Total Chaos UCA how-to Install

Where do get that type of extension? Autozone?

 

Thanks chris.

 

Hey Chris....you going to this cleghorn run??

 

i definitely think you guys should. its not too far.

 

Hey Chris... I got my TC UCAs today and regarding the zerk fittings... The problem is because of the super thick powder coating TC uses. I just chased the threads with a 1/4"-28 tap (the same thread and pitch as the zerk fitting). Rather than buying a smaller threaded zerk and cross threading them in, just chase the threads to clean out the powder coating. Just an FYI. Hope all is well old man!

 

After learning you had an Interceptor, I figured you were at least as old as I! Hope you didn't take it personally!

 

Its here in socal. On the 27th. Oakleytrd is coming out for it. Check out the link in my sig.

 

So, what are UCAs and what do they do? Well, Chris4x4 would be perhaps the best member to lay this one out.. but I'll give it a go...

The upper control arm is one part of a front suspension system. The Tacoma 05+ control arms were designed to remove flex, in order to achieve more predictable and enhanced handling as well as improved traction capabilities on road.

Upper arm - takes driving and brake torque and must handle the stress associated with the axle articulation. So they need to be strong! UCAs are usually formed in a triangular shape to handle the stress put on them.

Lower arm - supports the shock/spring to allow up-and-down motion of the axle and the wheel assembly.

As an active suspension component, the UCAs pivot in two places, where one end is attached to the suspension frame, and the narrow end is attached to the steering knuckle and pivots on a ball joint.


OK, most people need/want new UCAs when they change their suspension.. for one (or both) of two reasons:

1) To get correct alignment. Raising the truck with a lift of any kind makes it more difficult (or even impossible) to get a good strait camber dialed in... and may necessitate new UCAs to properly align the front. [If you consider the cost of tires and that an out of alignment truck will wear them down quickly, a set of new UCAs are worth it] For more info on Camber, Caster, and Toe (a.k.a. the front end alignment) see this link picked at random from a Google search I did on it just now:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=4

2) To get more travel. The stock UCAs are limited in the vertical travel they allow.. limiting off road performance. (If you drive mostly on road then you wouldn't care about the extra travel) So, new UCAs designed to work with your 2"-3" Taco lift and the correct shock setup can give you a better performing off road racer.

 

I got my TC UCAs put on and they look AWESOME! Yes, the truck rides really well and looks damn good too. I catch folks giving it the "guy stare" all the time now.. BTW, they were super easy to install.. took only a couple hours with air tools... and the awesome how to instructions and photos in this thread

A BIG THANK YOU to Chris4x4 for helping SILVER06TRD and in doing so helping all of us. You're awesome bro!

BTW- the directions that come from Total Chaos are pretty lame, so this how-to is really a treasure.

 

Hey...Chris...you there???

 

I thought you were pissed! Then I thought who am I gonna PM when I have a question Thanks again for the alignment numbers!

 

anybody else have issues with the TC uca's rubbing on the coils?