JBA Offroad Upper Control Arms And Suspension MEGA Thread BS thread

Another option is to just cut the bolt and install a brand new one backwards. Might not be a good option if you've already got stuff apart and don't have access to a spare UCA bolt.

 

Working on the passenger side first. Looks like maybe I need BIGGER channel locks then. The bolt is sliding easy until I hit the fender. Off to harbor freight I guess.

 

For you guys installing the UCA bolt upside down... That's scares the shit outta me. I'm pretty hard on my truck off road and I just can't accept that kind of risk... Not gonna die that way. I hope you all use lock-tite or a jam nut / double nut it.

 

No. It's not that simple. If you install the UCA bolt upside down, and the nut comes off, the UCA bolt will slide out, the UCA will be loose and the whole front end will collapse. It would be catastrophic.

The reverse of that condition is if you install the UCA bolt the right way from the top down, and the UCA nut comes loose and falls off, gravity will keep the UCA bolt in place and no catastrophe will happen.

On ExPo, there is one report I read about a 4-runner that lost it's UCA nut on the trail.

And from personal experience, I've had nuts and bolts loosen on me while on trails. I have NEVER had a suspension component come loose though, and before going trail side I always check torque in my driveway and mark them with a highly visible paint pen. If shit moves, I need to know about it sooner than later. I make it a habit to check a few times per day during my trips.

 

Okay I got a deal for anybody looking for one.

I have for sale, $419 brand new in the box JBA STD high caster upper a-arms. Full warranty from Marlin. I obtained his permission to sell and he will back the warranty for buyer.

I will pay shipping to lower 48 states.

For sale thread here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pper-a-arms-for-2005-14-toyota-tacoma.409178/

If you are interested, please post in the linked thread. Thank you.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I eventually got it out after going and buying larger channel locks. One of the local guys also stopped by and helped me out. Now all I need to do tomorrow is torque/locktite everything and adjust another inch into my coil-overs before putting my new wheels and tires on. Then get to an alignment shop somewhere.
I'll be sure to try and get a print out to post my numbers. Looking for 3 degrees on camber and 0 castor and toe right?

 

3 degrees caster
0 camber
0 toe

 

CASTOR! Crap. Thanks.

 

Huzzah! I get to join the club. Picking up Crom's standard high caster JBAs. Won't install for three to five weeks, have to wait for the rest of the suspension components to come in. Will of course post results and photos when the time comes. Pairing these with ICON extended travel coil overs.

 

Got everything back together today. First impressions are positive. Between the JBAs and adding an inch on my Kings, I have no more rubbing when turning all the way from stop to stop. I do see one spot that MIGHT rub when the wheel is all the way in but so far all is good. I have an appointment on Monday to get an alignment but so far driving is fine. The wheel well looks funny with all the different colors now in there.

 

Mine are here courtesy of @Crom but won't get installed until rest of the suspension parts show up in early Feb. I hope. Crom was nice enough to forward along the very important DVD too! Though I noticed it was unopened... I shall pray for his soul... Well actually I'll need to watch the DVD first to learn how to do that correctly...

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Okay, so I finally got my alignment today BUT they were not able to break loose the cam bolts on the LCA. They did get the Toe correct so I wont have major ware on the tires. I'm going to try to break loose those cam bolts buy spraying PB blaster on them and driving for awhile. Sorry the pic is sideways.

 

They look great! Glad you got them, look forward to your build.

Good. Give it plenty of treatments and then go at it with a strong impact. Chances are you will not succeed, but certainly try!

Good luck!

 

Explain to me the deal with these high caster arms? I have the regulars, I aligned the truck myself, have no idea of what my caster is but drives OK and alignment is closer than the last shop could do. I'm happy with my UCA's but want the best product for my money if Marlin is offering that up. I'll give him a call but would like to hear your take if you will oblige. Thanks, Jacob H.

 

Got my std-high caster arms installed. Everything went smoothly. Took longer to gather the tools than to change the arms from stock to the JBA's.

 

Good to see these arms going on without problems. If I have issues with my Allpro's I'll retract my previous blasphemy and go this direction!

Just for conversation, not trying to start anything, but why doesn't Marlin run at least a single gusset on the standard arms on the weld joint where the arm meets the bushing holder? I'm just curious because, if anywhere, that's the biggest weakpoint in an UCA. Just a thought! Not trying to dis or throw shit on this product.

 

That question has been brought up before. If I remember correctly, his response was to create the HD arms. He makes arms for other vehicles without the gussets and hasn't had a problem that has surfaced on this forum.

 

I recently asked Marlin this question. He told me its unnecessary given the materials and methods he's using to build.

At my request he even commented a little bit on other manufacturers methods and material choices, but I don't feel comfortable sharing the that.

The bottom line is that, the welds should be excellent, and owner should expect the arms to last.

 

PM then? If he said it then it needs to come out. I know that sounds bad but it's more helpful than hurtful if it's true.

I'm not sure what revolutionary method he could be using... that looks like a standard MIG weld on steel to me. 4130 is standard for UCA's, bike frames, firearms, etc etc. If he is using 1020 because it welds better, which is true, people should also know it bends easier. That would be something good for buyers to know.

 

I really wish he'd just hop on here and answer questions lol. I know I sound like a pain but these questions all help buyers, not hurt. Plus maybe, given his support for other problems, it will lead to a continually better product .