Rear UCA's for the 80

[DiscoveredLC]

I want to make some new adjustable UCA's for the 80 since my driveline angle is a bit off. I know Slee sells the DIY adjusters, but I dont want to pay that much and still have the stock ends and tubing...

I'd like to just buy some new joints, but Im having trouble finding 2.25 wide joints. I'd like to just stick with rubber bushings instead of hiems or other similiar joints that wear out in the elements.

If there's an adjuster out there that fits 3/4" ID tubing (thats what the stock UCA's are on the truck) then I can go that route, just not for $230 like Slee wants...

 

[locrwln1]

PM Ali. He found some cheap weld in adjusters that he used.

Jack

 

[Dgurley2000]

what did you end up finding?

 

[DiscoveredLC]

I just went ahead and bought these.


80 Series Rear Hi-Angle Adjustable Upper Control Arms

 

[primer7]

Did you receive the UCA"s? How did the install go? How did you adjust them...what was/is the procedure to get them adjusted correctly?

 

[spressomon]

Have a driveline vibe I'm trying to solve so I fabbed up a pair of rear adjustable UCA using OEM 80 Series bushings. They work great. I just kept adjusting them 1-revolution at a time...trial and error...until I reduced the vibe. Its still there but its about 75% reduced. Worth the effort. Very quick install.

For whatever reason I didn't take any photos of them though...

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Did you receive the UCA"s? How did the install go? How did you adjust them...what was/is the procedure to get them adjusted correctly?

yup, they're on the truck. Pretty beefy, and nice quality too!

Basically you rotate the joint in to shorten or lengthen it to the correct length. The joint is threaded into the shaft of the UCA. To rotate your pinion down, shorten the length of the UCA. To rotate your pinion up and back, lengthen the UCA. I adjusted the UCA until the output flange on the T case and the pinion flange where parallel. The truck drives nice and smooth now. A standard two u joint driveshaft should run in parallel. A DC driveshaft with a CV joint should run in line with the pinion. The UCA's allow you to adjust your pinion angle where the stock ones dont.

 

[primer7]

I was reading up on these on MAF web site, since I installed the OME 2" lift my steering wheel is off to the left about an inch from center or straight. Installation of these should adjust that error out...correct? MAF is saying ( If I understand correctly) the axle housing has moved enough to cause the steering wheel to move. My 1 thought process.

 

[DiscoveredLC]

I was reading up on these on MAF web site, since I installed the OME 2" lift my steering wheel is off to the left about an inch from center or straight. Installation of these should adjust that error out...correct? MAF is saying ( If I understand correctly) the axle housing has moved enough to cause the steering wheel to move. My 1 thought process.

No, not with these. These are replacements for the upper control arms on the rear axle.

Your steering wheel moved because the lift increased the angle of your relay link (or steering rod.) When that link is raised it basically becomes shorter in length, thus moving your steering wheel. There are two bolts on the link, one at each end. If you loosen those, you can rotate the rod to shorten or lengthen it. That will move your steering wheel back to center.

By making the link shorter, that should move the wheel to the passenger side. By making the link longer, that should move the wheel to the driver side.

Its weird that your wheel moved to the left after the lift....

I can help you straighten the steering wheel in 5 minutes if you need some help. I have training tomorrow, but after that I'm off the next few days...

 

[primer7]

Matt

I'll take you up on that one ASAP. Have to go to the Bay area to work with the F.D. So I'll get back with you soon.

Thanks
Keith