Seized Control Arm Bolt - What to do?

Hey TW. Looking for some advice. I've looked at every UCA thread and am more confused on what I should do now.

I've got a 2.5" Bilstein lift and coilovers in the front and Heavy duty EMU springs with toyotec suspension in the back (2.5") with 31" tires with no plans to go bigger (4 Cylinder). I'm running stock UCAs and have been for a year, ball joints and everything are solid, surprisingly.

I took it to get an alignment at my shop and they said that they could get it into spec but one of the bolts was seized in the control arm so next time I want an alignment, I'm going to have to get new control arms.

My basic question is, if my tires are wearing more on the inside, and a bolt is seized in the OEM arm, what are my options? Get new upper and lower control arms? Price is definitely an option because I need new tires too.

I've been looking at JBA UCAs but also have been reading that they only fix caster and with a 2.5 lift, it's camber that's the issue so I'm lost. I don't know jack about camber/caster numbers on my truck.

 

You need to start with lower arms and new hardware.

So basically, the lower arms are fine tuning, but limited when lifted, so the upper arms allow the lower arms to control the alignment to come further into specification.

You sacrifice caster when lifting without upper control arm upgrades, not the end of the world.

Caster is stability, highway comfort and steering effort.

Many guys run no upper arms, like I said, start with lower arms and hardware, get it into spec and see how it drives.

 

You didn't specify, so maybe you already know this, but maybe not.

The cam bolts in the LCA's, which are used for adjustment during alignments, commonly seize and must be cut out with a sawzall. This will then require new LCA's and bolts.

The bolt on UCA's is not often an issue, and not typically adjusted during an alignment.

 

https://youtu.be/nlvnl4Qd7xs

 

second @Naveronski doubtful its the mouting bolts, but the cam bolts
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-to-do-for-seized-alignment-cams.573731/#post-18962728

 

New LCAs and hardware, and pick up some Diablo demon blades for the sawzall unless you wanna spend ALL DAY cutting those sumbitches off.

 

Don't do anything now until you next need an alignment. You then have to cut through the bushing and bolt to remove the LCA and service it with new bushings or replace with new LCA, and you'll need new cam adjustment parts. I had to cut the hardware on my passenger side and replaced with Febest parts. Consider removing the cam bolt on the other side and grease the bolt; the bolts usually rust and seize inside the bushing sleeve. See link above on how to cut the bolt. Below are my cut bushings, after I removed them from the LCAs. One on the left has seized bolt in it; one on the right is driver side. Both are the front bushings.

 

This thread is perfect timing because I just joined the club of frozen front passenger LCA eccentric. I can pull the bolt, but the eccentric sleeve is frozen in the bushing.

As others have said, get ready to cut out your LCA. For me I found cheapest option was ordering online through McGeorge at about $280 each LCA. Since I only need the eccentric hardware for one position this also helped save cost.

Save up money and buy some UCAs to fix camber for lifting over 2". Can't suggest a particular one because everyone's needs are different but there are plenty of threads on TW to help you decide. I went with SPC for adjustments and cost but they might not fit your style so do some research.

This is 100% the best way to do it, and the Diablo demon 9" carbide blade for thick metal at Home Depot is like $15 but it's money well spent. I already used it to cut out my UCA bolts.

 

I asked him again and he said he was pretty sure it was the UCA bolt that seized. I’ll have to actually get up under there and look around.

 

When you do get new hardware....


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cam-bolt-question-now-with-answers-and-writeup.502084/

 

That raises even more questions than answers.