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- #141
No problem, definitely saw a lot of information for the SPC in my search. Decided to go the non-adjustable pre-determined caster route. Hopefully it works out!
Builds Scott’s GX 460 build GreenvilleOverland
- Thread starter skey44
- Start date
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Interesting - was not aware of the recall! I've had the UCAs in for 2 years now with zero issues but went ahead and did the recall replacement form. I do like my FCP kit but this will be the 2nd time stuff has been replaced under recall/warranty...Well -ALMOST- all of them are over engineered...
PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL | Ironman 4x4
Please see all important media releases from Ironman 4x4 on this page. Ironman 4x4 is a leader in the automotive aftermarket space.www.ironman4x4.com
From what I read the recall is in regards to AU market mostly, not US. But haven't looked into it too much.
It's a US recall as well for the ball joints. I've been keeping an eye on mine daily while I wait for replacement details. It sounds like they are going to cover replacement parts/labor but no official details have come out except the initial recall notice and form.
AU and US market UCAs have the same part number/etc. I have had zero issues with mine but went ahead and did the replacement form. Supposedly they'll refund something like $350-400 for replacement; I may see if I can get them to reimbursement a ball joint press and alignment instead. UBJ replacement looks pretty easy honestly, and I'd rather get have a new tool sitting in my shop. If not I'll just have my local tire shop do it.
Curious of if they are going to send a new ball joint or reimburse for the part instead. If they are reimbursing I'll order a OEM Toyota UBJ or possibly a 555.
It does seem that Ironman has a great product with the FCP shocks, but rushed them to market in the USA without fully securing their supply chain and addressing other issues (like my front coils that bowed and contacted the shocks - resulting in them sending me a $1100 new set of front coil overs).
Curious of if they are going to send a new ball joint or reimburse for the part instead. If they are reimbursing I'll order a OEM Toyota UBJ or possibly a 555.
It does seem that Ironman has a great product with the FCP shocks, but rushed them to market in the USA without fully securing their supply chain and addressing other issues (like my front coils that bowed and contacted the shocks - resulting in them sending me a $1100 new set of front coil overs).
My engineer buddy with whom I do most of my wrenching just bought a shop press and replaced a bunch of ball joints and bushings in his Super Duty. He said its easy to do when you have the tools/equipment to do it. I'm waiting for communication from Ironman before I take any next steps.
Shop press is on my list too - borrowed a friend's when I did wheel bearings on another friend's Tundra and instantly wanted one. I'm thinking/hoping since my UCAs are relatively new that the UBJs will press out easily with a on-vehicle press and avoid having to pull out the UCA and deal with that giant bolt on the inner side of it.
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- #148
From my research Toyota ball joint is only available attached to a stock UCA. Hence I went 555. Until I saw the recall issues I was leaning Ironman for the UCA but I guess they aren’t selling them RN due to this??? When I checked they were not on the website.
I’m tentatively planning to install the ball joint myself with a harbor freight tool.
I'll go 555 in that case as they can easily be ordered from NAPA. We also installed a lot of 555 stuff on my buddy's Tundra and it was all very well made.
Gave my UBJs a once over today and they seemed fine but I'll still replace once Ironman gets back to me.
JBAs are another UCA choice that are USA made and use off-the-shelf bushings and UBJs, although I don't like that they don't use a cotter pin on the UBJ.
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- #150
Dang, I was satisfied when I unboxed them. Extremely well packed and swift delivery from Exit off-road. Not the first time I’ve ordered from @crikeymike thanks again. Can’t wait to get these installed!
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- #151
I caved on self install…too much going on in life. Having a recommended tire/repair shop install UCA/press in joints and align August 15. They have experience with lifted vehicles, recommended by my shop I went to for maintenance last time who have overwhelming volume and can’t/won’t do my work.
I was surprised how hard it was to find someone to install these tbh. People really are keeping their cars longer? From city to country in a I called a handful of shops and only one was
A. Competent
B. Willing
B. Could schedule me for the month of August for install
I was surprised how hard it was to find someone to install these tbh. People really are keeping their cars longer? From city to country in a I called a handful of shops and only one was
A. Competent
B. Willing
B. Could schedule me for the month of August for install
Inflation. Seen the cost of new and pre-owned vehicles lately? LOL
I caved on self install…too much going on in life. Having a recommended tire/repair shop install UCA/press in joints and align August 15. They have experience with lifted vehicles, recommended by my shop I went to for maintenance last time who have overwhelming volume and can’t/won’t do my work.
