Rear Upper Control Arms

[Bludozer]

The bushings in my rear uppers are roasted so going to replace them. I already have Landtank rear lower control arms so pinion angle is pretty set. Any reason to go with aftermarket replacements for the uppers as well (blackhawk/trail tailor/dobinson/ironman/metaltech/etc.) since my lowers are already done? I guess maybe they could be "stronger" but is there any reason besides that I am missing? Doesn't seem like there is not a huge point if you already have the rear lower arms that match your lift height to correct pinion angle.

 

[Box Rocket]

The reason to do adjustable uppers (if you already have extended lowers) would be in anticipation of any change in lift height down the road. If you think there's a chance you'll change the lift height it's a good idea to get adjustable uppers if you're replacing them anyway.

 

[Whiskerz]

Dobinsons

 

[Bludozer]

The reason to do adjustable uppers (if you already have extended lowers) would be in anticipation of any change in lift height down the road. If you think there's a chance you'll change the lift height it's a good idea to get adjustable uppers if you're replacing them anyway.

I mean there's always a chance if I'm realistic....

though I would rather stay in the land of 3-4". That said, another factor that I am now also considering is that getting a set that already has the bushings pressed in is already a massive value in and of itself

 

[baldilocks]

Just stay away from aftermarket rear links that are loaded with poly hat style bushing. From my experience, they are rather loose fitting when new and that allows movement that accelerates wear and then your arse end is steering the cruiser without your permission.

 

[Bludozer]

Just stay away from aftermarket rear links that are loaded with poly hat style bushing. From my experience, they are rather loose fitting when new and that allows movement that accelerates wear and then your arse end is steering the cruiser without your permission.

Agree. Poly bushing loaded links were the first to be eliminated...for many reasons. If I do upgrade the links they will have rubber bushings.

 

[ccslider]

blackhawk arms are nice

 

[landtank]

We're just about to release HD UCAs. Similar to the lowers in that they use stock bushings and come in two lengths. There is a stock length and a shortened one. The shortened one is meant to be used with my EXT LCAs and add still a little more pinion correction and bring the axle position forward, closer to the stock position. This should help those with taller than 4" lifts and running 37" tires or people who do still experience vibs from the rear.

People have had the stock UCAs fail so there is that also.

 

[Bludozer]

We're just about to release HD UCAs. Similar to the lowers in that they use stock bushings and come in two lengths. There is a stock length and a shortened one. The shortened one is meant to be used with my EXT LCAs and add still a little more pinion correction and bring the axle position forward, closer to the stock position. This should help those with taller than 4" lifts and running 37" tires or people who do still experience vibs from the rear.

People have had the stock UCAs fail so there is that also.

Man, awesome! Had my finger on the trigger for the blackhawk UCA's, glad I didn't buy - adjustability is not ideal honestly, would much rather have a set length...less potential problems to arise. The fact that they come with OEM bushings is the icing on the cake. I have your extended lowers already and am incredibly happy with them. I'm sold on these, any idea on ETA? Count me in for one of your first sets.

 

[landtank]

Man, awesome! Had my finger on the trigger for the blackhawk UCA's, glad I didn't buy - adjustability is not ideal honestly, would much rather have a set length...less potential problems to arise. The fact that they come with OEM bushings is the icing on the cake. I have your extended lowers already and am incredibly happy with them. I'm sold on these, any idea on ETA? Count me in for one of your first sets.

I currently have 5 sets in both flavors made. Just need to get with Joey to work out the details. He’s been busy lately.

In the meantime, if you could measure the rear u-joint angles we can be sure you get the best ones for your truck. Right now we don’t have the experience to make that call off our heads.

 

[ccslider]

Man, awesome! Had my finger on the trigger for the blackhawk UCA's, glad I didn't buy - adjustability is not ideal honestly, would much rather have a set length...less potential problems to arise. The fact that they come with OEM bushings is the icing on the cake. I have your extended lowers already and am incredibly happy with them. I'm sold on these, any idea on ETA? Count me in for one of your first sets.

