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OE Brand UCA's?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by rocknbil, Jun 7, 2023.

  1. Jun 7, 2023 at 3:19 PM
    #1
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I know I KNOW! OEM best! :-D

    2003 ExtraCab 4WD, TRD 3.4L, recently replaced OEM LCA's and LBJ's. Not looking for lift, staying as stock as possible. While I'm hesitant to stray from OEM, the prices are just too enticing.

    Anyone use OE brand UCA's? Not seeing anything specifically in a search. What's the record on OE brand? I'm thinking if they will last a while I could take the existing UCA's and put OEM bushings in them for later.
     
  2. Jun 7, 2023 at 3:20 PM
    #2
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

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    I’d just refurbish your existing ucas and be done with it .
     
  3. Jun 7, 2023 at 3:33 PM
    #3
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That takes time, a commodity I'm not long on since I have to work 10 hours a day. I question the ability to get bushings pressed out and back in before 3AM Monday morning. :p

    The second option is to replace the entire UCA's like I did with the LCA's which would probably be doable in a weekend, but the cost is going to push back new coilovers/shocks for a while. With aftermarket UCA's and OEM upper ball joints, I might be able to pull off coilovers and the UCA's in one weekend and my "financial manager" won't have me sent off to the loony bin. :p

    Moog uppers are also a thought, but was wondering if anyone has used OE brand uppers.
     
  4. Jun 7, 2023 at 3:42 PM
    #4
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Hit the BST/car-part and find a used set of OEM upper arms. Change the bushings out for OEM ones (DIY, or a shop). Repaint them. Install them. OEM quality at a fraction of the price. Then pass on your used upper arms so the next person can do the same.
     
  5. Jun 7, 2023 at 3:45 PM
    #5
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    I did this with OEM LCAs. Bought a set on here used, took my time extracting the original bushings, and hand tapped in new Whitelines. Still drives smooth AF. In my case I kept my originals just to have in case.
     
  6. Jun 7, 2023 at 5:08 PM
    #6
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes that is on the table too, but the only ones I've found are rusted up too much.
     
  7. Jun 8, 2023 at 4:39 AM
    #7
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    I must be dumb I have no idea what OE means

    I also do the refurbishing of Stock control arms .

    As long as they have no holes they are good enough for me.
     
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  8. Jun 8, 2023 at 7:35 AM
    #8
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    Original Equipment

    Original Equipment Manufacturer
     
  9. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:11 AM
    #9
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    If you can't find OEM arms, just get whatever brand you want, and then swap OEM bushing into them. The Moog arms themselves are probably fine, but the bushings are shit.
     
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  10. Jun 8, 2023 at 3:42 PM
    #10
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It's just a brand out there floating around, maybe they're hoping someone will misread OEM LOL . . . they have rubber bushings, probably made in China.

    I was just asking if anyone had used them and what their feedback might be. I see a lot of aftermarket uppers here on TW but it's obvious most of those owners are throwing a lot of money at it and do a lot of offroading, this is a daily driver and it won't see a lot of bashing.

    I know the correct ways to do it . . . . just askin'. :p
     
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  11. Jun 8, 2023 at 7:47 PM
    #11
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Thank You Sir! :thumbsup:

    I figured that might be the case.

    Since I never hunted but for used Toyota Control Arms I have never seen them.

    I venture a few were pulled in by the OE label.:anonymous:
     
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  12. Jun 8, 2023 at 7:49 PM
    #12
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    It seems not in this case that is why I asked.

    Did you happen to be lured into buying some of these OE brand control arms??
     
  13. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:38 PM
    #13
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Haha no. That's why I was asking, to see if anyone's used them and what their input was. I'm even wary of Moogs, in the end I'll most likely get OEM UCA's or re-bushing some used OEM's, but it will take all year to work it into the budget. Need to get this all resolved so I can enjoy those fabled "golden years" LOL
     
  14. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:43 PM
    #14
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    Lol no. To me, OE is just short for OEM. I don’t know of any OE brand.
     
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  15. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:43 PM
    #15
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    No comment on the Golden years !

    I would get banned!
     
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  16. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:51 PM
    #16
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Right? Let's just say we were robbed! LOL
     
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  17. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:52 PM
    #17
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::annoyed:
     
  18. Jun 8, 2023 at 8:58 PM
    #18
    rocknbil

    rocknbil [OP] Well-Known Member

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    oe-uca.jpg
     
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  19. Jun 8, 2023 at 9:39 PM
    #19
    MalinoisDad

    MalinoisDad Misanthropic dog person

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    Another area where it’s actually way more important to get what you’re after: a mate. Sad, but it’s necessary to make sure a woman (or man if that’s what you’re after) has OE parts only. I don’t give one sweet fornication session how someone identifies. Total absurd nonsense. A spade is a spade. The entire “woke” push to force acceptance of, again, nonsense, is indicative of rampant unchecked boredom. And a woefully coddled society where core needs are met for free if you bitch loudly enough.

    But yeah, control arms and stuff.
     
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  20. Jun 8, 2023 at 9:51 PM
    #20
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    I can only say interesting and different not your normal post.
     
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