Stiff UCA's? (Solved)

I've noticed a popping noise from the front end lately. Thought it was a ball joint, but after removing ball joint, seems like my uca is very stiff. I would think it should drop freely. These LR UCA have no grease zerks. Replace bushings or replace UCA's? In picture UCA is up, I have apply quite a bit of pressure pull it down.

 

It's totally fine if they are stiff. My light racing uca's are the same way.

 

I have some TC UCAs for sale....
Haha
Ya my stock uppers were super stiff and limited some travel

 

You have any popping noise? This is the only thing I can find. Sounds like they are binding up and popping.

 

I'm gonna check pasenger side, see if it's the same.

 

Your not supposed to torque the bolt until the the truck is under its on weight at ride height

 

More than likely will. Might try taking the UCAs off and greasing the bolt and joint a bit

 

Take a pic of the mounting bushing on the Uca. The first gen spc Uca had problems binding and breaking at the weld. I had a set do it

 

Welds look good. No cracks.

 

I don't see any rubbing.

 

Those are not the first gen UCAs. They had washers on both sides. You should be good there

 

Driver side was much stiffer.

What are you looking to get for your UCA's?

 

If you're hearing a popping while driving, it's most likely the ball joint.

 

I have had popping in my front end before. 1st time was alignment shop didnt tightening. The LCA cam bolts all the way and was catching on lose threads they said. And now I'm pretty sure my lower vall points are bad. Did you do the diff drop kit?

 

Check the ball joint for movement. Mine were replaced through warranty when they wore out

 

No

 

Ball joints felt fine.

 

Just finished replacing UCA bushings and happy to report popping/binding noise is gone. While driving forward/reverse and shaking truck side to side, front end is no longer popping. I did notice the center steel pivot sleeves did have quite a bit of burnt rubber/grease that I was unable to wash away. (Photo). I'm guessing that is where they were binding up. Thanks @HeadStrong Off-Road for shipping those out so quickly.

 

Nice, I'm glad you were able to find the source of the sound!

 

yeah the older style free floating bushings get clamped pretty good so it smushes the bushings out into the sleeve. Ill grease mine every other year. My old swaybar bushings make more noise though so im not worried.