CV axle replacement

I had zero issues removing mine in a few minutes...but I also removed it knowing I wasn't going to reinstall it which may have factored into things

 

Thanks kwikvette!

 

I know it was suggested that I don't need new UCAs because I don't really do any hardcore wheeling, but my OEM UCAs are pretty rusty. All the paint is long gone. I do keep them spayed with Flui Film, but was wondering if I should remove them, clean/blast them, and respray them. Maybe we something like POR-15 of duraliner. Or something that's pretty durable. I could probably get them powder coated, but then I may as well just buy new aftermarket UCAs. Thoughts? As soon as I feel better, I will take some photos of their current condition.

 

mine required vise grips + impact gun since the Allen socket was very worn. Else I’d probably have reused them.

 

Yep

I didn't do anything to ruin being able to reinstall them either; just an impact wrench is all it took.

Says something when you can easily swap LBJs within minutes too

 

earlier it was posted not to worry about uca’s if you dont offroad the truck much and I agree with that. I would only add that if you are in there already, mechanically inclined (which you are) and have the money, throw em on. it wont hurt and may actually cause you to go out and wheel more lol. A big plus in my book. you dont have to be a “hardcore” wheeler to reap the benifits of uca’s offroad imho.

 

Thanks Jerry. If I did add UCAs to the list, what brand would you recommend for a non-hardcore wheeler like me.

 

Even if you wheel, you can still get far on stockers.

They don't inhibit travel as much as one would think, but one could benefit greatly with the added caster for getting proper alignment when lifted (if you can't achieve alignment).

Your CV axles will limit you before your UCA's do.

 

I like camburg uniball's. Great uca for the money. I have over 60,000 miles on mine without any problems. Fair price and easy to maintain.
Camburg Toyota Tacoma Pre/4wd 05-23 1.25 Performance Uniball Upper Control Arms – Camburg Engineering

 

@BossFan Why You Should be Upgrading Your UCA's - YouTube

He covers several types of uca's. I believe there is some good info in here for you to decide.

 

The advice to not upgrade the UCAs (if you don't wheel, etc) is more based around what most after market UCAs do with the suspension geometry. They all alter the location of the ball joint which affects the alignment. They are also just costly (maybe not the SPC/Mevotech) so if they aren't necessary to correct alignment issues, most here (correctly) don't recommend them.

If you need to replace your UCAs because of rust or damage, by all means, go for it. But also consider an aftermarket OEM replacement, Moog, etc.. Don't go for a $2000 Uniball UCA you don't need

 

yeah. I wouldnt spend 2 grand on uca's either

 

Thanks everyone. All the parts came in from McGeorge Toyota so am going to work on it this weekend.

I have been installing an ARB bumper the last couple of nights, and have that trail-fires, but will wait until after I do LBJ and CV stuff since having that off definitely provides more room/light to work.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-bumper-question.787852/page-3

 

Nice, just remember your torque values.

CVs and LBJs go hand in hand so it'll be a really quick job.

 

I’m going to tackle this job this weekend, but have a new question. I commented earlier in the post that my truck pulls to the right. Someone said that probably had nothing to do with the CV axle, so I figured once I did this work (axle, LBJ) I would have it aligned. I even bought a KPOffeoad alignment kit. But the other thing I noticed is that my steering feels stiff. I checked the p/s and the fluid level seems ok. I even used a turkey baster to remove the old stuff and put in new. I guess my question is: what are the signs that a rack and pinion is going bad? Mine is rusted really badly, but that shouldn’t make it now wirk, right? I’ll post a picture of it later when I put truck on lift.