Last week I had the steering rack bushing kit installed, and at the same time swapped out the OEM UCAs with the SPC's. The difference in the way the truck drives is substantial. The steering is tighter, and the truck has a more planted feel on the road. I wasn't expecting such an improvement - is this all due to the bushings, or do the UCA's have an impact on road feel?
New UCAs and steering rack bushings
- Thread starter chrisratz
- Start date
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We did the SPC UCAs and steering rack bushings as 2 separate steps on my son's LC. Both were significant improvements to the steering/handling of his vehicle.
The SPC UCAs allowed us to correct the caster issues from the lift. This fixed the nervousness at speed, not wanting to track straight w/o a good bit of steering input and steering not returning to center after a turn.
We replaced the steering rack bushings next. They seemed to fix the play in the steering and a pull to the right when accelerating away from a stop.
If you're vehicle was in the same condition that my son's was, the combination of the UCAs and the bushings should have been a night and day difference.
The SPC UCAs allowed us to correct the caster issues from the lift. This fixed the nervousness at speed, not wanting to track straight w/o a good bit of steering input and steering not returning to center after a turn.
We replaced the steering rack bushings next. They seemed to fix the play in the steering and a pull to the right when accelerating away from a stop.
If you're vehicle was in the same condition that my son's was, the combination of the UCAs and the bushings should have been a night and day difference.
What steering rack bushing kit did you guys use and how much did the installation cost? If you did it yourself how long did it take?
Thanks! My steering wheel starts shaking whenever I hit a pothole or any bumps and I don't know what the problem is. I think I'll start by changing the bushings.
I too had the SPC UCA's installed, along with the whiteline rack bushings (and 555 LCA balljoints) on my 98 LX. I'm pleased with the ride and steering accuracy improvement. An unintended result has presented though...I get a popping sound while progressing from a stop with steering angle dialed into the steering wheel (eg; making a right turn out of my driveway from a stop). It pops again the first time I apply the brakes. It seems to be related (turning the wheel and accelerating shifts something one way and the brake dive shifts it back). Please excuse the high-jack if it's perceived that way, but I've had the shop "put a wrench" on it after the install and reported back as "every thing is tight".
I've got the same popping noises coming from the rear, with new factory UCA's and SPC LCA's installed at the same time.
What was a dead silent truck has been renamed "rice krispies". Any ideas?
Ed
I've got the same popping noises coming from the rear, with new factory UCA's and SPC LCA's installed at the same time.
What was a dead silent truck has been renamed "rice krispies". Any ideas?
Ed
Did you lift it? Sway bar end links extended/worn bushings?
Ed-Last year I rebuilt the entire IFS, UCA/LCA/steering rack/all ball joints/cv axels/superpro bushings everywhere except LCA which I used Toyota bushings. All parts were Toyota new not rebuilt except the SPC UCA. I too had the clicking after about 1000 miles. Had slight wear on pass side bearings so had those replaced as well as driver side for good measure. Also, shop said Pass side balljoint on the UCA had some play. Called SPC, the UCA is 9mos old!, they had me take pics of the SN#'s on the side of the ball joints and replaced them same day. No more clicking..new ones are greasable!!
Chris-Had to drive 600+miles in one day while I was waiting for the new UCA ball joints from SPC. Only one side was bad and the rest of my IFS is new. The difference in the handling before/after the ball replacement is night and day.
Chris-Had to drive 600+miles in one day while I was waiting for the new UCA ball joints from SPC. Only one side was bad and the rest of my IFS is new. The difference in the handling before/after the ball replacement is night and day.
It has a Slee/OME lift+diff drop, but this was not part of the IFS+Rear refresh. The truck has been lifted (and silent) for years until the recent front and rear UCA+LCA installs.
I spoke to Slee and they said that the SPC UCA were from the new batch, and thatr I should not have any problems with them..
Ed