Dirt King LCA issue - needs upgraded.

A little over a year and a half ago I picked up some used Dirt King Stock Replacement LCAs with the older uniball (vs new LBJ they use today). I have been racking my brain over steering issues since I installed them. I put everything on at the same time (JBA UCAs, 2.5 Kings w/ resi and adj, spindle gussets and cam tab gussets, new CVJ Axels) so was unsure what was causing my steering tracking issues. I took my truck in for a rear diff actuator replacement and they said my lowers needed new uniballs. I called up DK to ask if there was a way to put a ball joint in the older style arms and turns out there isn't (well a easy way without heavy modifications). They offered me a discount on a new set but as I bought them used I think they are now avoiding me via email. Regardless I want to get the lowers replaced but been contemplating going with a 2+ LT kit. The one thing I am unsure of is my set up now is pretty decent, but I have been wanting to LT for a bit but am worried I am just throwing money at this thing for a extra 3 inches of travel in the front. I am already running 35s, have 1.25 inch spacers and -10 offset wheels to clear everything.

I recently put 12 inch kings and deavers u402s in the rear so I am set up for a bit more travel in the front but curious if its really worth it. I also put in hydraulic front bumps (welded to the frame) so would need to relocate if I did end up going LT.

I am at a point I am considering going back to stock LCAs or just buying the new DK lowers with the LBJ but after DK has been giving me the cold shoulder I am having second guesses on if I should give them more of my money. TC and Camburg are out of the question as they use the same Uniball style as the old DK ones.

Or should I just bite the bullet and redo my front end again and go LT saying I have to replace the LCA? Appreciate the help.

 

Classic off-road enthusiast. Has issue, but wants to upgrade vs repair . I lose sleep at night with these same thoughts!

You may want to start making a parts list of what it would take to repair and keep as is (but with balljoints) vs upgrading to LT front. Those coilovers will not work, or axles, so there will be a lot of $ to get that front end converted to an LT. Sure, you could sell off those parts and put towards a new LT kit. If you are not happy with the off-road performance now, then maybe the LT front would be a good option. It will really depend on how built you want the truck vs keeping it as is. We can always help with tuning those shocks, if performance is an issue.

 

I would just buy the DK BJ lower that you want. I wouldn't downgrade to OEM LCA's just because they're skirting an email or two.

 

I've already redone my rear twice (second time correctly with some perfectly tuned Accutune king smoothies) so might as well redo the front twice as well....

That is the hard part, try and recoup some costs on selling my set up and upgrading to a LT kit, but once you add it up its not cheap which sure I can sell some of my MT stuff to cover it but I'd still be looking at $3k+/- with new coilovers, axle shafts, uppers and lowers all said and done... I guess I am just having a hard time justifying 3 inches for $3k, thats a grand a inch lol

I do a fair bit of highway driving (I am in Denver so hit the mountains and Moab frequently) so I was thinking of staying away from LT due to all the highway driving but after the floaty steering I have now I doubt it would be much worse. With the 1.25 spacer and -10 offset wheel I am probably pretty comparable to width so really would just be for additional travel. I feel like the truck preforms great but just needs a bit more travel so have been thinking about it for awhile.

That is what I am thinking, I am sure I can find a DK vendor to give me some kind of discount vs going back to OEM. I think the hard part I am having a issue around is selling my used DK lowers, I'd hate for someone else to have the same issue but at the same time TC and Camburg still sell this exact same model. I can get the Uniballs replaced (bushings are fine) and I am sure it will track fine for a bit but still feel bad knowing someone else maybe where I am in a year or so after spending a lot on lowers. They admitted to the steering issue and know they produced a faulty product but at the end of the day I am the guy out $$$ for the lowers and back to buying another set of something similar to what I already have....

 

I hear you there, but I’m sure there are guys out there with more dedicated rigs who won’t really care about the tracking issues and instead want the beef of an aftermarket lca. Just explain it in your FS post if it’ll help clear your conscience.

 

Are you running a sway bar in front still?

 

No Sway Bar, I still have it but welded over my connections points on the spindle with my spindle gussets so its not going back on lol

 

For what its worth, I have the DK uniball LCAs with no issues.