REALLY! Do I have to get UCA's for bilstein 5100 and eibach springs?

So I took my truck to the alignment shop after installing my eibach and 5100's on the front, and that was an experience. They couldn't get it aligned within spec, and the steering wheel is now off. So does this mean that I have to get new UCA's? If so, are there some adjustable ones? What does everyone recommend?

Thanks
Jon

 

What's the alignment print out show?

What setting are you using on the 5100s? I'm pretty sure anything under 2-2.5" is fine on stock UCA's. Anything over 2.5" should look into new UCA.

 

I think they said 3.1. They didn't give me a print out. I am going over tomorrow to get it

 

Yes you need new UCAs with 3" of lift or more. That's normal. The new dimensions put out by the coil overs cannot line in spec with stock UCAs.

 

It is 5100s set at 0 and then the eibachs? Toyota must build these with a narrow adjustment window.

Jon

 

Suspension section??

 

Sorry. Moderator, please move the thread.

Regards,
Jon

 

Total chaos uca's ordered!

More money!!!

Jon

 

Sounds like a shitty alignment shop. Particularly since the steering wheel isnt even straight. You shouldnt have any problems getting into spec with stock UCA'S. I was inspec with my setup. Got LR UCA's to see what all the rage was about and have no difference in handling. Waste of money for a 2.5 lift.

 

That is what I thought. Hell, I only got roughly 1.5" of lift with the 5100 on zero and the toytec eibachs. There are only the two lower control arm adjustments, correct.

Let's just say they are getting a visit tomorrow and I expect a full refund and I will be going to a more trusted source.

Jon

 

They should have had it ready for you when they were done. I got a lifetime alignment when I put my 5100s and OME 886s on. Definately take it somewhere else.

 

so I just picked up a 2008 DCSB Tacoma, was curious I see a lot of UCA talk on here are the stock ones bad or is it a must have for lift kits?

thinking right now all I really want to do is get a leveling kit. just want the truck to sit flat instead of Nose down for now. with a leveling kit guessing around the 2inch mark what is the max tire size I can go?

 

I'm not an expert, but UCAs are hit and miss when it comes to lifting. Some people need them after "3 inch" lift, some don't. Same for carrier bearing drop. I was fortunate enough not to need them and Discount Tire was able to get my alignment done without issues.

 

This is killing me! I cannot believe some of you are able to get the alignment in spec without new uca's.

I mean, all I basically added was longer springs that should have only given me about 1.6" of lift.

Has anyone had the same experience as me?

Jon

 

That is all I wanted also, and here I am buying new upper control arms.

I just wanted my truck level, and it is going to end up costing me a fortune.

I want it right, as I don't won't tire wear.

Jon

 

Just my luck!!!

 

the issue is insufficient caster. low caster settings don't affect your tire wear, they make your truck handle poorly. typically shops can get toe and camber in spec, but at the expense of caster.

if you don't care if your truck wanders at highway speed or mind bump steer, you can skip the UCAs

 

Thanks to everyone! I want it right, so I will install the uca's. That way if I ever want to go higher, I should be set.

Jon

 

At 1.6 you shouldn't need them. I'm at 1.75 on stock ucas with no problems. Now my last tacoma I had at 2.5", and the proper caster could not be achieved on stock ucas.

 

I installed 884's on 5100's set at zero. Lifted my truck over 3" but I have a regular cab 4X4 auto. It could not be aligned. It has been put back stock but I still have the thoughts of installing billies set at 1.75 on stock springs.