For those who've had both TC and LR UCAs...

[Catskills]

Hey guys,

I have been shopping for a lift for my 2002. I think I am narrowing down my options a bit, and think I want Fox shocks, OME springs, OME torsion bars, and TC UCAs. Will get bumpers and sliders this year and next.

I have a question for you guys who have run both SPC and TC arms...

If you run TC but had SPC, do you find that you are happy with your alignment specs.?

I have SPC on my lifted 4Runner and am very happy with its driveability, but I have already had them rebuilt, because when they fail it is pretty ugly and I've read enough horror stories to make me paranoid. So, in lifting the LC, I really want to splurge and get the TC, but I don't want to lose the caster that one gains with the SPC arms.

Also, if I am not using the torsion bars to lift, do I need aftermarket ones? Or am I better off keeping the superior OEM bars?

Thanks in advance, Kristy

 

[HFDPNL]

We put the exact setup you're talking about (+Slee Diff drop) on my brother's LX. I have TC arms on my LC. We put the SPCs on his because they have sealed ball joints and he isn't big on maintenance(I've heard the uni-ball joints could need rebuilding more often). Neither truck had difficulty being aligned.

I have heard the horror stories about the SPC failing, but the pics I saw were allegedly due to some serious abuse. Personally, I'm afraid I'm running out of droop with my TC arms and Icon shocks. The just differential arms are another option, but I don't have first hand experience with them.

As far as torsion bars, I think you would be fine with stock bars, until you add a front bumper, then you might want the aftermarket ones to handle more weight.

 

[benc]

I can't speak for the tc but I have been through 2 sets of ball joints within 12k miles on the spc. I do not trust them at all now! I have not run the tc but have run several types of uni ball uppers, they do tend to squeak really bad and require constant lube! You will want to keep some lube handy at all times.


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[Catskills]

I can't speak for the tc but I have been through 2 sets of ball joints within 12k miles on the spc. I do not trust them at all now! I have not run the tc but have run several types of uni ball uppers, they do tend to squeak really bad and require constant lube! You will want to keep some lube handy at all times.


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I have heard this. I wish there were better options...

 

[benc]

I wish icon offered the aluminum ones like they have for the 200 series


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[rb4638]

I've run Total Chaos UCA's and haven't had any issues with alignment. When the uniball wears out, mine did after 20K, replace them with FK uniballs. No squeaking and they've outlasted the originals already.

 

[SALTY METHODS]

I have the Light Racing (SPC) uniball setup, OME torsions, OME springs, Slee diff drop and Fox 2.0 shocks. My only gripe with the aftermarket UCs is that my LC wont align completely. Ive tried 4 different times. Its finally close enough that im satisfied but its still not 100% IMO. Kinda bugs that it doesnt track straight like it used to.

If I was to do anything different, I would pass on the OME torsion bars until you buy a front bumper. Theres no need for the OME torsions, just crank them down til you get your desired height. Buy sliders instead with that money.

 

[Catskills]

Thanks for your input, guys.

 

[lrowe_csp]

My TC UCA's aligned properly and have been trouble free for 12K miles. I ht them with some teflon infused drilube every 3-4 months and then have been squeak free.

 

[AutoCraft Aus]

We have had many issues with many brands here with our heavy trucks and rough roads, and what we found with TC is when you go more droop the hi mis spacers hit the cups, so when accelerating hard and the front lifts makes for bad noises. The uniballs last about as long as the SPC ones, which isnt really an option here as 1 trip can be more than the life of the parts.

TC also tend to offer only around 2 degree correction.

The other problem is not enough clearance for extra droop, we run up to 475mm [18.7"] long front set up for extra droop and a 3" lift, with a 2.5" shock, none of the other arms work.

And the other problem they all have is tyres hitting the front of the arm on the lock.

We have been making these for FJ and 200 for some time, and just finished prototyping the 100 ones yesterday with reprofiled front for bigger tyres, more clearance, and a true 3 degree caster change straight up when bolted in, and they take your factory ball joint, with the cup angle changed to allow extra droop without binding, but keep the Toyota longevity.

Making our own was the only way to overcome all the short falls of the others for us. [raw beta set for pre production]

We have a cap to cover where the ball joint goes in once installed as well.

 

[yotasavg]

Those are interesting, following for future reference.

 

[benc]

I believe the nitro gear ones are similar. My buddy has them and I think he said they use a oem style ball joint from a tundra. So far he is very happy with them and I will probably ditch the spc uppers for the nitro.


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[3D FJ]

I had the TC arms. I now have the spc arms. To the OP - you live in NY.... (as do I) the uniball will go fast on the TC arms because of the winter conditions that we have. That said, I prefer a sealed ball joint. I have not had any issues on my spc arms. Depending on a discussion that I will have with justdifferentials, I may decide to go with their UCA's as I like the ability to replace that ball joint with ease at almost any auto parts store. just my $.02.