So I have been saving to upgrade my suspension. I have had some good dialogue with Cristo and Kurt and am pretty set on getting OME. My question is, would it be a good idea to just by the shocks first and then later put on springs? Then eventually UCA's? Or should it be done and done type of thing?
Suspension thoughts?
- Thread starter Chip503
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Do it all at once especially if you’re paying the labor for someone else to do it.
MrCWineMan
SILVER Star
Funny, I’ve been having the conversation with Slee as well, I’m opting to leave factory springs and go BP-51 until my load gets to where the springs are going to be overfaced. Since I’m starting with a stock rig and adding sliders with the suspension in round one I see no need for springs. Round two will be skids, bumper, and wench, and at that point the spring conversation will be more pertinent for me.
This is a all at once thing. No point in re-paying for labor to do practically the same job. And paying for an alignment multiple times. Also, spring and shocks are designed as a system. Sure some people mix and match, but it's a bad practice that leads to poor handling.
Depending on the lift height, as this sounds like a modest lift, I would forgo the UCA. It's not necessary unless lifting close to 3" and above.
Depending on the lift height, as this sounds like a modest lift, I would forgo the UCA. It's not necessary unless lifting close to 3" and above.
MrCWineMan
SILVER Star
You know what, I think you are 10% right, no clue where my idea came from above, must not have had enough coffee today.. I even have a line item for springs in here... sorry!
- Thread starter
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Forgo the UCA’s? I have heard even a modest 1.5 to 2 inch lift may damage the stock UCA’s. Is this a myth? If so that saves me some duckers for my sliders.
MrCWineMan
SILVER Star
My understanding is that at 2in lift and above the issue isn’t so much with damage, rather adjustment range of alignment. A judiciously applied search might get you more info, but I was told that the UCA was pretty close to mandatory just so the alignment can be ensured.
How much lift are you expecting?
MrCWinMan is correct. No damage, just alignment range. A modest lift generally won't be an issue.
My opinion, but I personally would strive to keep the stock UCA. Aftermarket control arms don't have the best reputation for longevity, or long term durability. Squeaky bushings on some brands. And they all seem to have issues with premature wear at the ball joint. Perhaps someone has found one that has worked out the kinks?
MrCWinMan is correct. No damage, just alignment range. A modest lift generally won't be an issue.
My opinion, but I personally would strive to keep the stock UCA. Aftermarket control arms don't have the best reputation for longevity, or long term durability. Squeaky bushings on some brands. And they all seem to have issues with premature wear at the ball joint. Perhaps someone has found one that has worked out the kinks?
The only alignment issue you will have with stock UCA and a 2.5” or less lift is caster and a little positive camber. I was going to skip the UCA but in the end I don’t like the steering feel so I bought a set and just need to find time to install them. I haven’t had any issue with tire wear with the stock arms.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
Save your money and do it all at once. You will waste a lot of cash doing it piece by piece.
