Which UCA's to go with?

I could use some help deciding on UCAs. Im at about 1.75" lift front and currently OEM UCA's. Spend most time as a daily driver but do a little trails around San Diego.
The ball joint boots are busted... I am leaning towards ball joint but not opposed to uniball such as Total Chaos. I have been pondering Dirt King and someone recommended Icon Delta joint UCA's. What do you think? Thanks.

 

Dirt King and TC are overkill for a DD, imo. SPC is ideal. Even the lesser known brands would work.

 

MCM fab, I think he has a delta joint option too.

 

Here's a lot of info.

 

You're right by Dirt King. You could go talk to them. They have a good price on their ball joint UCA's too.

 

I just ordered JBAs yesterday, we'll see !

 

SPC's.

 

Thanks everyone. That link is awesome.

 

Can confirm…. And he also sells the Delta Joints for folks (like me) that want to retrofit and lose the Uni-Balls. Nothing wrong with Uni’s but they hold water, goo, and grime. I live in Western Oregon, and that’s all we got. Short life for Uni’s compared to other areas.

 

Been looking at the Freedom Off-road. Just installed the 6112/5160 lift. Running stock UCA but the Freedom Off-road UCA looks comparable to other tubular UCAs. Only $350 for the pair

 

Here's plenty of info about them.

 

Thanks for all the info- I learned some along the way. Probably going with Dirt King Fab ball-joint-upper-control-arms-dk-815901 ... Chatted with them... they are down the street and offer mil/vet discount... I see their builds around town all the time- badass!

 

Anyone knows if any UCA that uses rubber OEM like bushings? I have Total Chaos on my FJ cruiser, it has polyurethane bushings, squeaky af, even after I greased them. Cold weather makes it worst going up and down any curve. Ironman 4x4 has been sold out and don’t know when they will restock it according to them.

 

SPC adjustable UCA's have rubber bushings and easily replaceable ball joints as well.

 

Have you looked into JBA HC control arms?

 

Drip some tri flow on those uniballs every few weeks. Should not be a problem. Do they need replacing by any chance?

 

Steer clear from non adjustable Icons. Hell, just get adjustable UCA's, cry once... or test your luck with the fixed UCAs but NOT Icons. Uniballs will last a very long time in CA so long as you keep them dry and lubed.

 

In TX as well

 

SPC's...better for roads and occasional offroad. JBA's way too much camber....per Dave at Coachbuilder. I always follow Dave's advice

 

For those running SPC UCAs have yall had any issues with the ball joints? I ran them on my tacoma but swapped them out since they were going through ball joints prematurely. Seems like they had a bad batch.

 

I’ve heard this on multiple occasions with spc’s

 

Not had an issue....

 

How much camber (in degrees) is too much camber? Gotta give us some real numbers to back this statement please. Not saying you're wrong, but hoping you can prove yourself right. Especially since a huge number of people would kill for a little more camber on our trucks to keep the tires away from the body mount.

 

Call Dave...quoted a trusted vendor for hundreds on this forum should suffice. Certain situations call for more camber...mine didn't. I'm no expert that is why I called him. Please do the same he is always happy to help.

 

Just replace the ball joints. You don't need UCAs for 1.75" lift, that is perfect.

And all of you talking about camber really mean caster. Camber is not negotiable, but caster can be higher than spec.

One "bad" thing with aftermarket UCAs and a 1.75" lift is that they are usually designed for more lift, and move the balljoint back and in more than ideal... which may require a BMC.

 

Wasn’t trying to argue with you, just pushing to have accurate information posted rather than a person’s (or trusted vendor’s) opinion. Not knocking the parts or how the fit at all!

 

I'm sure it is an acccurate assessment even in lieu of the exact numbers which you seem to need to believe it...I sent the thread to Dave at coachbuilder hoping he can weigh in. Not sure he will....Just fyi...this entire forum is peoples opinions and experiences. If it had to be something beyond that to post we can all pack it in and go home.

 

And he never did.

For information to be useful it needs to be backed by data.

"Ideal range is x - y"
"JBA puts you at Y++"

Or whatever. Also in what situation? Stock? +1? +1.15"? 2" lift? Ect

 

X-Y of balljoint relative to stock would be good info to have for the sake of comparison. I guess the manufacturers like to pretend this is esoteric info...