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Everything you need to know about Upper Control Arms (UCA)

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by csuviper, Mar 29, 2016.

  1. Jan 9, 2020 at 3:52 PM
    #271
    DustDynamics

    DustDynamics New Member

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    Have been running the 6112 on the 3rd setting for about a year now with 35" KO2 C-Range on Rock Warrior wheels on a 2018 crew max. Had 34" Toyo AT2 extremes E-Range for a short while and they road like rocks and had a high pitch noise even though they tracked very straight, so switched to the KO2. Decided to get a set of UCA to gain more caster and go up to the 4th setting. I liked the design of the Freedom Offroad AKA Wulf Suspension UCA. Particularly the chromoly ball joints and oem rubber bushings. The welding and gussets are solid, they appear to be robotic welds. The tubes and assembly are heavy and solid as well. No concerns over strength. The rubber cap for the ball joint has a lip that pops into the ball joint socket so it seals and does not come off unless you want it out. The ball joint clears the tire by about 1" with the RW wheel offset.
    EDIT, after proper realignment.
    With .0L and .0L camber, the caster was 3.8L and 3.8R with .05L and .05R toe. The L rear cam is maxed out and the R rear is 3/4 to max.
    I called Wulf to get a number on caster and they told me they are near stock but the angle of the ball joint is corrected.
    My best guess is they add 2.0 degrees of caster.
    I would buy the same UCA again for the price and road driving if I had to do it again. If I was in the dirt all the time then maybe go to a higher caster UCA.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2020
  2. Jan 11, 2020 at 10:03 AM
    #272
    jordan0317

    jordan0317 Just hoodrat things...

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    I just put on the freedom offroad uniball Uca's in the driveway this morning, at the alignment shop know waiting to talk to the tech to see what numbers I can get with them

    ETA:
    20200111_130653.jpg 20200111_141816.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
  3. Jan 13, 2020 at 9:21 AM
    #273
    DustDynamics

    DustDynamics New Member

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    After realignment my numbers are very close.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2020
    jordan0317[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Jan 13, 2020 at 5:17 PM
    #274
    mjg3

    mjg3 New Member

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    Good afternoon everyone. I just traded in my 15 CM. and picked up a 2020 CM. the 15 was leveled with a spacer type leveling kit. i am fixn to pull the trigger on a ToyTec boss system. Im in the construction field here in Central Fl. my truck stays in 4wd 75% of the day, although i dont beat on it it does get bounced around alot from all the equip rutts and misc. after looking at every kit available, i think this Boss Complete kit work best for me. should i add the UCA's to the kit? and will the dealer have issues with this installed (any warranty issues) Thank you in Advance!
     
  5. Jan 15, 2020 at 5:06 PM
    #275
    DustDynamics

    DustDynamics New Member

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    Go Bilstein 6112 on top setting with 1/4” shims on the driver side to level it out and the 5160 or 5100 Bilsteins for the rear and get MCM brand UCA for the added caster off road so it doesn’t wonder or pull the wheel out of your hands when you hit something.
     
  6. May 20, 2020 at 6:15 PM
    #276
    Beesta

    Beesta New Member

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    Hello Gurus, got a 2019 CM on 6” Fabtech kit along with Dirt logic coilovers. Been looking at UCA’s but not really sure which one i should go with ... was told go with SPC. I know functionality before looks but they just look plain ..... was looking Icon billet deltas .... please help thanks.
     
  7. May 20, 2020 at 6:21 PM
    #277
    stangless40

    stangless40 New Member

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    lots
    lots of good UCA out there, i went with JBA.

    IMG_0431.jpg
     
    Beesta likes this.
  8. May 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM
    #278
    Getmeacoors

    Getmeacoors From the far Norcal

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    I went with jba. Even contacted them they told me they would work for my lift. Turns out my truck is to tall so it is parked while i waited for new UCA because my alignment is so bad I can't drive. I ended up going with icon billet deltas. Putting them on this weekend. So when you have 6+ inch lift i would recommend buying the fully adjustable heim joints like the icon delta joints the first time rather than save money like i tried to do

    20200511_121410.jpg
     
    TRDblvd and Beesta[QUOTED] like this.
  9. May 20, 2020 at 6:37 PM
    #279
    stangless40

    stangless40 New Member

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    lots
    Opps sorry i just seen you went 6", jba is only good to up to 4".
     
