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Is it worth replacing UCA??

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 2000tacos, Mar 29, 2015.

  1. Mar 29, 2015 at 8:39 PM
    #1
    2000tacos

    2000tacos [OP] New Member

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    Hey everyone! I recently got a master bushing kit(black) from energy suspension for my 2000 Tacoma . Is it worth upgrading the upper control arm if I am not lifting the truck. Would there be noticeable difference in performance, or just replace the bushings in the stock uca. I was thinking camburgs are in the price range.. total chaos I can't afford although I hear great things on here from people that have a lift... I've been looking around the forum but I can't find anyone that kept stock ride height and upgraded their ucas. Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions!everyone!
     
  2. Mar 29, 2015 at 8:43 PM
    #2
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    If you aren't going to lift your truck then a UCA upgrade won't do much for you.
     
  3. Mar 29, 2015 at 9:07 PM
    #3
    2000tacos

    2000tacos [OP] New Member

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    Thanks I appreciate your time!
     
  4. Mar 30, 2015 at 2:34 PM
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    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO Well-Known Member

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    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    Agreed it wouldn't do much for you in terms of performance. However I sometimes go for longevity and ease of maintenance in the future when it comes to replacing parts. I have a lift, but I have the Camburg UCA's and love them.

    It may be overkill to spend money on something like that for nothing more than it's easy to change bushings when they wear out but sometimes I fall into that category.
     
  5. Mar 30, 2015 at 4:57 PM
    #5
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO Well-Known Member

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    Very true.

    OP, Put your money where you feel it will be best utilized. I have plans to use this truck with my kiddos in the future so overkill was my mindset as to not leave me with out a paddle. I do light wheeling so this gives me peace of mind.
     
  6. Mar 31, 2015 at 5:37 PM
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    2000tacos

    2000tacos [OP] New Member

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    Right on I appreciate the knowledgeknowledge Scott and JJ
     
  7. Mar 31, 2015 at 6:12 PM
    #7
    bry838

    bry838 Well-Known Member

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    If a guy has a DB lift is it kinda pointless getting UCA's, since its still basically a stock suspension, geometry wise?
    Do UCA's only come into play when ya have a spacer or a normal coil lift? When I say "normal" I just mean not a drop bracket lift.
     
  8. Mar 31, 2015 at 6:43 PM
    #8
    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    in my experience...

    besides offering improved caster adjustment/settings...
    installing a Uni-ball type UCA improves the ride quality
    in that it articulates smoother and is better controlled.

    Irregardless as to whether the CO's used
    are standard or extended length travel.

    If one can swallow the purchase cost...
    they will definitely see an improvement
    in both handling, ride and alignment specs/settings.

    If caster is set near it's vertical limits/specs
    then the CO's tend to ride slightly stiffer IMO.

    Not sure why... just what I experienced...
    when comparing my stock UCA's ride
    to a friend's Camburg uni-ball type UCA ride.

    possibly the Uni-ball(s) /or improved caster setting
    is why the ride is smoother and better controlled.
     
  9. Aug 20, 2015 at 11:41 AM
    #9
    Sicyota04

    Sicyota04 Slowly but surely.

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    I did the same with my lift. Since I have my Bilstein adjustables on the 2nd setting and everyone, I mean everyone says with my 3" Eibach springs, the shocks should be on the stock setting. That is why I got my Camburg UCA's.

    image.jpg
     
  10. Aug 20, 2015 at 3:24 PM
    #10
    tomtom

    tomtom Well-Known Member

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    I noticed a marked improvement in suspension smoothness and overall handling after going to aftermarket UCAs as well. I'm guessing it has a bit to do with the difference between the molded rubber bushings versus the poly but never really dug in enough to understand why. I just know I was very happy with the improvement in ride quality after installing them. It'd be interesting to hear from anyone that has replaced the bushings with a poly kit on any differences.
     

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