Best UCAs

What’s up guys,

I’ve got a third gen with a set of SPC with those crummy X axis bushings that are failing after 20k miles. Sounds like SPC will likely warranty the arm, but I don’t want to put bad parts back into my truck. I’m looking for advice on the best option for a daily driver/weekend wheeler/camping rig. Thinking dirt king, camburg, or icon. All tubular. All with ball joints. Anyone have experience with these arms? And can vouch for their maintenance and reliability? I don’t wanna keep swapping arms around

 

Accutune/JD Fab all the way.

I was on the 3rd set of SPC's (each pair failing X-axis joints) and couldn't take it anymore. Initially the heim joints of the Accutune UCA's scared me, but they use some rubber seals and they've been on my truck for a year without any slop or noise.

 

been looking into those accutune ones. thanks for the rec.

 

JBA. Mine have 90k on them and there is zero play in the bushings or ball joint.

 

I’m getting a used +2 total chaos long travel kit soon. Any opinions on running their uca’s vs solo motorsports?

 

I had the same issue with my spc's moved over the dirt kings havnt looked back. They do have alot of positive caster built in which isn't ideal if your trying to shove 35's in but I cleared 285's on a +1 17x9 without a chop. Now 295's on a -25 17x9 we will see if it still clears with the -38's going on soon.
The issue with accutunes that no one seems to talk about is apparently the need to essentially be removed everytime you adjust them making them rather expensive. The doninsons bullet arms don't have this issue from what iv heard and they look dead sexy but at one heck of a cost

 

it sounds like SPC has made changes to both ball joints and bushings since I purchased my set in late 2021.

The spc warranty rep said they had not seen any warranty returns since the updates which makes me feel better. Im not sure if I want to put a new set of SPCs back in or a go with DK's. DK is where im leaning at this point if I swap. Just not sure how I would go about selling a set of SPC arms. My tire size is only a 285/70x17 on a 17x8.5 -10mm wheel and Ive got quite a bit of room until I hit the cab mount. I will likely be upsizing to a 295/70x17 with the same wheel specs soon.

decisions decisions...

 

If your going up to a 295 you will be chopping so it doesnt matter if you retain the adjustability

 

I've had 4 alignments since getting my Accutunes and they haven't needed touched. They come pre-set for camber, you can do your fine tuning via the LCA.

 

All my SPC arms have failed since 2021, 3 sets.

I would never ever run them again. If you get a new set they are easy to sell.

 

Then they are not taking full advantage of the arms. Yes the camber is set but you can tweak the caster by spinning the heim joint that threads into the arm.

 

ughhhh i really didnt wanna shell out anymore dough but if they suck then they suck

 

how have the dirt kings been? you got the ball joint or uniball ones? is maintenence easy like the spcs?

 

The heims are for camber adjustments (yes regardless of the typo on the Dobinson's website) But when you mess with any one setting during an alignment - yes it will tweak the other settings. Ultimately, unless you have an adjustable balljoint UCA like SPC, all your caster adjustments are happening from the lower arms.

 

My last set went on mid 2022 (warranty replacement from the "good batch") and was warrantied in April 2023. They sent me a replacement set, and paid for my alignment and the shop time for R&R. Awfully nice of them, but that was 2 days of work I took off due to their failures. Think I sold them for $500-550 on FB.

 

thanks for the info. at this point im heavily leaning towards the dirt king ball joint arms. does anyone that has miles on em have any reviews or feedback on these before I pull the trigger? I dont want to get hosed again.

 

JBA, boring, but a proper sealed ball joint for daily driving.

 

What’s up Thad. My SPCs had play in them after only ~15k and constantly clunked at low speeds. I feel you on not wanting swap the UCAs out frequently. They’re not very fun to install haha.

I know you’re considering other brands, but figured I’d also toss in my experience with JBA. I replaced my SPCs with JBA’s HD upper control arms have been very happy with them for the last few thousand miles. Went with the JBAs bc I liked the ability to easily maintain & rebuild them. Both the ball joint and bushings are greasable and both can be replaced at home. Lots of people seemed to have good experience with them and their customer is also very good.

I also have the exact same wheel and tire setup as you. Mine rubbed on the front bumper / inner fender but did some slight trimming and they clear without any rubbing during full lock and stuffed. No rubbing on the cab mount.

 

TBH I haven’t considered JBAs. Probably need to do some research.
At this point I don’t even know what the right answer is, needing something that’s pretty low maintenance and not gonna break. I felt like DK was the answer but no one seems to have any feedback on em

 

I have a year on my dirt kings. And so far it's been a set and forget item. I greased the poly bushings once since install and have no complaints.


Current set up is 295's on a -25 with a cmc no rubbing and good wear pattern so the alignment t has been good