installing suspension right now..need question answered

Once you've done the UCA's a few times getting the bolt in gets easier and easier. Till you decide to do the shock tower gussets...then its real fun.

 

Good point. I didn't think about that. I didn't have the tools for it and the guy I usually borrow tools from was in Korea at the time I wanted to install mine so I had a shop install them while I dropped it for the CMC and the bolts were installed the same way as the stock ones

 

I have to admit, I did have this very thought when installing mine, but couldn't find any cases/instances of it happening. Additionally, the reverse installation method was recommended to me by more than one parts supplier and off-road shop when I was doing my research about the install process.

Have you actually heard of any? (not trying to start any S here whatsoever, I'm legitimately interested in knowing because I'll most likely do UCAs at some point on my new truck)

 

Guy named John lost his UCA nut off his FJ at Deer Valley trail two summers ago (2013) and the bolt backed out. Everyone thought the spindle broke until the truck was jacked up and we could look in the wheelwell.

Can't remember which orientation his UCA bolt was.

 

It wasn't too hard to bend the metal and pull them out when i did mine. Pass side was a little more of a pain but I got it. I bought a pair of new bolts from Wheelers just in case but returned them after i didnt need them.

 

I have had 2 customers come into/get towed to my shop in the past 3 years. One 1st gen, and one 2nd gen. Both had new design UCAs with bolts in from the back, and both had lost nuts and the bolt slipped out far enough on 1 that the front of the upper control arm was not held in. The other had the bolt fall out and the entire top of the wheel, control arm and all, fell out and he almost wrecked it.

 

^^ wowza!! I suppose it is impossible to know if the bolts/nuts were appropriately torqued. Thanks for the info.

 

I check mine regularly now every time I get gas. I do this because I had to replace my LR UCA ball joints a few weeks ago and while I was doing that the bolts where the UCA's attach were loose, like I could turn them with my hands

 

Now imagine going 70 down the interstate if you DIDN'T check them, and the bolts slid back.

 

I would say either way the situation of losing a nut regardless if the bolt was reversed or not is bad. I myself reversed it, torqued to spec and added another nut behind the original to prevent it from backing out. Extra nuts are pretty cheap you know

 

Yeah, I need to get another set of nuts for my UCA bolts

 

The thing is, since the bolt is slid in at an angle backwards, the risk of it sliding UP and out is much less than sliding DOWN and out. While I do agree a backing nut is a good idea, it is always best to install the bolt in the correct direction.

 

I just bent the metal tab, removed it and greased the bolt and bushing and took some time getting it lined up with the bushing and washers but not impossible it helps putting a screwdriver in the opposite end to help get them lined up. Take your time, swear at it and do it right the first time.

 

I keep a UCA bolt and nut in my trail spare bag. Black coma bent one of his when his heim joint pulled out of his UCA

 

Hey!! This is the guy who gave me those UCAs, thanks again. They have been fine. Wasnt too bad of an install.

Are you supposed to tighten the bolt with weight on the UCA or off?

 

I've had mine back out (installed from back).
Drove 2 miles to get out of the trail to where a two truck could pick me up.

 

Make sure you grease the hell out of those bushings.

 

Which? and when should you tighten the uca bolt?

 

after you lower the truck onto its own weight.

 

okay, any reason for that?