Cincinnati Area Thread (Tri-State, Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana)

Have you guys with the SPC uppers had any noise problems? One of my biggest concerns is squeaking or creaking. I like that the SPC uses a sealed (and replaceable) ball joint versus a uniball design but I can’t handle squeaks and creaks. My OCD would go nuts.

 

None from that component.

 

Cant tell if you are serious or messing around lol

But if serious, see picture below


All that holds alignment is that teeny flat spot in the big washer....so when that simply rounds out, they are worthless. The OEM ones are all one piece so youd have to overcome the welded tabs on the frame before they spin.

 

Ok, I might pull the trigger on the SPC uppers when I buy some new top plate spacers. I definitely want the adjustability for when I get new 33” tires.

 

LOL...I’m actually serious...I already bought them. But I agree, it’s probably a bad idea and I should get an OEM set.

 

Oh haha. I see. You could at least just mark the bolt heads / washers with paint lines when you install and then keep an eye on them. They guys who were destroying them, also seemed to wheel regularly and whatnot. They could very well last a while

 

@dirty deeds and I are heading to Rush Off Road on Saturday for a day trip if anyone wants to join. He will not be spending the night, but if someone wants to come and spend the night I'd be up for that.

 

Wish the weather would cooperate.

 

Gon' be a mess out there

Last time I went and stuck to the green and blue trails, sloppy af! So, we may try and do the harder ones if they don't wash out, but neither of us have a winch.

 

You dont need to replace the lcas. Just the cams and possibly bushings. I went through this over the summer. Cut them out the pd a local shop to burn the old ones out and press new ones in. Buy moog greasable cam bolts. They have a zerk fitting. I pump mine before each trip. I also put grease in my cam bolts..

 

Yeah, I could’ve gone that route but this needs to be a hot swap type of event since I’m on call and my wife will be out of town with our other vehicle.

 

More power to ya then. I would have loved new lowers. Grab those moog bolts. Well worth it

 

The Moog ones have the same weak little D-shape to hold the alignment too. I havent used them, so I guess its a mute point with me bashing them lol

 

So does the side of the bushing need to be greased so it can rotate in the frame mount or is it designed to be stationary and provide rotational “spring” to help return the LCA to its set position?

 

No. The bushing's metal gets sandwiched in tight to frame. You dont want it rotating. If it does that is what will rotate those cheaper LCA bolts and ruin them.

With the metal sleeve of the bushing clamped in tight to frame, the bushing's rubber will be the only thing to rotate/stretch rotationally as it should.

That said, ONLY tighten the cam bolts when the truck is on the ground with weight of truck on suspension.

When grease is pushed though those Moog bolts it doesnt do ANYTHING for rotation of the LCAs since those metal sleeves are stationary (or supposed to be). At best it keep lube in there so the bushing sleeves dont seize to the bolts....but antiseize would do that just fine. A gimmick if you ask me.

On the very outside, those huge washers are supposed to "lock" to the outside of the bushing as seen in pic below. If the Moog bolts pump grease inbetween this bushing sleeve and the bolt...it isnt doing jack...there is no rotation there whatsoever.

 

Excellent Explanation!

Many thanks!!

 

Correct. It isnt for rotation, the grease is just to keep then from seizing

 

Not sure if this was mentioned but there is a company that makes replacement bushings but out of polyurethane? Can't remember exactly.

 

Replacement lower control arms arrived today...look pretty good! New Dakars arrive tomorrow. My Saturday is looking pretty busy. Planning to start at 7 and hopefully get truck to Tire Discounters for alignment all in one day.

Thinking positive!!

 

Good luck, Ed!