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Issues with NOT getting aftermarket UCAs

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Woodrow F Call, Jan 18, 2022.

  1. Jan 18, 2022 at 10:01 AM
    #1
    Woodrow F Call

    Woodrow F Call [OP] Kindling crackles and the smoke curls up...

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    Colorful Colorado
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    16 DCSB SR5 4X4 "ikea furniture haulers" edition.
    Does anyone have experience with a 2.5" lift like OME or 5100s and not upgrading the control arms only later to find that you needed to? Mind sharing the why you needed to?
     
  2. Jan 18, 2022 at 10:09 AM
    #2
    clenkeit

    clenkeit Well-Known Member

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    First Name:
    Colin
    Lakewood, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 White DCLB TRD Sport
    I've got a 2-2.5" lift using the TRD Pro Bilstein suspension. No need for the UCA's in my situation. However, eventually I plan to upgrade to the SPC UCA's so that I have more alignment adjustability.

    The UCA's are usually more about clearance. Either alignment settings to give you tire clearance or actual clearance directly between the tire and UCA. That said, a UCA with better range of motion will help increase droop (down) travel of your suspension.
     
    Woodrow F Call[OP] likes this.
  3. Jan 22, 2022 at 10:34 AM
    #3
    Woodrow F Call

    Woodrow F Call [OP] Kindling crackles and the smoke curls up...

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    Thanks!
     
  4. Jan 22, 2022 at 10:38 AM
    #4
    ARCHIVE

    ARCHIVE Well-Known Member Vendor

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    Eric
    Orchard Park, NY (Buffalo)
    Vehicle:
    '05 Taco, '22 Tundra, '91 Cummins
    2.5" Fox relocation * Hammer hanger * Archive MD springs
    UCAs are very much required for any coil over shock that is longer than stock in extended length. The Tacoma upper ball joint is very limited in angular motion, this is the primary concern and requirement for UCAs.

    This is the reason why a "Spacer lift" can be very bad, because it lengthens the extended length of the shock, whereas putting a longer spring on the stock length shock does not increase the extended length, it only increases "preload".
     
  5. Jan 22, 2022 at 11:53 AM
    #5
    new15taco

    new15taco Active Member

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    None yet :/
    Interested to hear this as well.
    Just installed 5100/884 & OME MD pack. I have the half in. spacer on driver side for taco lean.

    Prerunner dcsb with a shell on the back. Running 265 75 16 ko2's on stock trd or wheels. Everything else stock.

    So far have gotten about 2.5" of lift and truck is sitting fairly level to slight rake. Have only had the lift for about 200 miles.

    Took it to get an alignment, ended up with the numbers attached.

    I requested 0* camber, 0* toe and as much caster as possible, ideally at least 2.0*. Didnt seem like the shop really cared to try to dial those numbers in, they just got it "within factory spec" and stopped.

    As far as im concerned (and aware) i really only care about aftermarket uca (spc specifically) because i want to get more caster without sacrificing camber (even though camber is higher than I'd like it to be already).

    Unclear what I actaully "gain" in terms of ride quality by getting the numbers i mentioned above with aftermarket ucas.

    Edit: forgot upload image

    20220122_115007.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2022
  6. Jan 23, 2022 at 12:23 PM
    #6
    pahaf

    pahaf Well-Known Member

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    paul
    NorCal
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tacoma TRD Off Road
    Bilstein 6112/5160 OME Meduim leaf pack JBA HD UCA 3* retard exhaust gear TRD Pro Sema rims 265/70R17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W
    i was also under the impression that you need to upgrade the uca only to get the alignment back into spec. turns out i was wrong. sure i got more caster now (4*) but the biggest thing i noticed was the downtravel of my suspension. when ill be driving on a normal road i would hit a bump..so the wheel will go up, but on the way back down it would max out the ball joint on the uca and make a horrible noise.

    since i got the JBA UCA now installed, i dont have that anymore.

    IMG_5837.jpg
     
    Woodrow F Call[OP] likes this.

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