JBA Offroad Upper Control Arms And Suspension MEGA Thread BS thread

I'm in a similar boat as @Menudoq , except I'm a Tacoma instead of an FJ. However, I am running FJ wheels with the same specs as above.

According to this conversion chart: http://www.wheelspecialists.com/wheel-specs, the FJ wheels have a backspacing somewhere between 4.75" (12mm) and 5" (19mm)

According to the JBA website: https://support.jbaoffroad.com/faq/what_wheel_n_tire_combo_works_with_jba-7.0.hc.ez, "11.2" wide tire, if the factory wheel is 7.5" wide, you need a 4.25" backspace or smaller to clear the JBA ucas."

So by that logic, I can't get these UCAs and step up to 285s without an additional spacer (which I don't want). Is that correct?

I know people put 285s on these wheels all the time and I never read about rubbing on the UCA. If the clearance with these is better than OEM, then it seems like they should be okay. So am I (hopefully) misunderstanding something about the measurements and backspacing?

 

So I am preparing to finally install my uppers this weekend, which I originally ordered back in May of this year. I have the old style ball joint, with no bulges, but I only have one washer along with the castle nut for each ball joint on the new uppers as they sit in the box. Do I need to grab an extra washer for each arm and install 2 per side on top of the spindle to make sure mine get fully seated or since it shipped with 1 is that all I need?

 

You don't ____need them I ran mine for 102k with just one washer on each side, but had I had two I might have only replaced my bushings because of my own hard headed stupidity.

Edit: I thought I could get away without loosening the uca bolt when I greased them..... I had the old style bushings, I was wrong!

 

Think I'm going to finally pull the trigger on some JBAs soon!

 

I have one washer only under the ball joint boot and grease is leaking out also. Has anyone used multiple regular washers from the hardware store to correct this? I look on JBA website and it’s $12 after shipping for 2 washers. And it’s a 2 week wait time from time of purchase. So wondering if anyone used certain washers to correct this. I have icons I want to put on ASAP but want to make sure my balljoint boot is seated correctly this time. Thanks!

 

Bump.
Anyone used different washers for under the ball joint boot?

 

When I asked recently I only received one response but was told the one washer would be sufficient. I'm on the fence myself as I have mine installed but not greased yet as the truck is getting some more attention, but with just one washer it sure looks like its gonna leak at full droop.

 

I remember one guy only put in one washer and he was leaking grease. That’s why they supply 4 washers. I have 2 washers on each side and zero leak. I also have some pictures in the JBA thread showing the washer dimensions it’s not a very common size and it’s aluminum.

 

It appears the washer is only there to push the rubber boot up. Washers or any other spacer should work to close the gap.

This honestly should have been a warranty/recall issue.

 

Any else running 35’s with these? I’m on 16x8 with 4.11” backspacing and rub the JBA on full lock. Going to try a 0.75” bora spacer, but wanted to see if maybe a different UCA had more clearance? These seem a little wider than most with the flat piece at the ball joint

 

I switched to Camburg. No more rubbing. That gusset is just too much for 35's

 

I was afraid of that. I hate the idea of pushing the wheel further out and more into the cab mount. What are your wheel and tire specs?

 

Ivan Stewart TRD wheels, 4.5" BS w/ Bora .75" spacer(3.75" total BS). 315/75/16 Milestar Patagonia tires. Only reason I still have the spacer is because the tire wants to rub on my shock reservoir and thats the smallest spacer that will successfully fit. I prob only really needed .25" to clear the reservoir. When I tested it without the spacer, it didn't rub on the control arm though.

 

I tried a 1.25” spacer I had, but it was wayyy too much offset. It also put me into the already chopped and beaten parts too much. It wouldn’t hurt to get a little further away from my resi, too. I’m hoping the 0.75” spacer will work. If not, I’ll probably try another control arm. I just hate to buy something and hope it works...

 

Okay everyone. I got a hold of JBA Offroad then said it is absolutely ok to use washers to help close up the gap. So I’ll be adding in 2 slimmer washers to add up to the size of the existing washer that I have on. Hope this helps anyone else.

 

Good deal. Time to make a trip to Fastenal or Lowes and see what I can find.

 

So in regards to alignment with JBA HC arms, by what I’m reading I should just get camber and toe in factory specs or close to zero and get caster to be at 3 degrees or more? I’m trying to find a good set of alignment specs so I can take it to a alignment shop my friend told me about. Most shops I’ve been can’t do the job well.

I have 285/75/16 with 1.25 wheel spacer I believe and rub a little bit. And I’m throwing on some icons and will have it be around 2.5” of lift up front. Hoping some higher caster will push it away from the cab and stop the rub but I think I will still have to do a cmc in the future I just can’t right now.

 

Can someone post their ideal wheel alignment specs with more castor after installing JBAs? It would be good to have a copy on hand to show the wheel alignment shop what is the correct specs after installing JBAs.

 

On JBA's page

https://jbaoffroad.com/trails/alignment-sheets-for-05-plus-tacoma-03-plus-4runner/

 

Perfect, thank you!