UCA's for a 2 inch lift

Researching lifts and came across the YouTube video Overlanding For Beginners: Suspension & Lift Kits that brought up the question in my head: "Do you really need aftermarket UCA's for a 2 inch lift".

My intent is to replace my tired stock suspension and as Mr. Mueller recommends, install a lift just enough to do what I need it to do when exploring fishing and hunting spots on Crown Land (Canadian version of BLM).

 

If your staying 2 inch or lower don't need UCA anything above yes you need ucas

 

Conversely, no UCA with 2" is going to put your adjustment capability close to the max in its range. While you do not necessarily "need" them, it does return a good amount of flexibility into the adjustment.

 

I'm looking to add some pretty soon. Narrowing my options now.

 

$1000 bucks worth the hassle?

 

I suppose it depends on your goals. Are you designing for performance? will you want a custom alignment, or are you alright with "as close to factory specs as reasonably possible"?

 

I want to replace the stock shocks and lift it enough to deal with logging roads and other unprepared roads leading to fishing and hunting spots.

Function more than looks, without compromising safety, reliability and improving load capacity and mobility.

Appreciate the help eh.

 

Your 09 probably needs upper ball joints anyway, I would do arms.

If you hammer on the truck SPC is not the ideal choice and I would stick to a non-adjustable https://jbaoffroad.com/jba-a-arms/toyota-tacoma-uca.html

It puts less strain on the upper ball joint and it wont make contact with the coil on full droop.

I flew over Ontario and would love to explore on all the uninhabitable crown land.

 

Makes sense. Talking to the guy that recently did my first ever alignment, he mentioned that the upper ball joint will likely need to be replaced soon.

Question: if I was to look at a off brand UCA from, let’s say, Rock Auto - is there something comparable that isn’t that hard on the pocketbook?

Once borders open, you should come on up. DM me and I’ll send you a few select Crown Land spots I don't mind revealing. That being said, for non Canadian residents there is a fee the govt charges in order to stay on crown land.

 

I'm in Berta' and thats a 20 hour drive haha.

https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=tacoma+spc&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

We've ordered a few through Amazon. I like SPC but any upgraded 2" lift arms are a good choice.

Rock auto is pretty much only OEM fit.

 

Ahh. Well then. If you’re in Alberta no need to come out here then. lol

Thanks for the advice. I’ll look around and see. I think it would be best to make sure all parts are freshened up.

I’m at 250,000 km and have spent 1,000 in “repairs” that were wearable items. Should show it a bit of love I guess.

 

I am using SPC UCAs with my extended length kings and my UCA is not contacting my coil spring at full droop last I checked.

 

I'm moreso saying a fixed balljoint is more rigid than an adjustable.

 

I agree with this, plus a little more flexibility in terms of ball joint range-of-motion.

I've got 2" lift and am really happy with the SPC arms.

 

Here is what I'm thinking for a 2 inch lift for my 2009 Double Cab Off Road

Front
Bilstein 6112 Kit with Springs (46-241627)
Specialty Products Upper Control Arm Set - 25470

Rear
Bilstein 5100 Series 0-1" Rear Lift (24-186728)
Icon Suspension 1.5 Inch Lift Rear Expansion Pack - 51100
Bilstein 1" Rear Lift Kit (905016)
Bilstein Diff Drop Spacer Kit (900005)

 

If your sitting at 250000 KM just do the whole Icon rear leaf pack. Your original springs are probably next to useless now. I am just in the process of doing mine and my originals had one broken leaf and I'm at 130000Km.