JBA UCA install time?

TW members whats a resonable install time for UCA's only via a legit shop?

I've scoured the threads and YT has some smart aleck claiming 17 mins but I digress seems like a vary wide ranging amount of information out there.

I bought the used TACO "noob style" with the spacer lift and now working backwards to gain alignment.

Thanks

 

It depends on how you go about installing them. Bend the fender well, versus cutting the bolt and installing a new one. It will also depend on the shops comfort level with the installation. A first timer is going to charge more, to cover the learning curve.

All of that aside, you're probably looking at getting billed 2 hrs of shop time. Getting the truck on a lift, removing wheels, unbolting UCA from spindle, unbolt from strut tower, cut or bend, assemble UCA's, grease, install with washers, more grease, rebolt UCA's to tower and spindle, put wheels back on, drop the truck on the ground, retorque everything to final spec...

Then off to get an alignment.

I would HIGHLY recommend you install them yourself. Follow a couple online videos (I like the TC UCA install video) and you'll find it's a rather simple job. I've installed four sets so far. I've done the bend and the cut method, and I prefer the cut method.

Good luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbsTJgb6S_c

 

Solid advice from @Bertw192

I wouldn’t say I’m super mechanically inclined but I was able to do it with a minimal tool library. I love my JBAs by the way. If you do decide to do them yourself note the washer thickness difference and where to install them. Good luck.

 

Install time being your first time will be about 3 hours give it take depending on your mechanical skills as well as how comfortable you are bending the metal on the truck. I bent the pinch weld back and slid mine out no cutting was needed. Then installed new ucas and torqued everything to spec and time I finished putting wheels back on and off jacks took a little over 2 hours.

 

What's the deal with the jba limits on rim backspacing? I have a set of jba's and now I don't know if they'll work with the SEMA pros?

 

It will depend on tire size + wheel combo.

What tire size will you run with those wheels?

 

Eventually 285's. Rims are the 4runner sema's

 

I say 2 hrs of shop time is very reasonable. It took me around 4 hrs in my driveway since I took my time to be extra careful.

 

I definitely would say a couple of hours, maybe 3-4 at most.

I DIY'd my JBA UCAs, and on my SR5, there's a bracket on top of the wheel well so you have to chop the UCA bolts and put new ones in. I could do it now in under 2 hours now that I've done it before, but that'd be pushing it. Installing new coils is easier in my opinion, the UCA bolts are a pain in the ass to get to.

 

you absolutely do not need to cut the bolt. Take a big pair of pliers and bend the sheet metal back, and the bolt slides right out on both sides.

I had mine done in around 30mins per side. Getting the new uca in place with those washers was the most difficult part, it’s a very tight fit.

 

Not going to lie...that figment is TIGHT!...i ended up getting the front side started then hooked the rear with a ratchet strap to deflect it just enough to slide the bolt through the rear.

 

yeah I had to use my rubber mallet to get things situated then gently tap the washers around while wiggling the bolt to get it pushed through.

 

Cheers appreciate the info.

 

No, you absolutely DO have to cut the bolt on the SR5 because a metal support bracket is there that is not there on the OR, sport, or TRD PRO trims. You can't bend the sheet metal around the bolt because the bracket's welded and holds it tight from behind. Again, this is onlu on the 3rd gen SR5. All the others you can bend the metal out of the way.

Install back is easy, you just install the bolt backwards.

 

Just keep in mind that these are installed the way they are for a reason: if you lose the nut, the bolt can't fall out.

OP: I can do them in about an hour per side if everything isn't rusted to shit.