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Do I need UCAs and if so what do you recommend?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by sanddune, Nov 30, 2023.

  1. Nov 30, 2023 at 8:58 AM
    #1
    sanddune

    sanddune [OP] Well-Known Member

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  2. Nov 30, 2023 at 9:14 AM
    #2
    Toolndie7

    Toolndie7 Well-Known Member

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    At 3" Id say you would benefit from UCA's. If you like that kit why not justy go with their arms?
     
  3. Nov 30, 2023 at 9:15 AM
    #3
    sanddune

    sanddune [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well I am I just asking if you recommend any brands
     
  4. Nov 30, 2023 at 9:18 AM
    #4
    Toolndie7

    Toolndie7 Well-Known Member

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    SPC's seem to be fairly well liked here.
     
  5. Nov 30, 2023 at 9:53 AM
    #5
    sanddune

    sanddune [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you
     
  6. Nov 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM
    #6
    mic_sierra

    mic_sierra Toshiba HDDVD is the future

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    I'm happy with my SPCs. I went with the 2.5 OME heavy kit and have had no issues with alignment or fitment of 275/70/17 KO2s on 17x9 Vision Manx IIs with +12mm offset. Pics in my build thread.
     
    sanddune[OP] likes this.
  7. Nov 30, 2023 at 10:16 AM
    #7
    sanddune

    sanddune [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am thinking going with ome
     
    mic_sierra[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Nov 30, 2023 at 11:13 AM
    #8
    pinem56

    pinem56 Well-Known Member

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    SPC UCAs are a gamble. https://adventuretaco.com/replacing-my-spc-upper-control-arms-with-spc-ucas/ . I've read that they may of had Covid sourcing issues on the x-axis joints, that led to a lot of early failures. My local offroad shop stopped selling them a few years back. SPC has a long history of putting out stuff that didn't have proper trials and QC done in advance.

    As for what to get, there are a lot of choices, and they all have varying flaws and features. It's a rabbit hole subject. Ask yourself what kind of maintenance to performance threshold you are willing to put up with, and then start comparing maintenence needs vs features.
     
    71tattooguy likes this.
  9. Nov 30, 2023 at 11:22 AM
    #9
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    Old-design SPCs with urethane bushings (like the ones I'm running) are great, but they are no longer available.

    I recommend AFE UCAs: https://afepower.com/afe-power-460-72t001-g-afe-control-upper-control-arms#

    They have camber/caster adjustment similar to SPCs, with urethane bushings. The ball joint is a commonly available Moog part, inexpensive to replace.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Nov 30, 2023 at 1:41 PM
    #10
    BTL Y-Wing

    BTL Y-Wing Well-Known Member

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    My shop recommended Dobinsons adjustable UCAs as an alternative to SPC UCAs since they have similar adjustment options but use much more readily available replacement parts and have better durability and longevity from their experiences with them, so they're what I'll probably go with when I swap the suspension on my truck.

    https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...lM51LZM-Njm6rL2F72nLoblv0ZquudA4aApkZEALw_wcB

    My reason for swapping new UCAs is to enable better alignment angles at 2-2.5" lift and to help the UCAs clear wider tires in the future and the coilovers at the extremes of tire turning and articulation.
     
  11. Nov 30, 2023 at 1:44 PM
    #11
    Veet-88

    Veet-88 Well-Known Member

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    I can't recommend spc's to anyone mine lasted a whopping 8k before bolth the x axis and ball joints were shot. They did warranty them but I wasn't taking the gamble with all the issues there has been. Moved over the dirt king and havnt looked back over the past year.
     
    71tattooguy likes this.
  12. Nov 30, 2023 at 1:50 PM
    #12
    OmahTako

    OmahTako Well-Known Member

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    71tattooguy likes this.
  13. Dec 1, 2023 at 9:22 PM
    #13
    3JOH22A

    3JOH22A トヨタ純正男娼

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    Those are 4Runner/FJ UCAs and don't fit Tacomas. This is the correct part: https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-billet-aluminum-ucas-toyota-tacoma/
     
    BTL Y-Wing[QUOTED] and ricco333 like this.
  14. Dec 1, 2023 at 9:40 PM
    #14
    Woodythebluetaco

    Woodythebluetaco Well-Known Member

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    Do you need? Probably not. A lot of people like saying you do, though. This guy's videos are helpful in understanding.
     
    hopwheels likes this.
  15. Dec 1, 2023 at 10:05 PM
    #15
    Technique

    Technique Well-Known Member

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    Thats a hard pass on SPC UCAs. I switched to JBAs and they have been way better for me, plus cheaper.
     
    Crnadvm likes this.
  16. Dec 1, 2023 at 10:10 PM
    #16
    MRMOTO

    MRMOTO Well-Known Member

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    I’m about to do this same kit on my ‘22 Trail Edition. I’ll be using Icon UCAs this go around and will be running 285/75r16 on the stock Trail edition wheels. I’ll be using the heavy load as well, as I have a GFC camper on the back and will be carrying a decent amount of weight, and may add a bumper at some point. The Icons were recommended by the shop and favored over SPCs to them, so I’m going with them.

    I ran this same kit on my old rig and loved it, had SPC at that time for UCAs and a 33in tire. It’s a great kit, so I decided to use the same thing this go around again. I should have it on in the coming weeks, just need to find the time.
     
  17. Dec 1, 2023 at 10:12 PM
    #17
    jeffmansion

    jeffmansion Well-Known Member

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    K&N 63 series CAI, AVS Vent Visors, 16x8 Level 8 MK6 Rims, 285/75/16 MT, Eibach Pro lift, JBA UCAs, Wheelers 3leaf AAL, DV8 skidplate, Westin bedmat, Backrack, swaybar delete, Magnaflow cat-back, 9Drive throttle controller, 2LO Mod, Cali Raised Rock Sliders, Tyger rear bumper, Chinese Body Armor front bumper clone, 10K pound Winch, Smoked headlights, LED Bulbs.
    My JBAs have been great. They are much thicker and beefier than the stock UCAs. JBA customer service has been excellent when i have reached out with questions. Keep em greased up and youre good. I just have my mechanic grease them usually whenever my trucks in for something.
     
  18. Dec 1, 2023 at 10:45 PM
    #18
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    icon stage 10 kit, toytec 1" bl, 35" general x3s, 17x9.5 procomp wheels, locker anytime mod, s&b intake, blackhawk 2.1 tune,
    were fairly well liked. lately the newer arms have been failing prematurely all the time.
     
    71tattooguy likes this.
  19. Dec 2, 2023 at 4:21 AM
    #19
    FLAK-TAC

    FLAK-TAC Only banned twice…so far

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    60% of the time they fail every time…
     
    71tattooguy likes this.
  20. Dec 2, 2023 at 5:14 AM
    #20
    na8rboy

    na8rboy 18 DCLB Sport Cement

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