JBA Offroad Upper Control Arms And Suspension MEGA Thread BS thread

I picked them for simplicity and price. I don’t need adjustibility at the upper ball joint (and I guarantee 99% of people on this forum don’t either) and it’s just one less thing to go wrong. They have 2° caster built in, so it’s very easy to achieve the alignment numbers you want. With 2” of lift these will work just fine.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. That is very helpful. I feel like I like the simplicity as well. I had some TC arms on another truck before. I liked that the caster was set. I didn’t like the maintenance of the ball joint though. These seem like a good middle ground.

Have either of you had issues with the boots exposing the ball joint when drooped? I was reading about that somewhere in this thread.

 

It happens but it’s a non issue. Marlin responded about it. As long as you keep it greased it’s fine.

 

This ^^^ FTW!

 

Thanks guys. I appreciate that. I feel like I'm leaning more towards these. I was hoping to possibly catch a BF/CM sale, but from what I've read it looks like these things don't ever go on sale.

 

No, unfortunately they don't ever go on sale. But, honestly, when you see them in person you can appreciate the price. I try to be as frugal as possible but I didn't mind the cost. I feel like it's not that bad compared to higher priced versions that will offer the same qualities. When you take off the OEM and compare them you'll be glad you upgraded.

 

Just Ordered a set aswell

 

Before...



AFTER...



It's not that I was totally opposed to the red; I just went with something different. Hopefully I'll have time next week to install them.

 

Nice!!! How did you paint them?

 

I disassembled them and brought them to a shop for powder coating. I had to buy the minimum 5 pound box of powder since he didn't have the color I wanted (Silver Hammertone by Cardinal) for $60 but the labor was only $60 as well. I have more than half of the box left and I even powder coated my chrome bumper. It turned out great too!

 

That looks sweet! The red is the main thing that I’m unsure about. I guess it’s just cosmetic

 

It’s just personal preference and I still think the red looks pretty cool on most trucks I’ve seen on here.

I’m just going for more of a subdued look and the bright red control arms were gonna be just a little too loud for me.

 

But don’t let the color scare you off; these are some quality control arms with plenty of R&D and there are TONS of happy customers. You can always change the color if you want.

Marlin is a stand-up guy putting out a quality product at a VERY reasonable price. And they’re made in America!!

 

Thanks for that firsthand feedback. I’m feeling I’ll probably go with these once I decide on what suspension to go with.

Right now I’m between 5100’s w headstrong 2” springs, OME 884’s with OME/5100 shocks or 6112’s with the Bilstein resi rears.

 

You’ll probably be happy either way but I can only speak for the 6112/5160 set-up as that is what I’ve been running for two years; I love ‘em! I’m running a modified Dakar leaf pack as well.

I chose this set-up after spending lots of time on here doing research. TacomaWorld is great!! I’m grateful for all the first-hand experiences that everyone is willing to share about.

And now I just need some time to install these JBA UCAs!!

 

Nice! That’s awesome. What setting are you running the front 6112’s at? I’ve read of some guys setting the driver side one notch higher to avoid the infamous Taco lean.

 

That's exactly what I'm thinking of doing. Getting the red media blasted then put a satin black or something like that. The finish you put on looks great.

 

Driver side is at #3 with a 1/2” Headstrong spacer and passenger side is at #2 with a 1/4” Headstrong spacer. Even with those settings, I still sit 1/8” lower on the driver side. Haha!

After speaking with Marie at HS, I decided to use the spacers versus higher clip positions just to keep preload down a little bit. I needed a little bit more lift up front to level it so I was deciding between moving up the clips or increasing the amount of spacers I was using. I chose the latter.

It drives fine but I’m looking forward to the JBA UCAs since I’m hitting the coil on the stock UCAs on full droop. And I don’t think I’m getting sufficient caster with the stock UCAs so these will help!

 

Yep, the shop blasted these first then powder coated them the new color. I thought it would be super expensive but I was surprised at the cost. And he did my rear bumper for $90 more. It was worth it because I was tired of the chrome.

 

That's very helpful to hear how you're running your set up. What did you end up with for front hub to fender measurements with those spacers and all?