Is my UCA down too much?

I did a 3/2 Leveling kit but still have stock UCA’s. Had an alignment afterwards, and there are no issues as of yet.

 

It looks pretty normal to me.


This is the only picture I can find that shows my upper control arm. Mine are aftermarket but appear to be similar to yours.

I have a 2/1 lift kit.

 

Thanks. Been doing a lot of research to see if I really have to change my uca’s since I do not do a lot of off roading. Getting mixed results. Been reading threads on here on it but most of these guys are hard core off roaders so I’m just not yet sure if it is necessary yet. The only thing that I am concerned about it too much stress on the upper ball joint.

 

I went down that same rabbit hole and figure buy them and replace them since I am in there already. Now I am considering putting the stock ones back on. I really don't think they are necessary for the driving I do with my truck. There are lots of people that have put similar lifts on and factory UCA's without alignment issues.

 

Nice truck sir!

 

My UCAs with a 2” lift:

 

I still wore out my pax side ball joint on a 3" lift and I have aftermarket UCAs! Yuck.

If you are within alignment specs, I might suggest you save your $$$ for now. The D-side is also somewhat of a PITA to change and requires trimming (at least in my case) some non-cosmetic sheet metal inside the fender well. Didn't bother me but you may consider differently.

Best wishes!
Andy

 

I see you left your stock as well.

 

Yeah, I’ve been watching videos on how to do it if I decide to do it. I’m just cutting that bolt and getting a new one if it comes down to that.

 

Yes, no issues at all and I’m not easy on my truck.

No rubbing even at full stuff.

 

An aftermarket UCA isn't going to change the angle of the UCA because the mounting points (2 on the truck frame and one on the spindle) didn't move.

3" is kind of a lot in the front without going mid/long travel. And a spacer lift isn't the best/safest way to accomplish that much lift. But, it works for tons of other people out there and as long as this is a pavement queen then you should be just fine. If you plan on doing any serious off roading then I'd start looking for a new setup.

 

The spacer is only 1.5 inches but gives me 3 inches of lift. Can you explain this?

 

Lower control arm works as a lever... The shock is mounted at the mid-point of the arm, so it only moves half the distance of the end where the wheel is. So when you stick your spacer in there, it raises the truck double the amount the spacer is thick.

 

Thank you!