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How Important Are UCAs When Doing a Level/Lift?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by plumber802, May 21, 2018.

  1. May 21, 2018 at 4:15 AM
    #1
    plumber802

    plumber802 [OP] New Member

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    Considering leveling my 2018 and I am wondering if getting UCAs is necessary. Can I get by with just a 3/1 spacer lift without putting too much stress on the front suspension geometry? I understand that you "get what you pay for" but is this method a reliable/dependable way to achieve a level look for my Tundra? I don't want to cause stress and wear over time to my steering/suspension components.
     
  2. May 21, 2018 at 5:04 AM
    #2
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey Don't be a Dumbass

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    spacers are the worst lift that you can get. also, if you don't want to have to get UCA's, keep your lift below 2.5". I would recommend keeping it around 2" for a good alignment. for a little bit more money, you can get bilstein 5100's and they are about the same cost for installation as the spacers.
     
  3. May 21, 2018 at 5:26 AM
    #3
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    None yet
    Look into SPC adjustable UCA'S
     
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  4. May 21, 2018 at 5:33 AM
    #4
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Unless it’s an in-coil spacer, you’re already adding additional stress at 3”.

    If you’re at 3” or greater, I would look into UCA’s. SPCs’s upper control arm provides an additional +/- 2 degrees of camber and -1.0 degree to +3 degree of caster change.
     
  5. May 21, 2018 at 7:02 AM
    #5
    MistrRoboto

    MistrRoboto '17 MGM SR5 TRD CrewMax

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    My vote is not very important to change them out with a "level", which is 2 inches of lift in the front. If you go higher, such as a 3/1, then upgraded UCAs aren't a bad idea. Mixed feelings around here though regarding it being required for 3. Some argue stock UCA is fine with 3 inches.

    The bigger takeaway from this thread should be don't do a spacer lift.
     
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  6. May 21, 2018 at 7:16 AM
    #6
    Law323

    Law323 it’s only weird if you make it weird

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    My truck does fine with 3/1 and stock UCA’s BUT others have had problems. Best bet would be to go ahead and pony up for the UCA’s.
     
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  7. May 21, 2018 at 7:21 AM
    #7
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

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    I had the same dilemma and ended up with a coilover lift and UCAs... buy once cry once
     
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  8. May 21, 2018 at 7:43 AM
    #8
    mjgonz1

    mjgonz1 New Member

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    My Toyota dealer says they will not install the Toytec Eibach coil overs and UCA's on my '18 TRD Sport. They are saying that due to the Toyota Safety Sense it will void my warranty.

    Yesterday i saw a guy at the store with an '18 TRD Off Road with a 3" lift and he told me that the Toyota dealer 30 minutes away installed his lift at time of purchase..

    3" coil over lifts voiding warranties???
     
  9. May 21, 2018 at 8:03 AM
    #9
    ninjajay

    ninjajay Posting from the toilet

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    it would void your suspension warranty, but the TSS issues allegedly being caused by lifts seem to be getting debunked
     
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  10. May 21, 2018 at 8:05 AM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Try that other dealer...
     
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  11. May 21, 2018 at 8:55 AM
    #11
    250rdave

    250rdave like I told the guy on ABC DANGER IS MY BUSINESS

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    I just did a pro comp 6" lift with jba ucas and took it to 4wp to be aligned. The techs at 4wp could not get it to align right due to the ucas. The service manager recommended to go back to stock ucas and the truck will align no problem. After seeing the truck with the jbas its like seeing Kate Upton in your favorite tee shirt sitting on your bed. Or seeing your grandmother in her nightgown. Unless your grandmother is Christy Brinkley they are just not as sexy.
     
  12. May 21, 2018 at 10:06 AM
    #12
    mjgonz1

    mjgonz1 New Member

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    I didn't think of that, I was too caught up on the warranty question. I'll call them now..
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.

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