Longevity of Uniball UCA

I've been shopping around for new UCAs and I see Uniball UCAs are very popular (i.e Total Chaos). However, the joint itself is exposed to the elements (dirt, salt, water, etc.). I do some wheeling here in the AZ desert, but I also use my truck for regular transportation.

What are everyone's thoughts on Uniball vs Balljoint UCAs? Balljoints seem to be the better choice since the joint is enclosed and protected, however, my knowledge may not be up to par in this area. Right now, I am leaning towards JBA UCAs since they look to be high quality and low maintenance. Are there any drawbacks to balljoints?

 

I live next to the ocean and the total chaos uniballs had no rust issues for a long time. I replaced them around 80-90k miles or so

 

How was the maintenance? Any squeaking noise after the first few months?

 

the noise would be from the bushings if they weren’t re greased

 

I do not recommend uniballs unless you really want/need them. They offer no advantages in a stock application over a sealed ball joint. All the uniballs I have inevitably squeak after a few trips in the dirt, regardless how much lube and cleaning they get. I also find the life of ball joints to be considerably better. Race car parts have racecar problems.

 

https://accutuneoffroad.com/ifs-upper-control-arm-101/