Trunk Monkey
Moderator
You two stick around awhile longer, then see how you feel about that. Being teachable and listening to other's input is part of contributing. Otherwise it's a one way street.
Aftermarket UCAs
- Thread starter SHAGGY101
- Start date
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Supra and Plirky,
Having a constructive conversation about the pros and cons of aftermarket UCAs is one thing; having a member come in making comments like "they are useless" and "they will never go on my rig" goes a step beyond constructive and gets into the realm of inappropriate/inflammatory. Furthermore, the reasons for his dislike of them aren't even really valid, with the exception of expense. Yes, they are pricey. OEM assemblies are pricey too. But extra maintenance, noise from the uniball assembly and increased CV angle have by and large been classified as non-issues - by both the manufacturer and other end users - earlier in the thread. If he doesn't like them, fine. He doesn't have to use them. But telling people that they are useless just because he doesn't like them isn't really fair to other people reading the thread looking for unbiased information, or the manufacturers who are working hard to bring us new products that COULD be very beneficial to someone else. It all depends on application and individual preference.
It's not that we don't want to have a good back-and-forth conversation about the pros/cons. It's the lack of tact and unnecessarily harsh statements coming from someone who's never used them that rub many people the wrong way, and it's not just this thread that has been problematic. Like Trunk said, stick around a bit and you'll see.
Having a constructive conversation about the pros and cons of aftermarket UCAs is one thing; having a member come in making comments like "they are useless" and "they will never go on my rig" goes a step beyond constructive and gets into the realm of inappropriate/inflammatory. Furthermore, the reasons for his dislike of them aren't even really valid, with the exception of expense. Yes, they are pricey. OEM assemblies are pricey too. But extra maintenance, noise from the uniball assembly and increased CV angle have by and large been classified as non-issues - by both the manufacturer and other end users - earlier in the thread. If he doesn't like them, fine. He doesn't have to use them. But telling people that they are useless just because he doesn't like them isn't really fair to other people reading the thread looking for unbiased information, or the manufacturers who are working hard to bring us new products that COULD be very beneficial to someone else. It all depends on application and individual preference.
It's not that we don't want to have a good back-and-forth conversation about the pros/cons. It's the lack of tact and unnecessarily harsh statements coming from someone who's never used them that rub many people the wrong way, and it's not just this thread that has been problematic. Like Trunk said, stick around a bit and you'll see.
I've been here since mid 07 (member since early 08), so long enough, I think. Some people come off harsh, some come off critical. I see both "goes a step beyond constructive and gets into the realm of inappropriate/inflammatory". I average it out and still think we all are contributing.
Now, back to the regularly scheduled program...
Few questions to those that have aftermarket UCAs,:
How many miles do you have on them?
What kind of driving to you mostly do (mall, road, washboard, crawling, ...)? Or maybe percentages of each.
Any CV and/or boot issues since install?
john
I just put mine on the last month or so.... so I have no issues yet.
I had Leaky CV's with out them. So, this didnt really have anything to do with my decision. I feel CV's are a maint. item. No mater what set up you run you need to check them from time to time to catch any leaks early. I also have a spare CV, so the PM is pretty quick for me. Swap it out and rebuild the pulled one.
Previously my truck was used mainly for road trips, going to the mountains in winter, and offroad exploits pretty equally. I didnt need it as a daily driver because I lived in San Francisco and the public transit was awesome. I have since moved to San Diego and now drive it much more regularly.
Thanks Shotts! Normally I'd take a offense, but clearly there is no need for me to be upset by your comments. BTW, my Landcruiser rides better than yours.
They say any press is good press, and I think this would be a prime example seeing how the users praise, and you bash the products that you don't run, I'd say its a win for me
Nothing personal! And you should be happy as I'll be on MUD a lot less from now on. Selling the 80 ASAP and we bought a new Grand Sport Corvette today. I'll be learning about mods for the Vette.
I'll answer the questions for you.
Carls UCA's.
18 months and about 12k miles
Most of the miles are daily driving, but the non-daily off-road use is pretty harsh. East coast wheeling.
No issues at all.
Love the ability to align correctly whjich improves on-road handling.
Nice to have the droop both off road and on road. Just a much nicer ride overall and it is quite noticable. Lifted 2.75"
I wouldn't spend the money just for the UCA's, but when it's time to replace OEM, I wouldn't/didn't buy OEM... I'd go aftermarket. No reason not to, and plenty of reasons already outlined as to why it's a good idea.
I'm the .01% I guess.
In answer to the questions:
Carls
Had them on approximately 2 1/2 years, 50K miles.
Most miles DD, but lots of trail miles (maybe 10%) and HARD trail miles with lots of weight (5 pass, full cargo, roof rack with 200 lb RTT, rear carrier).
No issues with CVs (still original CVs) no leaking, noise, etc. Need new upper ball joints (or whatever they are called on the Carls UCAs) but haven't replaced them yet. Have noticed more noise in the front end, but using the teflon lube Carl sells makes a dramatic difference. Once I switched from WD-40 to teflon, the noise is not an issue.
Have noticed improved steering. Steering is better than before (no understeer). I have 200K miles and have never replaced a steering rack or any other steering part.
Alignment has been good. Droop is nice. Ride is somewhat improved with 33s.
Overall, I would say that this mod is worth doing anytime if you run 35s. If you run 33s, do it when it is time for ball joints and/or UCA bushings.
I have lurked on this forum for a long, long time, and have posted here and there. I notice that there are a few who think the mods they have done are the best, most awesome, most worthwhile mods no matter what and that if there are other mods they choose not to do, they suck and and there is no value to them. My experience has been that almost all mods are an improvement. The only question is whether and how much you will use/need the mod and whether it is financially worthwhile given the setup you run and the resources you have.