  10. May 21, 2020 at 12:20 AM
    #280
    Beesta

    Beesta New Member

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  11. May 21, 2020 at 12:22 AM
    #281
    Beesta

    Beesta New Member

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    Thank you all ... Plusi like the way icon billet looks... Part number 58560DJ if im not mistaken
     
  12. May 26, 2020 at 5:12 PM
    #282
    equin

    equin Texarican Tundra

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    TRD Rear Anti-sway bar, TRD Pro skid plate, Bedrug bed mat, 17" Icon Rebounds, 315/70/17 BFG AT/K02, Bilstein 6112s front (for now), Fox 2.5 Remote Reservoirs rear, Diamondback SE, Dirtydeeds Industries 8" stainless BAMuffler, aFe dry air filter, TRD air intake accelerator
    Subbed
     
  13. Jun 4, 2020 at 2:36 PM
    #283
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

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    Running 20x9 factory wheels with 3/1 level. I am looking at SPC and Zone, will I have clearance issues? I thought i read before that they would not clear a factory wheel. Thanks in advance.
     
  14. Jun 5, 2020 at 11:46 AM
    #284
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

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    Damn it, according to zone I would have clearance issues with my factory wheels:
    “Stock 20's will likely be too deep. You can use and offset to backspace calculator (google) to find back spacing if its not listed”
     
  15. Jul 2, 2020 at 4:01 PM
    #285
    KuhlKreations

    KuhlKreations Part time professional, full time idiot.

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    So, I’m reading all of this and seeing good information. HOWEVER; I was doing a lot of research on tundras before I bought one and saw a video from some dude who said his camburg TUBULAR ucas had an issue causing steering wheel shake because some measurement was off on his truck’s inboard connections. He stated the solution camburg gave him was replacing the tubular uca’s with the billet ones (after a great deal of diagnostics). I know this is potentially a manufacturing issue on Toyota’s part, but I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced ANY issues with tubular uca’s doing the same thing. I’d prefer to save dollars with the tubular Uca’s, but I’m gonna be livid if I get any kind of shake on my truck with under 2k miles on it. Anyone have a take on all of this? Thanks in advance.
     
    equin likes this.
  16. Jul 2, 2020 at 8:48 PM
    #286
    equin

    equin Texarican Tundra

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    TRD Rear Anti-sway bar, TRD Pro skid plate, Bedrug bed mat, 17" Icon Rebounds, 315/70/17 BFG AT/K02, Bilstein 6112s front (for now), Fox 2.5 Remote Reservoirs rear, Diamondback SE, Dirtydeeds Industries 8" stainless BAMuffler, aFe dry air filter, TRD air intake accelerator
    I saw that same video and was wondering the same thing.
     
    KuhlKreations[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Jul 2, 2020 at 9:01 PM
    #287
    KuhlKreations

    KuhlKreations Part time professional, full time idiot.

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    I’ve been obsessively researching these uca’s for months now. The majority of what I read is brand specific pandering or dudes boasting their personal opinions. I really want to know if 1300$ is gonna save me the heart ache of my truck not running smoothly, or if it’s all kind of a “deal with it” scenario. Where are the real and honest facts? No banana-split opinions.
     
    equin[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jul 3, 2020 at 9:10 AM
    #288
    equin

    equin Texarican Tundra

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    TRD Rear Anti-sway bar, TRD Pro skid plate, Bedrug bed mat, 17" Icon Rebounds, 315/70/17 BFG AT/K02, Bilstein 6112s front (for now), Fox 2.5 Remote Reservoirs rear, Diamondback SE, Dirtydeeds Industries 8" stainless BAMuffler, aFe dry air filter, TRD air intake accelerator
    I’ve just started doing some research. So I have a long way to go to fully understand the different brands’ pros and cons. I understand the concept of control arm suspensions, which is why I’m considering upgrading because I may eventually go with a 2.5” to 3” max lift up front. This thread has been a little helpful in that regard. The consensus appears to favor SPC UCAs as an affordable option with the least amount of maintenance or issues for my daily driver/light off-roading needs if I’m understanding it all.
     
  19. Jul 3, 2020 at 11:36 AM
    #289
    KuhlKreations

    KuhlKreations Part time professional, full time idiot.

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    Yea, I have noticed a lot of positive comments about spc. Seems to be a fan favorite, and it wasn’t on my radar at all....

    Saw some positive vibes with tc as well, but a lot of folks say you get a little squeak. (Maintenance isn’t something I shy away from.)

    I’ll call a few of these local shops and see how they feel and what they feedback they have received. I’ll drop you what I hear from them later on today.
     
    equin[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jul 3, 2020 at 3:56 PM
    #290
    KuhlKreations

    KuhlKreations Part time professional, full time idiot.

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    @equin Alright, so I called some local shops that are relatively reputable (outlaw off-road, 88rotors) and asked about this mythical “steering wheel” shake. According to these folks, they haven’t received any complaints or issues with the uca’s from camburg or total chaos, etc. no steering shake, no shudders, nothing. The only common denominator is making sure you receive proper alignment from a shop capable of aligning a truck with those after market parts.