They adjust in minutes. You don't have to take off the truck either.

 

[Lumpskie]

Instead of running longer lower control arms, could a person run shorter uppers to set pinion angle? I've got stock arms (I believe) and, under full flex, my small 315s already contact the back of my wheel well. I have plenty of room up front.p

Pics:

Back of wheel well:

Dumb idea?

 

[Bludozer]

They adjust in minutes. You don't have to take off the truck either. View attachment 2333161

Probably not a huge concern, but have heard of issues with the adjustments after heavy use. Just one of the reasons I'd prefer to go one-piece if possible.

 

[landtank]

Instead of running longer lower control arms, could a person run shorter uppers to set pinion angle? I've got stock arms (I believe) and, under full flex, my small 315s already contact the back of my wheel well. I have plenty of room up front.p

Pics:

Back of wheel well:

Dumb idea?

not really, from the best I can tell my shorter UCAs will work real well for your situation.

 

[Box Rocket]

Man, awesome! Had my finger on the trigger for the blackhawk UCA's, glad I didn't buy - adjustability is not ideal honestly, would much rather have a set length...less potential problems to arise. The fact that they come with OEM bushings is the icing on the cake. I have your extended lowers already and am incredibly happy with them. I'm sold on these, any idea on ETA? Count me in for one of your first sets.

FWIW, the blackhawk arms used OEM bushings. Its unlikely to have issues from adjustable upper arms. They are significantly stronger than stock arms.
But Landtank's fixed length solution should work too as long as the length is correct for what you need. That being said, if you want a fixed length, you could just as easily modify your own by cutting them to be shorter (correct length for the pinion angle on your truck) and sleeving the arm. Would give you same end result and stronger than stock.

 

[Box Rocket]

Instead of running longer lower control arms, could a person run shorter uppers to set pinion angle? I've got stock arms (I believe) and, under full flex, my small 315s already contact the back of my wheel well. I have plenty of room up front.p

Pics:

Back of wheel well:

Dumb idea?

Adjustable upper arms were designed for the exact issue and many were using adjustable uppers to correct pinion angle while maintaining their stock lower arms. So not a dumb idea at all. It's just a matter of getting the length correct on fixed length arms. Adjustables can be tweaked indefinitely to get it dialed correctly or to correct for changes in lift height.

 

[ccslider]

Fixed length are really nice because it's a no Hassel install.
I'm sure landtanks will be beefy and good to get you within a tolerance range if you send him your current angles.
I like this idea, but I want the flexibility of adjusting it in the future if I ever change my lift.

 

[Lumpskie]

not really, from the best I can tell my shorter UCAs will work real well for your situation.

That sounds really good. Is there a place where I can learn more about the shorter UCAs? (I'm at a 24" hub to fender measurement right now. Will the shorter version work for roughly 4" rear lift?)

 

[landtank]

That sounds really good. Is there a place where I can learn more about the shorter UCAs? (I'm at a 24" hub to fender measurement right now. Will the shorter version work for roughly 4" rear lift?)

If you are that tall and the tire is rubbing on the rear, have you lowered your bump stops?

I install a 2” drop on my builds which limits how far back the axle will travel when compressed. When fully articulated the tire is still centered in the wheel well but does rub against the side of the frame slightly.

 

[Lumpskie]

If you are that tall and the tire is rubbing on the rear, have you lowered your bump stops?

I install a 2” drop on my builds which limits how far back the axle will travel when compressed. When fully articulated the tire is still centered in the wheel well but does rub against the side of the frame slightly.

I run the longer 79 series bump stop that came with my Slinky kit in the rear. (I think the 79 series stop is an inch longer than stock...?) That picture was at full compression, on the bump stop. I've considered making a 1" extension in the rear. But everything seems to work well the way it is. I just don't want to move the tire any further back because I'll be creating problems for myself.