thread is about. The purpose of the thread is for me to learn about the different features and factors to be considered when selecting a UCA. In the past, I have read that some have better geometries than others. Some are prone to failure. Some may not clear the tire with certain tire size/wheel offsets. Some use different bushing materials. Which material should be selected for which application?

 

I have the same set up and I’m able to get a proper alignment. You have a few options. The cheapest would be to keep the stock ones and if/when they wear out then you can easily find new take offs for next to nothing. If you go after market total chaos and icon tubular would be the next step up

 

Search in suspension you will learn alot about peoples experience

 

I've read most of the useful threads in this forum when researching which suspension setup to purchase. Thank you for your useful contribution.

 

Good luck in your research

 

I have the exact same lift down to the spacers. Solid call btw because going 1.9 doesn't compress your coil top much and you still get a good ride.

I didn't go with UCA, you don't really have to I guess at that lift level. I am taking my 6112 out and grabbing kings in the spring, just trying to figure if I want the 2.5 or 3.0 ones. Then I'll be grabbing some total chaos uppers.

If you did want UCA, I have run total chaos uca for a while with super good luck and my friend has camburg UCA and he loves them.

Another friend has icon ones and he's been thru 2 sets of ball joints with them and wouldn't recommend them.

Hope this helps.

 

Looking through multiple threads about uca’s i just lifted my truck with falcons shocks, im at 2-3/4 in front and i dont think i can get factory alignment after 2.5 without aftermarket uca. Just need somewhere to start.