Total Chaos UCA how-to Install

I just gave the bottom of the bolt a few really hard whacks with a hammer and they popped right out.

They're not threaded in or anything, which is what I was afraid of.

 

I finally got it. I just went to the auto parts store and bought a pickle fork and 4 pound sledge. A few good solid wacks broke it free.

Also, I went with the "cutting-off-the-head-of-the-bolt" method to remove the long bolt... too easy. replacement bolts only $12 apiece from dealer.

 

Where you able to slide the long bolt back in from the other side? Or did you bend back the part of the framing next to the UCA?

 

So I'm going to be un-installing these but I did not install them so I have no experience with them. Should I do anything different other than follow this but in reverse order?

 

How long did it take everyone to install the new UCA's?

Did you use any grease....if so, what kind/brand?

Did most people buy new nuts & bolts and cut the old ones off?

 

Its pretty simple but getting the UCA bolts out/in can be quite an ordeal. I used some grease that came with the UCAs, forgot what type it was though.

 

Total chaos recommends super lube. Depending on how old your truck is will determine the condition of the bolt and if you can reuse it. As long as the threads aren't rusted you can reuse it.

 

i figure this might help someone someday. This is for all the 1st gens.

Basically the hardest part is removing the old UBJ and installing the TC puck in place of the UBJ. This really only helped with the installation of the TC puck. Not sure if this has been done before but my buddy came up with this idea. We put the puck in the freezer for about an hour or so. Then took a propane torch and heated up the hole for the puck on the spindle. The puck literally almost went in by hand. Took two taps of a hammer and bam.

edit:
I tried using the TC BJ removal/install tool.. what a joke. i almost broke 3x c clamps haha..
ended up smacking the BJ out with a 20 oz hammer.

 

Having never worked on suspension before, it took me about an hour and a half to get the first one installed. After the first one, the second took me about 30 min. The hardest part for me was getting the long bolts out; I used the fender bend method. If I were to do it again, I would have cut 'em off and bought new bolts. I also ran into some trouble getting the ball joint bolts out; ended up just whacking it a few good times with a hammer.

For grease I used some multipurpose grease that I picked up from Autozone; not sure what brand.

All in all, it's pretty straight forward. Good luck.

 

Sounds good. Thank you for all the replies guys, I appreciate it. I know it's not like rebuilding an engine or anything but, I just wanted to have all my ducks in a row before I started the job.

 

Guys, I am definitely in a world of POOP with this!!! Yes, I realize this thread is dedicated to installing Total Chaos Upper Control Arms, but I'm trying to install Camburg and I hope the issue I'm having may be more universal per say.

So, I have a '99 Tacoma SR5 V6 TRD and I can't get the snap ring to lock in between the slug and spindle. I first used a c-clamp style press, then I took it to a local shop where they used a 30 ton press and there still wasn't enough clearance. The guy said I would have to grind down the top of the spindle. Thoughts? Man, this project has been a huge a PITA!!!

 

Don't grind IMO. Doesn't sound right. If I were you I would take them out and start over. Make sure you clean the surfaces pretty nicely.. Te easiest way to do it is stick the puck into the freezer for an hour and heat up the spindle with a torch (only where you put the puck in). Should be able to tap it in with about two taps of a hammer.

 

Oops didn't mean to double post...

 

just wanted to say I read a really informative article in 4wd magazine (or something like that) about Total Chaos...These will be my next purchase when I upgrade my Light Racing UCAs...Total Chaos FTW

 

Thanks, man! I'll give that a try.

 

no prob. let me know how it turns out.

 

Subbed.

 

Hopefully this helps:
http://youtu.be/bbsTJgb6S_c

 

I apologize for the late update, but I was in route for a flight within 30 minutes of finishing the project. Thanks for your help, guys! I finally got the slug through the spindle after a little sanding/grinding to get the extra 'hair' clearance required. So far, so good! The truck seems to ride better with the new UCAs...post-alignment, of course.