Educate me on after market Control Arm upgrades

Looking for a good understanding of why many replace their OEM UCAs with after market when upgrading suspensions, and some also replace their lower control arms, though it seems very few go that route. I don't plan to ever do any major off roading - no rock crawling, no Moab or Rubicon type trips, but mostly moderate type wheeling, so I don't anticipate needing super mega bullet proof components.

* I get the idea that after market parts (not just in the suspension components area) are usually more heavy duty that OEM parts, and sometimes offer increased functionality, such as when going for long travel suspension.

* UCAs seems almost an "always" part of any lift. I'm guessing this is mostly due to wanting to do it all at the same time as the lift (new coils, shocks, etc.)? But can the OEM UCAs work just fine with, say a 3" or less lift? Just asking to understand, if/when I get to the point of doing a lift someday, I would prefer to upgrade the UCAs as well....

* It is my impression that very few TW members upgrade their lower control arms. Is there much benefit to upgrading the lowers with a 3" or less lift? Or are the lower arms primarily done when going for long travel suspension? I haven't priced lowers, but from the few pics I've seen here the lowers do look to be quite $$$$$$....

Many thanks for the education

 

Most upgrade their UCA's for added Caster to keep their alignment in spec/better. LCA's do not need to be upgraded.

With a 3" lift its the general consensus that you want 2.5-3* caster. Getting the caster that high will reduce the factory availability to keep your camber near 0.

Lifted alignment specs:
Caster - 2.5-3.0*
Camber - 0*
Toe - 0*

 

OEM uca's have limited articulation ability.

Oem may be ok for a lower lift, with very little off roading. Anything over 2.5" lift or so you need new uca's

Plenty searchable here on TW.

 

Thank you for the fast responses and new knowledge

I have watched many posts on suspension upgrades, lifts, builds, etc., but didn't recall seeing much in the way of explanations as to "why" the UCAs were commonly done. This is excellent knowledge to have.

 

If not it will look like an old dune buggy wheels and with the new Control Arms it will center it back up