Need advice for alignment after a lift

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R

righton

10 Year
Joined
Aug 31, 2012
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i tried to search and read numerous post about this. but i can't find a straight answer that would apply to me. so here goes...
i lifted my lc200 with a icon coilover kit about 3" and the alignment shop can't get the camber close to spec. so without upgrading the UCA what are my options?

please need suggestions and pics or thread reference to what i need to correct it. i don't want to wear the tires prematurely. any help is appreciated. thanks!

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righton said:
i tried to search and read numerous post about this. but i can't find a straight answer that would apply to me. so here goes...
i lifted my lc200 with a icon coilover kit about 3" and the alignment shop can't get the camber close to spec. so without upgrading the UCA what are my options?

please need suggestions and pics or thread reference to what i need to correct it. i don't want to wear the tires prematurely. any help is appreciated. thanks!

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I’m no alignment guru, but swapping to an after-market UCA is the route to go once you lift like that. Too bad they didn’t go in while front suspension was already apart...

So either burn through an even more expensive set of tires...or bite the bullet and add an aftermarket UCAs.

I use SPCs which run $670 from Slee, but thats just one option. Don’t know cost of other options these have been great, including SPC new updates when they weee release a couple years ago.

From @sleeoffroad site here:

Slee - IFS Suspension Arms

Specialist in Toyota 80 Series Land Cruisers. Hard to find parts, off-road accessories and custom fabrication
sleeoffroad.com

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UCA's are the only answer, I personally favor Total Chaos but there are plenty of great options on the market.
 
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i was afraid of that.... i'll wait for others to chime in. otherwise it's time to go shopping again.
 
You have 2 options
  1. UCAs
  2. reduce lift height until you can get alignment within spec. Since your icons are adjustable, this might be your easiest route. Your truck looks like it’s sitting almost level, so you might be able to drop the lift to 2” and get your alignment in without purchasing more parts.
I run about 2” if lift up front, no UCAs, good alignment, and fairly even tire wear so long as I keep up with rotations.
 
righton said:
i was afraid of that.... i'll wait for others to chime in. otherwise it's time to go shopping again.
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Unfortunately there is no otherwise... ;)
Either add UCAs...eat tires without them...or dump the 3” lift and replace with minimal lift suspension upgrade.

I’ve only used SPC so can’t directly compare.
Some here can.
 
M1911 said:
Why do you prefer Total Chaos?
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Build quality, durability, reputation, availability. You need to narrow down your selection by style as well. There are those that will provide infinite adjustability and better durability with a heim joint but will require more maintenance and those that run a simple urethane bushing that will last longer but provide less adjustability.

SPC, Total Chaos, Icon, Camburg, JBA, and there are even a few others, just pick one you like to look at or that fits your budget and you'll be fine.
 
I would love to see a breakdown describing the pros and cons of each style. I really don't understand the differences between the types of joints.
 
M1911 said:
I would love to see a breakdown describing the pros and cons of each style. I really don't understand the differences between the types of joints.
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Urethane bushings are like a more durable version of the polymer used in the factory bushings, they absorb more energy. They require little to no maintenance and last quite some time but they don't offer much in the way of adjustability and do require new bushings from time to time.

The heim joint UCA's offer infinite adjustability so they are useful in custom and extreme scenarios. Heims can be noisy when not properly greased and require maintenance to keep them working and squeak free. Heims are more durable than a urethane bushing and can easily be sourced and replaced. They make for the ability to more accurately fine tune your alignment and will be flexible with future changes to your suspension as they can grow with you.

Personally I prefer the heim version, but I recognize and accept their drawbacks in favor of their adjustability. If you aren't one to stay on top greasing things every six months then I would lean towards a urethane bushing style UCA.
 
righton said:
i was afraid of that.... i'll wait for others to chime in. otherwise it's time to go shopping again.
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I had BP51s installed and have had my truck aligned twice. Still no joy. Going with UCAs before replacing my KO2s with new. I wish I had gone with UCAs when doing the lift, but lesson learned. Ironically your alignment sheet looks very close to my current measurements. I can tell you the out edges will be wearing out and you are only getting proper contact to the road with about 60% of your tread. Mine drives good, but just a bit off on the old sure footedness (if that is a word! LOL)...

BTW, your wheels are awesome. What offset are they and what brand/style?
 
Even with a mild lift (1.5" approx" up front, the alignment values are at limit without new UPCs. With 3" lift, you have to go with them
 
You may need to confirm this w/ Icon but their Delta Joint Billet UCA has a 5 year warranty and its fully sealed. You pay for it though.
 
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