I can't let false statements go unchallenged. Your statement brought me back.
Aftermarket UCAs
- Thread starter SHAGGY101
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I can't let false statements go unchallenged. Your statement brought me back.
The primary purpose for an aftermarket uca is correct the caster back to factory specs and the secondary added benefit is the additional droop that the misalignment joint allows for. On IFS rigs there is only so much adjustment on the camber tabs to restore your caster back to factory settings when you have a 2" + lift. To say there is zero benefit is completely false. Having been selling/installing lift kits to late model FJ Cruisers, Tacomas, 4Runners, Land Cruisers etc for the last 5 years it has been consistent when we have the trucks aligned without uca's the alignment is on the bottom end of the spectrum. With aftermarket uca's we are able to get the trucks to aligned back to factory and all wandering on the road has been eliminated. Are the aftermarket uca's a requirement? No, you can drive your lifted ifs rig on the road as is and you'll be fine. For those that have the extra cash and want the added benefits of an aftermarket uca then I highly recommend installing a set.
I understand your point, and can certainly see why this is an important issue for you to clarify for yourself. I, however, have never had this happen to me while driving over any significant terrain feature like, umm, potholes and speedbumps. I mean, if I had a "bone jarring knock" from my front end after I'd spent thousands on an upgraded suspension, I'd be concerned. You might want to have that looked into.
Again, I understand the benefits of increased travel that is provided by UCAs (when longer shocks are added). And even if I needed that travel to help me cross speedbumps comfortably every day, it would still not be worth the added maintenance. Whether it's the regular dose of teflon spray to quieten the uniballs, or it's a full rebuild every few years, it, for me, for my style of driving on most days and in most conditions, is not worth it.
As I asked and looked around at the men who are industry leaders--a couple of internationally-renowned shop owners and a magazine publisher who travels the globe--one recurring theme continued to haunt me: they each spend tens of thousands of dollars modifying all corners of their trucks, using and abusing them off road, and counting on them as billboards to represent their businesses. They spare no expense and change everything they desire. Yet they run OEM UCAs. The advice I received from these well-respected and wise men was along the lines of, "The Toyota engineers are vastly smarter than any of us. Change only what you absolutely must." It's pretty much the mantra I lived by after building a pretty killer Tacoma for the previous five years, and it paid dividends then, too.
And so I will go with OEM. I mean, these last ones made it 150k miles and I've never once found myself saying, "Self, I sure do wish I had another inch of travel." I usually just push that little ARB button on the dash and push on to the next cantina.
But thanks again to everyone for the input! My choosing OEM is in no way intended to be a slight against the decisions of any other person here. We each must do what we thing is best for us. There is certainly a place in the world for all of us. Thanks again.
wc
This would have been a selling point for me, no question about it. This benefit is everyday, real world stuff. Oddly, and maybe I'm some sort of statistical outlyer, or maybe Christo and boys did an exceptional job when installing my suspension (what am I saying, of course they did), but I have zero wandering or alignment issues. Again, for me, my LX tracks straight, brakes and corners tightly and smooth, and the tires wear evenly. Based on a symptomatic needs assessment, I am all good.
Again, to agree with you, though, aftermarket UCAs have clear benefits for some people. Thank you for offering them. I looked very closely at your product, and appreciate the service and info you provide here.
wc
Just did a quick write-up of the install, in case any of you are thinking of going this alone. It's an easy one. Hope this helps!
Find it here.
wc
Find it here.
wc
OEM was the perfect choice for you. Me too...after 165,000 miles. I don't have any:
*Bone-jarring ride
*Wham bam over speed bumps (my Corvette SUCKS over speed bumps so does this mean I need new UCA's). LOL!
*Wandering all over the road. If it did I'd a found a solution YEARS ago.
I have had this type of ball joint for several years and have been unhappy with the maintenance. If you are exposed to snow and drive where they treat the roads...it will eat the bearings up within 1 year. I have to replace the bearing in mine every year. I would not do it again. Unless they make a cover to protect them...I would stay away.
Ok...who's going to take one for the team? 
http://www.rcvperformance.com/product-details-axles.aspx?sku=CVJIFS-TOY4
http://www.rcvperformance.com/product-details-axles.aspx?sku=CVJIFS-TOY4
Trunk Monkey
Moderator
I thought that whole thing died? That's incredible. And incredibly expensive!
bluecruiser
SILVER Star
Wow...I wonder who has been helping them with developing this since it sounds like they burned Spresso a couple times...I will just carry a backup for that amount of coin.
jonharis
Adventure Imports
I'll gladly test run a set but for that kind of coin, I can buy 3 pairs and a spare OEM parts. I guess they have to pay for that fancy graphic on the web page somehow. Also, I don't think I could buy something from a company that has treated a respected member of this forum the way they have.
Wait Wait Wait. This is the UCA Thread not the CV thread. What gives?
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series...mend-stock-c-v-joints-shafts-aftermarket.html
Wait Wait Wait. This is the UCA Thread not the CV thread. What gives?
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series...mend-stock-c-v-joints-shafts-aftermarket.html
Last edited:
hoser
SILVER Star
Spresso.... "Thank you sir, may I have another."
^ That's the truth!
LOLOLOLOL look at that price!
Don't forget the optional nickel plating...
