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Do I really need UCAs?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by bprotaco, Nov 7, 2016.

  1. Nov 7, 2016 at 6:32 PM
    #1
    bprotaco

    bprotaco [OP] Member

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    I ordered the bilstein 5100 lift kit with 2" add a leaf in the back for my 16 taco, I have 285/70/r17 tires to put on after the lift. Do I need a coil spacer to get enough lift to not rub my tires and do I need UCAs? What are the pros and cons to new control arms and what are some good reasonably priced brands? Thanks guys!
     
  2. Nov 7, 2016 at 6:36 PM
    #2
    MSU Taco

    MSU Taco More cowbell

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    I'm guessing you mean front 5100s???? If so do not get a cool spacer. The snap ring on front 5100 can be moved up to set ride height. To sit level you will have to crank it up and it'll suck. Get taller coils. If you want to add 2" to the rear and it ride level you most likely will need UCA because that'll be a good 3" lift up front.
     
  3. Nov 7, 2016 at 6:37 PM
    #3
    HAVVOKK

    HAVVOKK Well-Known Member

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    Fucking look it up
    Light racing ucas seem to be some of the cheapest and you don't need them with 2 inch lift.
     
  4. Nov 7, 2016 at 6:38 PM
    #4
    MSU Taco

    MSU Taco More cowbell

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    You may need a 1/4 lean spacer though. Idk on 3rd gen if lean is as prominent
     
  5. Nov 7, 2016 at 6:39 PM
    #5
    dYL0n

    dYL0n أنا لست الإسلامي

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    If you cant get your alignment in spec, yes.
     
  6. Nov 7, 2016 at 7:26 PM
    #6
    bprotaco

    bprotaco [OP] Member

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  7. Nov 7, 2016 at 7:41 PM
    #7
    MSU Taco

    MSU Taco More cowbell

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    Ok it has coils. Good. It says approx 3" on second clip from bottom. I'm gonna guess you'll need arms but alignment will let u know. Some people claim they have achieved alignment at 3"
     
  8. Nov 7, 2016 at 8:22 PM
    #8
    Judicar

    Judicar Well-Known Member

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    For what it's worth, I had installed OME's BP-51 setup and tried stock UCAs which did not work out so well. Picked up a set of TC UCAs which made a world of difference. I know it sucks having to fork out another ~$700 but it my case, it was a necessity.
     
  9. Nov 7, 2016 at 8:48 PM
    #9
    IamMachines

    IamMachines Well-Known Member

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    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-tacoma-4x4-dc-lb-adventure-truck.449483/
    I was in the same boat. Wasnt sure I wanted the UCAs but decided to go with the Icons Stage 3 and the UCAs

    The wallet hurt, but it made a world of difference when it came time to align.

    That being said, I had to go back to my alignment shop a second time, but I think that was just because they didnt anticipate it moving/settling as much.

    The light racing series get great reviews, and they have the best alignment success rate I have read
    http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/25470--SPC-Upper-Control-Arms-for-05-UP-Tacoma_p_195.html
     
    Jukeboxx13 likes this.
  10. Nov 7, 2016 at 10:48 PM
    #10
    Swiftks

    Swiftks Well-Known Member

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    Not to hijack the thread, but I'm kind of in the same boat...
    So a couple months ago, I put on the Bilstein 6112 w/ springs & 5160's in the rear. I set the height to the 3rd notch, and got approximately 1.5" - 1.6" of lift in the front. I am looking at getting some new tires & wheels in the next month or so, and was wondering if I should upgrade my UCA's as well? As I don't have much experience with Tacomas, I wasn't sureif this is needed. I get that yes, technically it is needed, if you want to be back within factoryspecs for alignment purposes, but with only a 1.5" lift, is it practical to spend $650 on UCA's for this setup? Only looking at going tothe 17" Sema Wheels and 265/70/17 tires, so nothing to crazy.

    Was looking at going with the Total Chaos UCA's, if I did decide to get upgraded parts. But if I don't really need them, I could spend the money elsewhere...

    Here's my specs after my alignment, any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated.

    20161025_145700.jpg
     
  11. Nov 7, 2016 at 10:50 PM
    #11
    bprotaco

    bprotaco [OP] Member

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    I can get the UCAs for $700 Canadian...is that a decent price or expensive?
     
  12. Nov 7, 2016 at 10:55 PM
    #12
    Swiftks

    Swiftks Well-Known Member

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    Depends which brand... Average price I've been seeing is between $650 - $700 US. Some cheaper, some more expensive.
     
  13. Nov 10, 2016 at 11:03 AM
    #13
    Swiftks

    Swiftks Well-Known Member

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    Hate to bump, but need some opinions on the quoted post... Looking at getting new tires & wheels next week. So if they're needed, now's the time. Pretty much gonna be between new UCAs or if I don't reall need them, probably get the TRD Pro Intake & MBRP exhaust.
     
  14. Nov 10, 2016 at 11:04 AM
    #14
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    If you're under 2.5" of lift and can't get a decent alignment, go to a new shop. UCAs won't fix low quality work.
     
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  15. Nov 10, 2016 at 11:09 AM
    #15
    doorsidedown

    doorsidedown Well-Known Member

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    At 1.6" lift you definitely do not need to cough up $600 for UCAs. That money is best spent elsewhere.
     
    Swiftks[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Nov 10, 2016 at 11:11 AM
    #16
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    UCAs aren't so much for rubbing issues as they are for alignment issues that become more of a concern the higher you lift your truck. General consensus is if you're under 3" you're okay with stock uppers. I went with the SPC light racing UCAs ultimately because the boots were shot on my stock upper ball joints and figured I may as well upgrade (there was a killer GB going on last month for them too). They're priced reasonably well though especially compared to some of the uniball UCAs out there. They're greasable as well, the stock ones (at least on the first gens) aren't
     
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  17. Nov 10, 2016 at 11:14 AM
    #17
    Swiftks

    Swiftks Well-Known Member

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    Thanks guys... guess it's intake & exhaust then!!!
     
  18. Nov 10, 2016 at 12:12 PM
    #18
    Hiluxski

    Hiluxski Well-Known Member

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  19. Nov 10, 2016 at 12:22 PM
    #19
    MrCrowntown

    MrCrowntown Well-Known Member

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    The stock UCAs cause a LOT of the binding the stock suspension suffers from. If you want to remove that binding, start by getting aftermarket UCAs.
     
  20. Nov 10, 2016 at 12:24 PM
    #20
    Flagstaff_Sam

    Flagstaff_Sam Well-Known Member

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    I would recommend getting the stuff from toytec, it will be way cheaper. Front 5100's = 255, Rear 5100's = 200, OME Coils = 170, Toytec AAL = 85, Diff. Drop Kit = 31, Front top plate spacer = 23 for a grand total of $764 plus there is a discount code on the Toytec forum page for TW members.
     
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