Aftermarket Upper control arm question. Please advise

Hello all.
I am preparing to do a MAJOR suspension upgrade 2 weeks from now.
Ive decided on everything except upper control arms.
My first choice was Camburg based on the middling price and write ups here on TW. --Thank you all btw!!--
A quick google search brings up all sorts of aftermarket UCA's varying widely in price.

Just a few, all sold in pairs....
DJM $240
Specialty products (spc) $420
Total chaos $750
Camburg $650
Icon $800-$950!!
Light racing $550
-Prices based on list prices not sale prices-

Now finally, the question/s.

Do i assume correctly that the $200 uca's are just for looks.
Are any of the uca's in the $500 range, (spc, light racing) as high a quality as those in the $700 range (Icon, Total chaos)?
Do the higher priced uca's have additional features, greater adjustability?
Are there any little known gems out there? High quality, low price uca's that stack up to their high priced cometitors?

I am also installing King coilovers at the same time.

Also, i have no need for heim pivots.
Ill be running 285 75 16's as soon as i regear and I DO NOT want a cheaper uca that will comprimise the ride quality of my Kings.

Thanks for any advice.

 

IMO the only ones to seriously consider are ones that use a steel uniball. Camburg, Icon and Total Chaos. There are others in this category that you haven't listed. Like Dirt King.

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-5...uni-ball-upper-control-arm-kit-dk-811902.html

Pretty sure SPC and Light Racing are the same arms and use a ball joint not a uniball.

Never heard of DJM. Is that an ebay brand?

 

Some of the generic and cheaper ones use a steel uniball, not stainless steel. While TC are cheaper than Icon, the rebuild kits cost more.

 

I like my SPC LR UCAs. Standard ball joints but they are adjustable (good for lifted applications) and greasable.

 

Uniballs are better for more droop though.

 

Those dirt kings are listed for 2nd gen, do they make a 1st gen UCA?

 

I liked my Camburgs. Also the company is very easy to work with. But I swore the next set was going to be Total Chaos just to try them out. Plus they claim to help the alignment while the Camburgs don't(if I remember correctly...). In the end as long as you do as Digiratus says, and use one of the top brands you should be fine.

 

Quick google.... Theyre listed at summit racing for about $230, ebay had one simply called "silver" uca for low $330.

Also, Thanks for reminding me.
I assume that because they are all the rage, Uniballs are in EVERY WAY superior to standard ball joints.
I dont wish to be made an "ass of" so please tell me if i am correct.
I know theyre better for offroad and increased wheel travel, but do they improve highway and daily driving quality?
What, if any, are the benefits of using standard or oem ball joints when used on a daily driver?

 

Do uniball joints require more maintainance than standard or oem ball joints?

 

Yes, keep them clean.

 

Anybody know how much more droop you get with a TC over the light racing? I like the sealed balljoint and adjustability of the LR but would trade if for more droop.

 

SPC and Light Racing are the same company/manufacturer.

LR UCA's are compatible with the extended travel (more droop) coil-overs (as confirmed with LR themselves), same as uni-balls. It uses a significantly larger, high misalignment balljoint. While perhaps not quite as strong as a uniball setup, I've never heard of one suffering catastrophic failure, plus they are greasable and sealed (less maintenance/no squeaking). I've had LR UCA's and ext. travel coil-overs on my rig for two years now and love it. No problems, no squeaks, better suspension travel, adjustable, great price.

 

That is what I thought I had read someplace and wanted to validate as I will be going with LR UCAs.

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road
Has some great service and pricing

 

Thanks for the recommendation. Still a ways out from suspension. I have the front figured out, but still working on what I will do in the rear. May do shock relocate with rebuilt or new spring pack. I want 11 inches of flex in the back. I will do armor first and then suspension and lastly tires and wheels. If I can stay disciplined. easy to go for tires and wheels first.

 

T

Those questions are best left for your own thread bro. I asked specific questions because i need specific answers. No offense, just thread ettiquite

 

DSM is where I got my Camburgs a few years ago and they cost $641 at the time. Still have them and I have never had a problem w/ them. Like stated above, keep the Uni ball clean. Also grease the bushings when needed. I get great alignment #'s w/ them and probably could get better. But it's up to you. GL!

 

First off, not your Bro, no offense taken.
My apologies, thought you would be interested in the answer too as you are trying to decide on what UCA to purchase and you specifically ask.

"Do the higher priced uca's have additional features, greater adjustability?
Are there any little known gems out there? High quality, low price uca's that stack up to their high priced competitors?"

Out

 

I would look into built right as well. Myself, @Delta00 and several others are running them from a group buy a while back.

http://builtrightfab.com/suspension/tacoma-prerunner-4wd-96-04/upper-control-arm/

 

Just bought JBA's for $460...I'll know more after i get them on but they were recommended...