Another UCA Question. (sorry)

Hey everyone, I know that there are a ton of UCA threads but I couldn't seem to find the info that I was looking for. I have an '09 dbl cab 4wd. And I just ordered some new Icon 2.5 rr extended travel coilovers from SDHQ, and now I need to decide on a UCA and I'm torn between icon and total chaos. From what I have read, they both sound like they are high quality. The Icon has a uniball cover cap which I like, but the TC has zerks for greasing the pivots wich is also nice. Ultimately I'm looking for a low maintinece UCA and hopefully minimal squeaking. If anyone has any advice on this from past experience I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 

http://builtrightfab.com/suspension/tacoma-prerunner-4wd-05/upper-control-arm-tacoma-2005/

 

Any UCA that uses a uniball will squeek at some point. It's just the nature of the beast. All of the companies use stainless uniballs. If you use a dry teflon or dry film lube it will help.

As for the bushings, the zerks are nice, again, proper upkeep goes a long way. Using the correct grease, not over torque'n them ect..

The Cheaper arms out there are using lower quality material in their Uniballs and or Mis-alignment spacers. Those are the part's you need to hold up for the long run.

 

My icons also have zerks for re greasing.

 

I like my TCs. They do squeak though. Whenever I get them plastered in mud the squeak comes back. I just hose them down and spray some triflow on the balls. Spray them down about once every two months and they are pretty quiet.

 

Icon also has tubular UCA's that have zerkfittings.

 

Why no Camburg? They also have grease zerks.

I love the fact that their UCA mounting hardware to the spindle is recessed into the top of the uni-ball.

 

Camburg are great1 But with Camburg you really need 4.75" Backspace on the wheels to clear the bigger Uniball. Icon also uses the Lowpro hardware.

Camburg Uses Aurora Uniball's. They do squeek a bit sooner than FK's. Every one has the benefits.

 

Wow! Thanks for all of the great input. I didn't know any of that. I guess Camburgs just weren't really on my radar for whatever reason but I'll certainly give them a look as well as the others mentioned. Super helpful, thanks guys.

 

As I understand it, TC, camburg, and icon are all great choices with minor pros and cons to each. I really wanted TC. Why? I honestly couldn't tell you but i was dead set on getting a pair. I liked the name I guess?? They have worked great so far too

 

Nope

Neither my mid nor long travel do

 

With our uniball cover cap, that is a pretty big deal to help keep grit & grime from piling up in the uniball cup, you can't see it anyway!

 

I agree with some of the above..

Chaos uses 4130 tubing, a stainless bearing with 17-4 miss alignment spacers.

Camburg uses 4130 tubing, a 1.25 Aurora bearing and stainless spacers

Icon uses 1026 DOM tubing, a COM bearing that they have made for them in a stainless version (I believe?) and 17-4 stainless spacers

All arms will add caster, all will squeak and most importantly all require maintenance from the end user.
Clean the bearings and keep them free form debris, and when they start to make sounds use TRIFLO.

 

as well as the inside of the bushing and the out side of the sleeve.

 

Or just simply get the BJ style upper arms, I joke I joke

Everyone hit all the important keys to trying to keep noise down.

 

Since we are getting into details a little more, here is 2 other things we do....I attached a few example pictures.

• Polyurethane bushings w/ anti-deflection ring

• 17-4 Stainless Steel Uni-ball Adapter Taper Pin

 

Wow!,
Thanks for all of the info everyone. Super helpful, I really appreciate it. A lot of this stuff is fairly new territory for me .

 

Did you choose your UCA yet? I am in the beginning stages of learning and want to add another question to your thread. Why should I get a uniball set up over arms that I can use a stock balljoint in?