UCA help with lift

Hello everyone I know there are alot of threads on this topic but I am in need of some advice.

I just bought a 2001 Tacoma 2wd prerunner double cab. This is my first ever truck I bought. It has a lift already is a Fabtech lift not sure how many inches. I have never had a lifted vehicle so this is all foreign to me. But it's on stock UCAs (I believe) which NEED to be replaced but I'm not sure if to buy stock or aftermarket like JBAs.

 

How do you like the ride, and specifically the handling at higher speeds? Typically stock UCAs can't provide enough positive castor for lifted applications, and you can get a very light steering feel at higher speeds (doesn't mean you can't stick with stock UCAs when lifted, just generally not preferred).

Most people add aftermarket arms to aid in fitting larger tires, while reducing or eliminating rub. So if you're going to get new ones either way, I'd go aftermarket. But why do you feel you need new ones currently (yours look okay)?

 

Hi and thank you for your reply. I'm not going to do any offroading I just want a comfortable ride. I also get some bump steer.

The bushing is complete gummy and cracked. How I said I'm very new to all of this. All I ever have had is new vehicles. Don't I have to replace the UCA if the bushing is completely damaged?

 

Is it a drop bracket kit? Send some pics of the front end suspension. If it’s a db kit you can go with oe ucas or jba standard ucas if you like. Let’s see what you have first.

 

I'm assuming you mean your upper ball joint? That's the part that connect the Upper control arm to the steering knuckle (vertical part that goes down behind the tire).

The ball joint looks a bit crusty, but not bad. And you can replace just the ball joint ($45 part), versus buying $600 control arms. I'd bet your bump steer has nothing to do with that ball joint

 

This is how the front suspension is.

 

Wow that makes me feel a lot better lol I'm already so deep in this truck I want to save money where I can. This is how my truck is right now. Doing the timing belt, tensioner, water pumps, and new radiator.

Do you have any recommendations where I fan purchase the upper ball joints. Also the lower ball joint I want to replace that while I'm already in there.

 

Ourisman Toyota Parts:
https://toyotaparts.ourismantoyotaofrichmond.com/
*These guys have great prices, and ship out of Richmond, Virginia.

Partsouq:
https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/locate?c=Toyota
*This website has interactive parts diagrams to help you find basically any part number, super helpful. Also they've got generally the best prices on OEM parts. They ship out of the Middle East, but surprisingly the parts usually get to me in 6-7 days

 

both of these are great, I get 99% of my oem parts from one or the other, partsouq shipping is often here quicker than domestic orders placed on the same day

 

Is this the ball joint I need?
https://toyotaparts.ourismantoyotao...4331039016?c=bD0yMCZuPUZlYXR1cmVkIFByb2R1Y3Rz

 

Yes. I'd suggest buying two and doing both sides. Just know this one is interchangeable (left and right side), but the lower ball joint aren't (different part #'s for L/R sides)

 

I see these but they say they don't fit my truck but looks like the ones I need. Is this okay?

 

I'd suggest using that Partsouq link I shared above in an earlier post and confirming your part number. Or keep using the website you're on but enter your VIN to get exact matches on parts. Nothing worse than ordering the wrong ones.

I'd also suggest doing some searching on this site for the part number that includes the dust boot, and black bolts.

@Area51Runner may be able to help with sourcing that info

 

I referenced the parts from partsouq and came up with this order. Do you guys think this will be enough for my situation.
I just want to get this done. I'm not sure if the previous owner ever got the ball joints dome my truck has 237k miles. I'm paranoid my ball joints will slip and cause more damage

 

So there's one caveat that you want the lower ball joints that come with the black bolts, not the lousy stainless ones

(90119-10933) - this is the black bolts by themselves. If you can't find the kit with the black bolts, then just add 8 of these bolts for peace of mind.

 

OP,
You have a lot of very important and extremely necessary MTX going on with your Taco. Good for you!

 

Thanks. I love my truck just want to make sure it's in great shape after to use for years to come!

 

I don't recall who posted it recently but I have added this source to my short list for OEM parts.
https://parts.longotoyota.com/

@TacoMartin01 there was/is a recent thread talking about Lower Ball Joints. Check it over as part #s and such were discussed.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...r-side-wheel-popped-off-while-driving.829327/

 

Thank you. For the information, I appreciate it.

I see your Taco is 4wd conversion. I been thinking about doing it after i fix all the necessary parts on my truck. Is it worth it? If so how much did you spend and what was the most difficult part?

 

Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge lol. Total cost is going to be determined by multiple factors. Regional availability of parts, OEM vs aftermarket, tools and labor cost and time savings. Important note, it WILL take time to assemble all of your parts and components.

If your region has several salvage yards, I'd start your search there. If you end up sourcing the big ticket items (transmission, transfer case, front diff, drive shafts) from online sellers due to lack of local availability, cost will certainly go up. When I started my part search, prices had already started to see sharp increases over what they were just a year or so prior.

On the tools front, you'll need access to a 20 ton shop press (Harbor freight is where I picked up mine), along with a transmission floor jack. Trust me when I say having that jack isn't just for the transmission. Comes in quite handy if you install the transfer case after the transmission is in place. Also the front diff, that transmission jack makes the install so much easier, especially if you're doing it yourself. Lots of socket extensions, lots of them. You'll need to rig up a nice long extension to get to the mounting bolts for the transmission.

As for small parts, you can save some coin going aftermarket but I tend to be that OEM guy so it was OEM bearings, seals, hubs, for me.

There is enough info here on the forum as well as youtube. Take a look at this link for more info.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4x2-to-4x4-conversion.779681/#post-27878669

Welcome to TW, cheers!