I was surprised how hard it was to find someone to install these tbh. People really are keeping their cars longer? From city to country in a I called a handful of shops and only one was
A. Competent
B. Willing
B. Could schedule me for the month of August for install
I don’t blame you one bit. I left my installation to the professionals as well. I lucky enough to have a couple of really good, dedicated Toyota/Lexus off-road mechanics here in the Houston area. If you are in the area, I can make some recommendations.
- Thread starter
- #154
Here in Greenville SC I haven’t run into the off-road Toyota mechanics. There are some I’m sure but most of the Toyota shops are focused on oem and super busy just keeping up with basic maintenance. I’m sure they could do the work but they just don’t have to.
Yup letting the professional do the work. No shame.
Yup letting the professional do the work. No shame.
This ^^. My wife and I have our own business and both work 9-5 jobs. We do pretty well for ourselves, and we still cannot justify buying a newer SUV with any reasonable amount of options for $40k+ at a 4-7% interest rate used, new even though I get employee discounts I'm still looking at $50k+ at 1-2% interest. Why buy anything when both of our vehicles are paid off and function even though hers is an '08 and mine is a '13. Even moving forward I would rather buy a reliable used vehicle with less software than a new one where OEM's take your driving history and then attach it to your credit report and sell it to your insurance companies that ultimately affects your rates (don't believe me, read the fine print when you sign up for any of the new vehicle apps). Auto market is trash as a buyer right now for anything that isn't 7+ years old. Even those are starting to get absurd depending on the make/model.
Speaking the truth.
r2m
Richard
As I like to say, either one has all the time and not the money to do projects themselves, or... all the money and no time (cuz' of spending all you're time earning it) for projects and have to pay for them to get done. I've been in both camps.I caved on self install…too much going on in life. Having a recommended tire/repair shop install UCA/press in joints and align August 15. They have experience with lifted vehicles, recommended by my shop I went to for maintenance last time who have overwhelming volume and can’t/won’t do my work.
I was surprised how hard it was to find someone to install these tbh. People really are keeping their cars longer? From city to country in a I called a handful of shops and only one was
A. Competent
B. Willing
B. Could schedule me for the month of August for install
But I still like to tinker with fun stuff on my rig.
- Thread starter
- #158
I did a long Interstate 26 drive to Isle of Palms SC to melt the splash guards (oops) and get a really good baseline for my least favorite handling situation on the lifted GX sans aftermarket UCA…highway. There was the slight drone and choppy ride of the tires but the worst part was a noticeable amount of correction and fatigue associated with minor corrections at highway speeds over 4 hours. The engine is a beast IMO passing and merging as needed. Gas mileage was dismal of course, no need to measure.
Initial thoughts: these negative handling traits are corrected with the freshly installed Dobinsons UCA. I hopped on interstate 85 and then 385 on the way back into town and hit some higher speeds including turns. The steering seems much better now. Less correction is needed and it’s just an easier to drive vehicle on the highway.
I will say I was expecting better caster numbers on the alignment. The shop is willing to realign if I have any issues or would like them to try to increase caster specifically. Ended up being a little below 3 on both R and L caster with perfect toe and camber.
I think they got it right. Seems to drive much better than before. The squeak is mostly eliminated in the front suspension. Interestingly what I thought was one isolated squeak is apparently at least one more.
Oh well, at least these new parts partly cured the squeak. More importantly to me they greatly increased drivability on a vehicle I plan on keeping for years to come.
Initial thoughts: these negative handling traits are corrected with the freshly installed Dobinsons UCA. I hopped on interstate 85 and then 385 on the way back into town and hit some higher speeds including turns. The steering seems much better now. Less correction is needed and it’s just an easier to drive vehicle on the highway.
I will say I was expecting better caster numbers on the alignment. The shop is willing to realign if I have any issues or would like them to try to increase caster specifically. Ended up being a little below 3 on both R and L caster with perfect toe and camber.
I think they got it right. Seems to drive much better than before. The squeak is mostly eliminated in the front suspension. Interestingly what I thought was one isolated squeak is apparently at least one more.
Oh well, at least these new parts partly cured the squeak. More importantly to me they greatly increased drivability on a vehicle I plan on keeping for years to come.
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Looks great! How do you like it so far? It does break in after some time.
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- #160
Also, anyone replaced their splash guards? Did you just get direct replacement or look at the upgraded aftermarket versions?
