Upper control arm replacement

Next project for me is UCA replacement. Watching some videos and that through bolt looks super fun to deal with. Any pointers on getting that thing out? Any other additional tips/replacements for the job are greatly appreciated as well!! Thanks guys

 

Do you tea need to replace them?

Honestly it kinda sucks getting them out because of where they are located with the aprons in the way. I would say it's worth trying to gently bend the metal out and away from the truck.

 

They aren’t necessarily at the point where they absolutely need to go but the bushings are starting to wear. I’m getting a little vibration at 45+ so id like to have my tires balanced and all that fun stuff, not even gonna bother with that unless the UCAs are replaced

 

I used a pair of large channel locks with duct tape on the jaws to give some protection for the paint. They made it easy to bend the fender out of the way of the bolt. I didn't think it was that difficult but that was 9+ years ago...maybe I've forgotten how much cursing I did

 

I’ll be replacing my UCAs sooner than later as well. I’m ready to bend the shit of whatever is in the way.

 

The metals pretty easy to bend. You can go slow and gentle bend just enough to sneak the bolt out. Or if you really care about the metal maybe cut and replace the bolt the other way in at extra cost of new bolts.

 

2 options, bend sheet metal or cut the bolt

 

Something like these flat jawed pliers but to be honest with you, any pliers would work. After you bend the sheet metal back, you'd have to be looking deeply to see the bend. I installed the bolt in reverse but it can be done properly. You don't need to cut the bolt, it's unnecessary but it's up to you.

-J

 

Im gonna have another bolt ready just in case. I see some people dragging moog, are they decent control arms or stay away?

 

Moog just isn't the high-quality supplier it used to be. They're riding the brand name and reputation for all it's worth though.

 

Good to know.. any other brands you would recommend/highly regarded?

 

I replaced upper control arms with a “used” set off a new third gen about two years ago off the TW for sale section. They are exactly the same. The set that I bought had 2,000 miles on them per the seller and were only $100. I actually also got the same guys front shocks and springs along with his rear shocks for $300. I used stock replacement lower control arms since they are different from 3rd gen, those were pricey.

Just bend the metal out of the way to get the UCA bolt out. I used a pry bar and a hammer. You will never see this area anyway.

 

Used OEM takeoffs are relatively inexpensive and easy to come by.

 

I used Moog when I replaced my shocks. They probably have 5k on them now and they seem fine. I didn't have any issues with my OEM ones, but they had 150k on them. I just bent the metal out of the way to get the bolts out. On the driver side, there is also a wire harness clipped to the inner fender that you need to unclip. It's below the battery. I left my battery in place when I unclipped it. You can access the tabs from the wheel well. Just make sure you don't damage the wires when you push the bolt out. I actually had more of an issue getting the bolts back in when trying to line it all up. I considered reinstalling the bolts in backwards, but if the nut ever came off, there's nothing stopping the bolt from sliding out. At least with the bolt installed at an angle, there won't be a catastrophic failure if the nut comes loose. Not that it should, but I err on the side of caution when it comes to important stuff.

 

This!! Especially if you pick up a 3rd gen TRD off road take offs, it'll give you a natural 0.5"-1.0" inch lift due to higher spring rate in the 3rd gens.

Picked up a set of 15,000 mile take offs of the UCA, yellow billy front and rear shocks for $200.

The hardest part for me was having to bend the inner fender to get the UCA bolt out. It wasn't difficult, just difficult on my heart the thought of bending the inner fender haha

 

Depending where you are located, bet you can find cheap used oem UCA.
I think i might still have my uca that were taken off a 2015 model with less than 15k miles. They've been in a box in the shed since 2016 if i still have them. Located in west TN and free to pick up.

Or, i think i might also have some red Energy Suspension UCA bushings for 2nd gen. They came in a set with LCA bushings but i didn't use since i had aftermarket uca. You can have them if local or for $20 i'll ship em.

All assuming i can find them again in shed of course if interested.

 

Are the 2015 set OEM? And will they fit my truck? If so would love to have them shipped to me

 

Yeah, i have oem.
Is your truck 6lug wheel or 5 lug?
My uca would fit a 6 lug 2005-15 model for sure. If you have a 5 lug model, i know some parts differ from 6 lug but not sure if uca is one of the things different.
I'll go check the shed after work tonight to confirm i still have these.

 

6 lug. Let me know, appreciate it man!!

 

The arms are ok, it is the quality of the bushings and BJs that is the issue. I got Dorman LCAs and BJs were shot by 5K. I replaced with MAS Premium XLs, which I believe is now Dorman’s premium brand line and they are holding up with 35K. But now I feel the bushings might need replacing. But I need to do the uppers first as they are the original UCAs.