2022 TRD Pro UCAs, Are they any good?

Not trying to thread jack, but need to know. Where did you get the TRD center caps? I have the same Icon wheels and yours look really good.

 

That photo speaks for itself doesn’t it? The TRD arm rubs on the 285.

My ego has nothing to do with this (although that’s my ego talking, isn’t it lol). I’m not “invested” in any brand. I’ve been there and done that with past hobbies in younger days. I’m speaking objectively here. There are several reasons why someone would require an aftermarket UCA on their third Gen Tacoma (other than glamour of course). With those factors in mind (ball joint type & maintenance, bushing selection & maintenance, where the ball joint is located, etc etc), the TRD arm is looking more like a gimmick than an actual performance part. My emotions have nothing to do with not wanting bigger tires to rub on the UCA, or wanting to get the most use out of my extended travel coilovers.

I can’t tell if you guys are inferring that aftermarket UCAs are a waste of money or not? Not everyone needs them but the folks that do shouldn’t be looking at the TRD part. That is all I am saying.

 

or like the TRD PRO decals?

It’s hilarious because you are making my point. You’re listing useless upgrades, and to anyone that doesn’t get these on their truck from the factory, that’s exactly what they are. Another +5hp decal.

 

Don't see any zerks... are they greaseable?

 

You’re comparing stickers to machine-forged aluminum UCAs? And my pro markings are solid plastic, not decals, thank you very much!

We all need a little levity. My commentary was more so derived from generalized frustration with TW. I came here to learn, but it’s hard to know who is a credible source.

All I know is that Tacomas and the TRD label are popular for a reason. Whether it is a perpetuation and a too big to fail situation is beyond me, but it at least meant something at some point.

 

I totally agree with all the above. And to be totally transparent and honest, I feel the same frustration with the way information is disseminated here sometimes. That’s all I was trying to say, while simultaneously taking cheap shots at your pro decals (jealousy i couldn’t afford the pro tbh )

Some posts in this thread couldn’t be more wrong, and I pointed those out (comment about trd arms being better than fab shops simply because they’re engineered by Toyota lmfao). That’s straight up WRONG. And ignorant. And if said individual spent any time reading up in the suspension forum they’re posting in, they might be better informed.

I’m not hating on anyone who gets these because they want their truck to be factory TRD everything. I think they look really good. They’re very pleasing on the eyes. But the second you upgrade your tires and they rub against the UCAs you paid a liver for, you’re gonna post on these forums bashing Toyota and TRD. I think that’s cool too. There’s a great looking truck in everyone’s driveway/garage and I don’t believe in one size fits all for AESTHETIC or PERFORMANCE MODS. But when you start discussing the performance aspects of this part over aftermarket, it’s not looking to bright. And that’s just to answer the op’s post and I’ll probably leave it at that lol.

 

trd ucas are an aesthetic upgrade and nothing else. has anybody ever even broken a stock uca?

 

Yes. But not by mildly offroading on forest roads.

Edit: And most people replace the stock UCA to be able to get a proper alignment numbers and to clear larger shocks and tires.

 

please explain. i am a newb and trying to understand this all. I was running a stock UCA with 3" lift and was getting good, factory specs out of my alignment multiple times. Now that I am running a JBA high caster UCA, the alignment shop could get 3.2 degree min. Factory calls for 1.3-2.8. so I am running more caster then the factory is asking for. So how is running a aftermarket uca is to get the alignment numbers back in spec required.

I understand the issue with clearing aftermarket coilover set ups. And the ball joint allowing more downtravel. My issue is that with stock uca i was fine with 265 70 17 tires. But now with the JBA high caster UCA i am rubbing becasue it brought the wheel back closer to the mudflap/cab mount.

Again. Just trying to understand it why UCA are required when lifting a truck to get the proper alignment.

 

The JBA's have about 3° of caster built into them, so yes, you will not get factory alignment specs out if them.

Here's a good explanation of when and why aftermarket UCA's are required.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/uca’s-required.688376/#post-24304749

 

Also...

https://youtu.be/d4A3QGLEpTQ

 

I see those 2 cents and raise you 4... What's incredibly naive is to think that a shop run by 2-3 buddies in a warehouse somewhere can possibly compete with Toyota's budget and recruiting talent. How much does Toyota spend on R&D? A little over 1 trillion yen, or roughly $8M a year, give or take. I'll trust that engineering over "shave a bit more off & see how she runs" any day. Your experience may vary.

 

Not broke, but bent badly while mildly off roading....yes. Decided to go with aftermarket Total Chaos at the time. These TRD UCAs sure are purdy...(do you hear the twang of the banjo?). To each their own. It's what makes this whole thing so great....is it necessary no. Will it make some feel good...sure. Many of us don't wheel 90% of the time (or ever), but modding our own vehicle is an addiction. I personally wouldn't spend that much on these when there are better options available, but I still think they're purrrdddyy!

 

Purdy??? Sure. $1300 purdy???? Nope.

 

is that how much they cost? damn. over double what my jbas were.

 

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-taco-arm-assembly-suspension-ur-pt90135220rh

$763 each side

 

I have a 2020 Army Green Tacoma Pro and am happy with everything stock except for changing the original tires to BFG KO2's when the factory tires wore out. I love the look and the extra lift the new TRD UCA's give to the truck. Are the 2020 Fox shocks the same as the 22's? Can I just purchase and install the TRD UCA's without having to do anything else? Appreciate the help.

 

Kept the stock rims and tire size, just switched to the KO2 tires. Thanks for the reply and info.

 

pretty sure the new UCAs have nothing to do with lift height?