JBA HD UCA & TOYTEC BOSS 2.5 ALUMA COILOVERS

I was debating on making different threads for each product and experience, but I might as well make it all one thing. So, this is gonna be a mix of my experience with these two brands/products, and my truck “build”. Both UCA and CO was ordered at about 21:00 (9:00pm) central time on 11/14/2022. Since this is after hours, the orders will be processed tomorrow. I’ll put down all the updates and other various info after this. Feel free to ask any questions. Let’s hope this goes as smoothly as possible

Edit: I’m in DFW and I selected the cheapest shipping for both products. Just to give a time to location reference.

 

Following. I’ve been on the fence regarding the 2.5 alumas and look forward to hearing a review on your side. I have bilstein 5100’s upfront currently for about 30k miles and looking to upgrade.

 

So, UCAs and COs got here today. Just as a reminder, I ordered after hours Monday night and selected the base level shipping for each. First impressions are good. Each product is packaged nicely, and everything seems to be here. The only minor “complaint” is that there’s 2-3 chips on the bottom of one of the COs. It’s so minor it won’t be a problem though. It’s weird seeing stuff online, and then in person. The shades of red are not as similar as I thought (UCA to COs), but once they’re both under the truck they’ll look a lot more similar. They are both HEAVY and BEEFY as hell. I’m honestly impressed. They both came with stickers (only relevant to the 6 year olds). I’m set to install nest Tuesday, but the shop still needs to confirm a couple of things first, so stay tuned. Here are the pictures in order of me opening them. A banana for size reference.

 

What does the shop need to confirm?

 

They just need to make sure they have a front sway bar drop in stock, and to make sure they don’t have anything that would clash time wise. The receptionist said something else, but I was in a store and wasn’t really paying attention. She probably just wanted to go home lol, it was 15 till closing. Regardless, it should get done next week.

 

You don't need a front sway bar drop.

 

I didn’t think so, but the bottom of these COs are a lot bigger and mixed with the 2 inches I’ll lift it, I won’t have as much room as I want between the link and bottom of CO. The drop will give me some more room for suspension flex. It’ll only add $120ish total, and it won’t hurt anything (to my knowledge).

 

How much extra did they charge for the banana?

 

I have the Aluma 2.5's on mine with no issues. I don't know of anyone in the forum with them that has a sway bar drop installed. Are you adjusting the coilovers down to 2 inches of lift? They are preset at 3". My lift after install was closer to 3.5 to 4".

 

Well shit man, where were you when my ass was asking all these questions about them? Yeah, I’m just doing 2 inches. Make the truck level without screwing anything up. Would the front sway bar drop potentially cause any interference?

 

About $0.69

 

Parts:
Parts were installed today. I only drove the 2 miles back home, but it felt great. Seemed a little smoother than stock. I’ll do some more driving tomorrow. The shop installed it from the box, and damn, it looked sick. Probably 3-3.30 inches. I wanted to keep it, but it was taller than the rear, and my CVs looked like dog shit. Had the shop put it down to 2 inches. You don’t see the suspension as much, but my CVs are a lot better. I’ll take it.

Toytec and JBA: Both companies are 10/10 in terms of quality and customer service, especially JBA. They forgot a red grease cap on of the the ball joints, and JBA helped me out. Got a package shipped out 2 hours later. I think Charles from JBA tech support did an amazing job. He answered all my questions about their UCA, and other truck related questions. From what I’ve heard about him, he knows his stuff…

Install Shop: Ratchet Brothers really did a good job. They got me in fast, and completed the install fast. They even put up with all my bullshit, so major props to them.

If one of the staff members could @ all of the companies accounts (if they have one), that would be great. I’ll take some pictures tomorrow.

 

I know this isnt a fresh thread, but came across it. I have the same set up, but Im sitting at 3.5 front 3 in back with .25 coachbuilder shims. Im a bit higher than you, but my sway bar was under load when I reattached. It was awful stiff and I decided to make some 1in sway bar spacers to test and it made a noticeable improvement in the ride quality.

 

I've been running the alumas and JBA for a few years. No complaints.

 

Finally washed the truck and had some somewhat nice weather to take pictures in. The formatting for a few pictures got weird- my apologies. Lowest setting on 2.5 Toytec Alumas (2 inches up front) and the rear is stock. No diff drop, but I did do front sway bar drop. Wheels: 285/55r20.
I keep repeating all the setup info because it can be a pain to go back and figure out what’s actually being shown.

 

3.5 sounds like a lot man. I saw a tundra with a similar height setup, and the angles scared me.

 

Just did this same setup on my buddy’s tundra last week.

 

I swear I’ve seen that Tundra in a picture before… maybe maybe not. What height/tire size setup is that? Looks like 3 in the front and stock in the rear?

 

I’ve been reading a lot about Toytec and Bilstein over the past couple of days as I plan to install a suspension lift in the upcoming months. Does Toytec have much of an advantage over bilsteins? I’m trying to understand the price difference between the two. My gut reaction says the Toytec Alumna is overkill for what I need (not much off-roading, if any). Does that sound right?

 

They are definitely overkill for your application- also were for mine. I thought about Bil 6112s, but I couldn’t find anyplace that had them in stock (all on back order), and I also wanted the color red… I’ve never had Bilsteins before, so I can’t speak on them, but I’ve been impressed with the Toytec 2.5 so far. If you can find them, Bilsteins are a safe and common option.

 

We just did the work, I’m not sure he has posted any pics anywhere yet.
Tires are 35x12.5r17
Lift is what you said. About 3” up front and rear is stock for now.

 

I have a 3 inch toytec lift in front with shims and a +3 shackle in back with add a leaf plus a powder coated UCA...coachbuilder did for me.

 

how do guys like the Toytec and JBA setup so far? I am thinking about doing the same setup.

 

I have it to let me join the club. I can’t recommend it enough.

 

Solid 8/10. Only issue I’m having with the coilovers is that my tie rod ends are hitting them. I have my coilovers set to 2 inches (lowest), and so I’m not sure if that’s effecting it. Causes for a lot of grinding and popping while turning (on a bumpy surface). Sounds worse than it is- but I’m still not happy about it.

 

Do you know if the lower mount has a shorter and longer spacer? I’ve heard the shorter spacer should face the cab. Also what are you running for wheels/tires?

 

Honestly, I have no idea what that first part means… But to answer your second question, I have the stock tss offroad tire size on the tss OF rims- 285/55r20. I want to go up to 285/60r20, but I can’t justify spending $2k when my current tires only have 10k miles. I wish I could go bigger/wider than that, but then I’d need new rims.