Stock UCA hits stock coil with 5100s

[Snail282]

I installed Bilstein 5100s on my otherwise stock suspension GX470. On full droop the UCA hits the spring to the point where that's what actually limits down travel. I did my best to rotate the spring so that the UCA falls in between the coils, but that wasn't enough. This doesn't actually bother me driving around, but it does make it almost impossible to take the shock/spring out. The suspension never fully unloads, and even after you remove the bolt on the bottom of the shock, the stock remains loaded pressing into the pocket on the LCA. Basically the suspension can't droop enough to fully onload the shock/spring. The lower spring perch is on the lowest spring clip position, stock top hats, stock spring with ~200k miles. Can't think of anything else about the setup that would be relevant, but feel free to ask.
I'm shocked (definitely a pun) that I could not find any documentation of this on this forum or any other. I can't imagine I'm the fist person to put 5100's on stock suspension.

Does anyone have any recommendations for an aftermarket UCA that allows for more clearance around the spring but retains proper caster/camber for stock ride height? Most UCA's I see advertise caster/camber adjustment to correct for 2+ inch lifts.

 

[Rednexus]

I would suggest one of the following:

1. Clearance the UCA where it is hitting using a die grinder or mini belt sander. You should be able to do this with the UCA still on the rig. It does not look like much needs to come off, but this will weaken the UCA slightly (presumably they are way over-engineered by Toyota so it seems unlikely taking of a bit of metal would significantly weaken it). If it were my rig, that is what I would do as it's the simplest option.
2. Remove the UCA and use a large hammer to fold the contacting lip inward slightly so that it does not contact the spring. This would not remove any metal from the UCA, but would require you to remove it from the rig (which is a bit of a pain due to the positioning of the large bolt that attaches it to the frame).

FWIW, that UCA looks newer and less rusty than the rest of your front suspension. I suspect it could be an aftermarket, non-Toyota replacement UCA. If so that might explain why it is contacting the coil (i.e., it might be shaped a bit differently than a OEM UCA). You could inspect the UCA bolt head and nut to see if there are wrench marks on them, which would indicate the UCA has been removed before.

 

[Jstawgn]

It's a known issues. 5100 are a bit too long. I would not worry about it. It's OK and would not harm much beside the paint.
Sometimes, clocking the spring a certain way makes it fall right in between the coils.

 

[OG Zuninja]

I see a couple of issues.
First, it looks like you're using GX top hats rather than 4Runner top hats. I suspect when the struts were installed, the UCA was tightened with the suspension unloaded which allows it to droop as far as you're showing.
Second, you don't need those quick jacks and should promptly send them my way.

 

[iwashmycar]

x2 on only tightening the UCA AND LCA bolts with truck on ground. They need to be clocked right when tightening.

Also once the sway bar is on there it might not droop that far either.

 

[aztoytec]

x2 on only tightening the UCA AND LCA bolts with truck on ground. They need to be clocked right when tightening.

Also once the sway bar is on there it might not droop that far either.

Bingo!