How to Determine If UCAs are Needed...

I have an 09 DC TRD OR 2 x4. I'm going to be putting a 3" lift on it and will run 17" wheels (not sure what kind yet) and 285/70/17 BFG AT's. I may do a little off roading but not much.

-Is there a way to determine if I will need aftermarket UCAs before I put the lift on?

-I would think it's better to install them while putting the lift on but in all the reading I've done it seems like some people have aftermarket UCAs and some don't so is there a way to determine if I will need them or not ahead of time?

-Is it dependent on the type of wheels I go with (ie. stock sport rims with a spacer or Motos with -12mm offset)?

-Does it depend on the type of lift I decide to go with (ie. spacer/AAL, Ultimate kit, etc)?

Thanks for the help guys! I've been reading and learning a lot but still got a lot to learn!

 

I plan to get a 3" lift....does that mean I'll need one? What amount of lift makes it such that I would most likely need one?

 

I have the same set up you do but an 06.

I put on 3" spacers and AAL and it was able to be aligned perfectly, no UCA's necessary.

I'm switching to coilovers this weekend and should have the same luck.

I'd definately agree with the above, do the lift and get it aligned. If you can get it in spec and keep it there don't worry about UCA's.

If you get it aligned and it's good, wait about 200 miles or so and go get it checked again. If it's still in spec you're good to go!

OH...and i do have some 3" spacers for sale if you want to go that route! PM me if interested!

 

Ok...Great....questions answered!

Thanks guys!

 

Dude there's no way you can have a 3" lift and a perfect alignment. Just not possible! You should expect to have to get new uca's. Unless you don't mind white knuckle driving.

 

Agreed. If you want it done right, get the UCA's. Your truck will drive much better and you'll be happier. Look into the Light Racing uca's, they are not that expensive and will be perfect for a little offroad.

 

I have a 3 inch lift, stock uca's and its been fine for over a year now.

 

Are you able to align it perfectly? Or is it off just a tiny bit?

 

just got my truck lifted, got new rims and tires with stock ucas last weekend and the ride is rough, but the alignment is within spec/

 

please tell me you all have at least looked at the posts in this thread:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40470-ucas-alignment.html

if not, please do so.

 

sorry i got 285/75/16 with 5100s set @ 2.5

 

post your spec sheet if you don't mind with your stock ucas. i bet caster is not within spec.

 

As far as I can tell alignment is good. Tracks straight.

 

So the first page of this thread made it sound like the aftermarket UCAs may not be needed but this page (2nd) sounds like all 3" lifts need an aftermarket UCA if you want to get the alignment right.

If they are for sure needed with a 3" lift to get correct alignment then I should buy them and have them installed while the ultimate lift is being put on it sounds like.

Is this correct??

Thanks guys!

 

If i had to do it all over again, i would've had my light racing ucas installed the same time as my lift, yes.

 

They are not mandatory, you can still get your camber and toe within specs so your tires wont wear out or pull to one side or the other. To some that is "perfect"
However without new UCA's your CASTER will NOT be in spec, causing your truck to track wierd and make it "wonder" a little more on road.

I had the toytec 3" lift and my caster was NOT in spec and it sucked driving on the highway in the truck lane, there were grooves in the road and my truck wondered around very badly.

I have 2.5" of lift now and its alot better, not perfect but alot better.
So when someone says they have a 3" lift with stock UCA's and their alignment is perfect, they are 99.9% wrong
If you want to debate this, then post up your alignment chart first

 

I have my c/o's cranked up only 2" and I need UCAs.

Jmed99: I'm gonna do a how to on some Camburg Ball Joint UCAs in a couple weeks (if they ever get here). Supposedly they offer the same amount of extra travel as the Uniball UCA (nice racing de$ign) but needs no maintenance, reuses your OEM ball joint (which is my purpose for the how to: swap ball joints) and needs no maintenance.
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It is $60 less than the Light Racing UCA and offers more travel while correcting your caster the same as the LR UCA does. It's also $260 less than its big brother, the Camburg Uniball UCA which is an amazing design but not needed for a daily driver IMO; the trade off is the Uniball design is MUCH stronger than the ball joint, but the ball joint is plenty strong for most wheeling needs and is maintenance free.

Also a side note regarding the Light racing UCA, if you do the Camburg balljoint UCA and want to have a shop swap the ball joint for you it will cost $60 to $80, and basically make the Camburg the same or more $ than the Light Racing one. You'll only save if you do it yourself... if you even care.