I would buy Carls UCAs again tomorrow without hesitation.
Carls
Had them on approximately 2 1/2 years, 50K miles.
Most miles DD, but lots of trail miles (maybe 10%) and HARD trail miles with lots of weight (5 pass, full cargo, roof rack with 200 lb RTT, rear carrier).
No issues with CVs (still original CVs) no leaking, noise, etc. Need new upper ball joints (or whatever they are called on the Carls UCAs) but haven't replaced them yet. Have noticed more noise in the front end, but using the teflon lube Carl sells makes a dramatic difference. Once I switched from WD-40 to teflon, the noise is not an issue.
Have noticed improved steering. Steering is better than before (no understeer). I have 200K miles and have never replaced a steering rack or any other steering part.
Alignment has been good. Droop is nice. Ride is somewhat improved with 33s.
Overall, I would say that this mod is worth doing anytime if you run 35s. If you run 33s, do it when it is time for ball joints and/or UCA bushings.
I have lurked on this forum for a long, long time, and have posted here and there. I notice that there are a few who think the mods they have done are the best, most awesome, most worthwhile mods no matter what and that if there are other mods they choose not to do, they suck and and there is no value to them. My experience has been that almost all mods are an improvement. The only question is whether and how much you will use/need the mod and whether it is financially worthwhile given the setup you run and the resources you have.
I would buy Carls UCAs again tomorrow without hesitation.
This is what I am talking about in my previous post. The value of mods really depends on how you use your rig. This gentleman points out that, given the types of roads and trails he drives on, he wouldn't benefit from aftermarket UCAs. Therefore, he won't ever install them. That makes sense based on the way he uses his 100.
For my more heavy-duty needs, the mod made sense. But I agree that it is not for everyone.
^^^^^ Now that is funny!
I made my selection based on input from here, from three nationally-recognized and highly-reputable off road shops, and from one Toyota master tech who lives on my block. Tons of great input from a lot of people more experienced than me. About half said aftermarket and half said OEM. All had great points.
When I bounced all that input against the type of driving I do, and I mean 999 out of every 1000 miles, I came to the following conclusion:
I like the thought of getting another 150k out of a pair without one iota of maintenance. Really, that's what it came down to for me.
Nonetheless, thanks for the help, everyone. All of it was valuable. I'll try and get some pics from the install.
When I bounced all that input against the type of driving I do, and I mean 999 out of every 1000 miles, I came to the following conclusion:
I like the thought of getting another 150k out of a pair without one iota of maintenance. Really, that's what it came down to for me.
Nonetheless, thanks for the help, everyone. All of it was valuable. I'll try and get some pics from the install.
Can't wait to hear a review after your trip, CO. Hopefully I'll make it out to an event to drool over your truck in person.
I think I'll have this decision in the next 18 mos. or so, I was hoping for an AR guinea pig for the Carls or TC, but it sounds like a lot of thought went in to your choice.
I think I'll have this decision in the next 18 mos. or so, I was hoping for an AR guinea pig for the Carls or TC, but it sounds like a lot of thought went in to your choice.
Should have posted your decision before ordering. You could have had mine...Let me know if you ever want to replace your factory diff bracket, torsion bars, or rear springs b/c you can have those too.
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If I had the spare change, aftermarket UCAs would already be on my Hundy. I had Light Racing UCAs on my FJ and CV bind was never a problem. If you are going to have too much droop then get some limit straps.
That's a nice offer of you, and I might have asked if I'd known. As far as the other items, I don't need them. My 100 is somewhat well-built already. Thanks for mentioning it, though!
Great point, and you're exactly right. The decision for the to upgrade suspension components, however, has never been about droop. It's always been about load-carrying capacity.
I don't "wheel," per se. I drive.
Thanks, bro. I'll be posting and blogging from the road, so drop by CO and ride along! After a few break-in trips stateside, I'm really looking forward to getting this thing off the radar. It was certainly built for it.
I'll be certain to discuss my thoughts on the UCAs for you.
Hope to see you on the trail soon, my friend!
Wes, I saw that Chris King from TOD posted up about your UCAs on FB, are you going to do a step by step of your install?
By the way, the trips yall offer look like a good time, may have to hook up on one next year.
By the way, the trips yall offer look like a good time, may have to hook up on one next year.
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Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
Ok, this is driving me nuts. Aftermarket UCA's are NOT just for "wheeling" or "rock crawling" like many here like to state.
The simple cold hard fact is, if you raise the front ride height of your LC you are decreasing stock droop. ANY decrease in stock droop will negatively affect the front suspension ride handling. The aftermarket UCA's simply restore the lifted front suspension droop close as possible to stock droop. In other words giving you near stock ride handling while being lifted.
I can personally tell you every single time I drive through a parking lot and go over a speed bump at speed, or hit a pot hole in the road I have a bone jarring knock in the front suspension. You know what that is? It's the front suspension bottoming out, or reaching full droop too early. Once I have the UCA's installed that will go away, and my ride while just "driving" around town will be improved. Not to mention any off road improvements.
NOT EVEN CLOSE!
2.5 inches lift would require 2.5" more droop/travel for things to be equal.
If somebody lifts only 1" then your statement is correct. Who here lifts one inch?
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
Damn, and here you made us a promise you wouldn't be around anymore after you tucked your tail and ran. Why you letting us down Shotts?
P.S. You will "fit" right in with the vette crowd....
P.S. You will "fit" right in with the vette crowd....
