UCA Long Bolt Replacement Question

Any reasons against flipping the bolt / nut setup on the UCA as done in the video below (shown around 4:40) so if I ever need to take it out again I don't need to re-flex/bend my wheel well framing area?

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

 

It’s just manufacturing, the bolt behaves the same both directions

If bolts fell out then the ball joint fasteners wouldn’t face downwards.

Always retorque and you’re good.

 

So is that a go for it when considering flipping the bolt the other way? Lol

 

yup.

I’m a dealer tech so I have yet to do it, but I’ve seen many installed in reverse with no issues.

There was a pretty big thread on this a few years back and most agree it’s fine.

 

I even believe the actual Toyota repair manual says when replaced not put back in backwards. I wouldn’t imo. But the correct grade nylock nut and some blue loctite and proper torque and you’re good to go.

 

From Toyota FSM

 

Can someone confirm if this gap is normal (at the top of the spindle and ball joint)?

I've taken the ball joint threads off the spindle to adjust its orientation 3 times while jacking up the LCA in small increments and I cannot get it to close all the way... In videos I don't see a gap with this install. Going to torque spec doesn't bring it in closer either.

https://imgur.com/vBQL8R3

https://imgur.com/o8lItTe

 

I have a gap like that on my SPCs. I was told it can be there and gives a place for grease to work itself out.

 

I think the only reason not to put it in backwards is that if the nut backs off, the bolt will fall out because the head of the bolt is facing downwards. But if you torque it to spec you should be good. I have mine in backwards, with threadlocker.

 

lol I cant believe this is still debated. Can't say this forum has ever seen one case of that bolt falling out. It just...won't. Install it any way you want and it'll be just fine.

 

I’ve seen some people not torque it right or fuck up the threads in the t4r community and have the bolt backed out in the reverse orientation. Just make sure it’s torqued to spec and can recheck however many miles later. Or use marking pen for visual check.

 

just push the long bolt forward, replace arm and put the bolt back

easy peasy

 

Whiteness mark everything with a paint pen after torqueing to proper spec.

 

I wouldn’t want the bolt falling out. I left it the same way as factory and I just left the sheet metal bent.

 

FWIW, I’ve had my UCA bolt back out while off road and it was in the factory, downhill orientation. I noticed my steering getting sloppy on a trail and when I pulled over, the bolt had backed itself out (uphill) enough where only the forward bushing was captured and the rear was flailing about. I will admit it was most likely operator error as I’m always tinkering with my truck and may not have torqued the nut back down before heading out.

Someone posted a copy of the FSM a while back where it actually tells techs to cut the bolt out and replace it backwards when replacing UCAs, but this is most likely to expedite the job and limit the liability of “damaging” a customer’s truck by bending sheet metal.

The only reason I’m even posting here is to hi light that it doesn’t matter the orientation of the bolt, just make sure your torque is correct and use secondary safety measures if you’d like- paint pen or loctite, etc…. I use nylock nuts on my suspension now for my peace of mind.

 

Thanks all for the information. I ended up putting the bolt back in the same way (it actually wasn't too bad). Will also definitely take the great advice to marking with paint pen to be able to quickly check if bolts are moving at all (bought a few for doing u-joints and carrier bearing replacement and now I have another purpose!).

 

For those that need to be told why, I have seen first hand this bolt backing out and falling out of a truck in the desert. It can happen if installed backwards. Is it rare yes, but it CAN happen. I bent the tiny bit of body required a long time ago and never looked back, its not a huge bend and you can slip the bolt between the body and wire to remove it.

We spent a good 6 hours in the desert waiting for a tow truck when it happened for a friends vehicle. Just glad it didnt roll or anything else crazy.

 

Installed my passenger side backwards after fighting to get it out. Haven't had any issues, but you can add another nut along with some blue Loctite to ensure the nut won't come off.