Do I need UCA's?

ive been doing some reading but haven't found a definitive answer. Some say yes, some say no.

I've got a 14 trd with 5100s up front on the 3rd clip and 5100s and 2" blocks in the rear. The truck seems to wander a lot and I'm wondering if adjustable upper control arms will fix this? It's been aligned 2 times and techs never said anything about not being able to get it within spec (I've not had great luck trying to align it myself).

From threads I've read most say anything over 2" would warrant adjustable control arms. Being that I'm under that I'm wondering if I should get them or if something silly like the stock bfg's with 40k on them would contribute to that problem. I don't see any weird or uneven wear and rotate tires every 5k. I'm due for new rubber very soon but wasn't sure if UCA's should be considered? Thoughts?

 

Curious why, if needed, fully adjustable heims wouldn't be the way to go? Coming from the jeep world where it's all heims why not go that route? Are those head strongs specific to the setup I'm running? Easier to get the alignment right?

 

Ahhh ok. I looked and saw the fixed UCA's so I wasn't sure. But uppers will do the trick, no need for uppers and lowers?

I'd like to get it fixed before new tires so I don't get shitty wear patterns. Really appreciate the quick response!!

So the SPC light racing would do the trick?

 

no need for lowers

I have the SPC LR uppers, makes a world of difference in drivability. Ideally, you should look for 0 toe, 0 camber, and 2.5-3.0 of caster, will drive like a dream

 

and +1 for @HeadStrong Off-Road

 

If you have no problem shelling out the cash, then the adjustable UCAs will do great. If you want to only do it as a last resort, then go get a 3rd alignment and get the actual numbers. Tell them you want 0 toe, 0 camber, and 2.5-2.7ish caster. If they can't do that, then you should need UCAs.

 

and the alignment tech will say thats not spec for this truck, tell him you know, but to do it anyways

 

Did you get an alignment after the lift?

 

I did (twice) had a small off road incident that required me to get things evened out again. I don't recall it being so bad after the initial lift/alignment
but lately it seems to be crappy so I wasn't sure if it was rubber on its way out or if the 5100s were settling in and it needed another alignment or UCAs

 

The SPC's are adjustable to a point...there are different positions for the ball joint that will give caster adjustment and there is a slot for the upper ball joint with a nut to lock it in place that adjusts camber. The oem adjusters down on LCA bolts can then be used to microadjust. You are set at 1.75 on the 3rd position of the 5100s which is the borderline where UCAs will get you right. If only set at 0 or .85 you can get alignment right without UCAs, 1.75 can go either way depending on alignment tech & last setting 2.5 is definitely need UCAs to get right. 1.75 can be OK but still is short on caster, just depends on how good the tech is but is still giving up caster for camber to be right. Caster off is the wandering but no tire wear, camber off = tire wear. You'll be glad you did the UCAs as has been stated.

 

Great info guys. Really appreciate it. Going to pull the trigger and jump up to the top clip on the 5100s

Thanks again

 

Whats the reasoning for these numbers? Just trying to learn something new.

 

I have absolutely no idea! That's just what I've learned from my many hours on here.

 

Street bike versus road bike. Factory caster is like the forks on a street bike (I) straighter up and down =fast twitchy handling. The caster you want is 2.5 to 2.7 more like a road bike cruiser forks are (/) raked back slower easier handling.

 

X2

 

Or flattened the alignment cam tabs?

 

I had the dealer check it out a few weeks ago as it was under warranty. They said the (I don't recall which) control arm was bent and replaced it. That was a tooth and nail fight. It was supposed to be aligned after that. I'll find the paper work to see specs. But hasn't been great since

 

And the plot thickens!

 

This ain't the third gen forum.