    I even called Camburg right now and spoke to one of their guys (He knew exactly what video I had watched before I even clarified what I had seen) and told me that dude on YouTube had a bent frame, which resulted in his issue. SO, after thorough investigation, and after receiving ALL the facts, figures, and evidence, I am now of the opinion that most of these companies know what the hell they are doing. I guess go with your gut on choices regarding uca’s....:notsure:

    That dude was actually correct about what thing, the Camburg folks are fantastic with their customer service. I’m a big fan of that.
     
    equin likes this.
  21. Jul 3, 2020 at 3:59 PM
    #291
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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    Alot of them
    You cant go wrong with SPC's.
     
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  22. Jul 3, 2020 at 7:50 PM
    #292
    KuhlKreations

    KuhlKreations Part time professional, full time idiot.

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    I’ve heard good things
     
  23. Jul 4, 2020 at 7:02 AM
    #293
    equin

    equin Texarican Tundra

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    Thanks for following up and for the great info. Very interesting about the Tundra in that video having had a bent frame.
     
  24. Jul 6, 2020 at 12:31 PM
    #294
    Tundracollector

    Tundracollector New Member

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    Anyone here throw some UCA’s on a stock pro? Did it free up anything?
     
    Jamyers13183 likes this.
  25. Aug 1, 2020 at 5:05 PM
    #295
    Bob_Wiley

    Bob_Wiley I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

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    This is a great thread, lots of really good info. I’d appreciate some thoughts / feedback on my setup.

    I currently have a 2WD with a 3/1 spacer lift, everything else (UCAs, coilovers, rims, tires, etc.) is all stock. I eventually want to get Fuel Octane rims (18x9, +20 offset) and Nitto Ridge Grapplers (35x12.5). I’m concerned that the rim / tire combo I want may not work with stock UCAs (insufficient clearance). Is that accurate?

    Apart from that, I would love to get rid of the spacer lift and go with something like Fox 2.5’s to maintain the same lift height while also upgrading the ride quality. If I go that route, would I need to swap out for taller spindles to maintain proper UCA angles? I imagine that’s not necessary but I’m not sure.

    I hope that makes sense...I’m a total noob when it comes to this stuff, so I appreciate your help and guidance.

    @831Tun @GravityGear @AccuTune Offroad @sdhq_offroad you all seem to be quite knowledgeable with this stuff so I’d appreciate any insight you have. Thanks!
     
    AccuTune Offroad likes this.
  26. Aug 1, 2020 at 5:41 PM
    #296
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    If you got a 2wd, go with a spindle lift and coilovers. IMO, it's the best combo for 2wd.

    A spindle lift will only move the wheel down, so you will not need to get longer shocks. Spindle lifts will not typically affect the geometry of the upper and lower arms and as a result, will leave travel stock. I don't have much experience with spindle lifts on Tundras as not many people do them and I have a 4x4. I'm unsure what a 35x12.5 on a spindle lift will do with alignment and trimming requirements. You will have a relatively high offset, so most of the wheel/tire assembly will be inside the fender. You should be able to fit it BETTER, but may not be able to fit it to 100%. You may still need some plastic massaging and a CMC. If anything, getting arms will get you closer to fitting it properly, due to the modified alignment numbers.

    According to CST, their 3.5" lift spindles support up to a 33, but require 18"+ wheels. Since a spindle lift is not technically a suspension lift, you can get more lift by adding an adjustable coilover. You can make your shit gigantic and still have good ride quality (in the front at least). Due to CST's 33" tire recommendation, I'm inclined to say that you'll need new arms at minimum.
     
    Bob_Wiley[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Aug 1, 2020 at 8:22 PM
    #297
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    I don't have anything to add to what @GravityGear covered. I don't have personal experience with lift spindles either but I see merit in the concept.
     
    Bob_Wiley[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Aug 1, 2020 at 8:37 PM
    #298
    GravityGear

    GravityGear Parking Lot Prerunner

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    I should really go back to that post and edit everything that says "spindle" to "knuckle"...
     
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  29. Aug 1, 2020 at 8:40 PM
    #299
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    I dunno, Camburg calls 'em spindles. What gets me is when coil overs are referred to as struts.:rofl:
     
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  30. Aug 1, 2020 at 8:41 PM
    #300
    Bob_Wiley

    Bob_Wiley I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

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    Thanks for the thorough response. I’ll need to go back and look at my current spindles to see how everything connects. Mechanically, I don’t understand how one can install a larger spindle without also installing longer coilovers. Maybe I’m just misunderstanding how they all connect.
     

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