UCA replacement and suggestions help

Hey guys,

I am looking for some advice regarding replacement UCA's.

I have an '06 Taco, previous owner put Total Chaos UCA's on it. Maybe 5 years back I replaced the uniball as I was getting ++ squeaking and the liner had completely worn away. Now the same thing is happening and has actually led to there being play in the uniball, which was apparently significant enough to cause feathering on my tires during a long road trip last month.

Annnnyways, I am reasonably sick of the constant squeaking I get with the TC, and I think it may be time for a replacement. However, money is tight, and I am trying to decide what the best option for me is. I dont need massive adjustability, nor do I do any serious off-roading. If I could get away with putting factory UCA's back on, I would for the price. However, I know the previous owner had a lift/spacer setup, which I believe necessitated the aftermarket UCA's.

When I bought the truck, I am pretty sure the front was lifted as well as had a spacer. As per his shop receipts, it says he only installed 0.5" spacers. Attached are pictures of the spacers (currently).



However, a couple years ago I had a front coil that needed to be replaced. After getting it back from the shop the front end sat noticeably lower. Despite me calling the shop and getting them to look at it, they denied that they had changed anything. Looking at these two pics side by side (left when I bought it, right is now) it seems to me that the lift may have been removed, my assumption is possibly they replaced the coils with factory size?



So my questions:

1) does it seem to you more knowledgeable folks like the lift has been removed?
2) If it does seem like it has been removed, and there is now only a 0.5" spacer, can I install factory UCAs?
3) If the truck still seems lifted beyond what a factory UCA can handle, what is my best course of action at this point? These JBA high casters caught my eye as they seem to be a decent price, with less maintenance, less noise. Would these be a good option?
https://jbaoffroad.com/jba-std-high-caster-upper-a-arms-for-toyota-tacoma-05-plus.html

 

He had to have taller than stock coils on there along with the spacers. At this time you would be fine installing stock UCA's. The stocks can generally be used with lifts up to 2" and still keep alignment in spec.

 

And yes those JBA's are solid options

 

Amazing, thanks. I mean, its not great news that the other shop screwed me over, but at least I know now and can benefit from some cheaper stock UCA's. Appreciate the help.

 

What shocks are there now? I’ll say that top shaft with the bushing looks really odd. Usually those things are squished and expand further than that top washer. The shaft looks like it’s pretty high up there too (probably absolutely nothing wrong, just looked kinda odd).
If there is not much lift, try and buy a set of OEM UCA from another member that has low hours. Could probably ask in the 3rd Gen thread.
Someone was selling Ironman UCAs for pretty cheap, they might be a good option. The JBA has a military discount thank May or may not help.
Sorry can’t help more than that, good luck though!

 

I have some stock ucas off my 22 off road with 5000 miles on them

 

Pics

 

After looking them up online they're not expensive at all I'm sure you'll be able to get a pair for less because shipping would probably be expensive

 

ya, appreciate the offers - Ill see what I can get them for from the shop here, from what ive seen online it shouldn't be too much so may not be worth the shipping but ill keep you updated

 

Oem ftw.