Light Racing UCA installation video & side by side comparison

Installation video we did as part of our web series working with Maui Off-Road here in Hawaii. This one is the Light Racing UCA on our 2012 DCLB Sport 4x4.

 

I have considered these in the past for their low price but have only heard bad reviews about them. Sticking with my stock UCA's for now.

 

LOL. You need to read more reviews. The early ones had bushing issues, but it appears to be fixed now. Lots and lots of folks on here running LR UCAs and are happy.

 

Yeah, maybe I will reconsider only because I have minor mis-alignment issues that cause driveability issues at higher free way speeds (70mph+). I need to get my caster a little farther out to rectify this particular scenario. What is the typical life span of the revised upper control arm for someone that does mainly city/highway with occasional light offroading excursions? It would be nice if these came with zerk grease fittings on them.

 

@freedomriding

Instructions say NOT to use the original dished washers and only use washers on the outside of the bushings.

You guys used the dished washers on the outside and the provided washers on the inside? Why is that?

See step 7 from SPC's instructions
http://www.spcalignment.com/instructions/25480-INS_WEB.pdf

 

OP, it looks like the factory outboard UCA bolt washers were reused and the Light Racing flat washers were placed between the UCAs and the shock tower. The LR instructions tell you to not reuse the factory washers and place the provided flat washers in place of them. Can you tell me the reason it was done the way shown in the video? Not trying to call you out, just wondering if there was a reason for it.

Step 7: http://www.spcalignment.com/instructions/25480-INS_WEB.pdf

I installed LR UCAs last month with OME 887 springs and have been happy with them.

 

LOL, I could have saved my energy.

 

Huh , good to know , my LR UCAs are the original pre SpecRide design

 

I've had the original spec arms for 5 years so far no issues

 

Usually only those with issues take the time to complain. I have zero issues w/mine and I have never posted about it either. I'm sure I'm not alone.

 

LOL good luck with that.

 

Yeah, maybe I will reconsider only because I have minor mis-alignment issues that cause driveability issues at higher free way speeds (70mph+). I need to get my caster a little farther out to rectify this particular scenario. What is the typical life span of the revised upper control arm for someone that does mainly city/highway with occasional light offroading excursions? It would be nice if these came with zerk grease fittings on them.

 

haha beat you too it!

Lets see what OP has to say.

 

Seems like it's a better video than SPC's

 

You are absolutely correct about the washers. I'll give SPC a call about it and see what they say about whether it'll be detrimental or not.

 

I feel as though because of the nature of the type of free floating bushing used here. That a dished washer on the outside will allow the upper control arm to move forward and aft quite a bit more vs the flat washer on the larger outer edge of the bushing.

That sated, great video, makes me wanna get off my ass and install mine!

 

Ok, SPC said to remove the inner washers because the potential of it stretching and eventually breaking the welds on the arms. Not sure why Jeff at Maui Off-Road installed them that way as they've been in the business for 30+ years but will get an answer from them tomorrow since they're closed on Mondays.

 

One of my SPEC UCA's failed a year or so ago . It broke along the weld at the collar. SPEC covered the issue and sent me a new set. According to the company there was a design flaw that had been since remedied.

 

Wow this is exactly what they said would happen if both washers were used.