Does stock UCA remove/reinstall require an alignment?

TL;DR == If I disconnect the spindle from the UCA or remove the UCA and reinstall, will I need an alignment that badly?


To start off, I will be getting an alignment soon, however, it seems that a good alignment shop near me is tough to get into as a walk-in, so I'm trying to plan ahead.

I need to remove my front struts to swap the springs, and I've seen this done 3 ways:

1. Loosen the LCA cam bolts and let the LCA swing down.
2. Disconnect/reconnect the outer tie rod end.
3. Remove/reinstall the UCA.

Problem with #1 is alignment is needed ASAP. This will be my plan B. Problem with #2 is it still sounds like I'll need another set of hands (at least) to pry down on the spindle and maneuver the strut out, I am only one man. So #3...if I disconnect the spindle from the UCA ball joint (and in the worst case, loosen/remove the UCA completely) to get the strut out, when I put it all back together will I need an alignment that badly?

From what I know about the Tacoma front suspension and alignment, it's all done at the LCA and tie rod. Further more, the UCA is not adjustable, so it makes sense to me that if I don't touch the LCA cam bolts, and only touch the non-adjustable ball joint, I should be ok?

 

Removing the UCA aint gonna do anything for you.

The stock LCA has bonded inner bushings (they do not spin freely). When they are tightened the LCA does not want to move down past a certain point making the coil over hard to get out.

Just mark the cam bolts on the LCA (make marks on the adjusters, as well as centerline on the bolt in reference to the frame), and unbolt it from the spindle and loosen the cam bolts. Pull the coilover out n call it good, Then put it back it and line up everything according to the marks you make, tighten and you will be good.

That stated, you swapping coils, that will affect lift height regardless.... and as such will change your alignment, and will require realignment.

 

Thanks, man! I just wanna get it close so I can drive to work the next few days before an alignment.