UCA spiraling, help!

[dividedan]

With ~175K on the clock I took my truck in for alignment and got the bad news that basically every front suspension and steering component needs replacing. If the mechanic wasn’t a guy I know very well and trust I’d would think they’re upselling me, but this guy is legit. All the bushings and ball joints in the control arms have a lot of play as does the steering rack and the rack is leaking. Since labor is what it is he’s recommending we replace the rack, UCAs and LCAs instead of paying for them to replace the bushings. The truck currently has the original style Nitro UCAs with the poly bushings.

So I’m on the hook for OEM LCAs (ouch) and steering rack (double ouch), but was thinking of staying with an aftermarket UCA for the extra caster (my rig is heavy, 34s) and possibility for longer shocks and extra down travel in the future. I have less than 2” of lift up front (21” hub to fender).

That comes to my question: if you had to buy an aftermarket UCA in 2024 what would you pick? I’ve read every thread on here and just when I think I’ve got it I don’t. Seems like the basic choice is:

1. SPC: better caster and adjustability in general, more easily replaceable ball joint, possibly shorter ball joint life
2. Dobinson: less adjustability and less overall caster available, less than OE quality ball joint but close, possibly longer life of ball joint?
3. Nitro: same arm as Dobinson with lower quality ball joints, assuming shorter BJ life
4. OME: slightly more caster than Dobinson/Nitro, newer product so not well tested in the market

The Nitro arms on my truck are not older than 8 years and less than 25k miles so not thrilled about going that route again. Leaning towards SPC for the adjustability and then if the BJ fails at least it’s easy to replace. What do y’all think? I could be talked into going back to OEM as well if that’s best.

 

[GTV]

Were you unable to get good caster with the factory arms? IMO that's the only reason to "upgrade". You won't find anything more reliable than OEM.

 

[Bisho]

My SPCs have 90k miles on them, and I just replaced the ball joints.

 

[dividedan]

Were you unable to get good caster with the factory arms? IMO that's the only reason to "upgrade". You won't find anything more reliable than OEM.

I should have explained I’ve only owned the truck with aftermarket arms, PO had the Nitros installed. That being said, it was always a little wandery at highway speeds ever since I’ve owned it.

 

[Bisho]

I should have explained I’ve only owned the truck with aftermarket arms, PO had the Nitros installed. That being said, it was always a little wandery at highway speeds ever since I’ve owned it.

This likely has very little to do with the UCAs and more to do with your steering rack. I’m a bit shocked the Nitros are worn out after 25k miles. I’d ask the mechanic to show you before you pump more money into it.

 

[dividedan]

This likely has very little to do with the UCAs and more to do with your steering rack. I’m a bit shocked the Nitros are worn out after 25k miles. I’d ask the mechanic to show you before you pump more money into it.

The 25k is just a guess. That’s what I have put on the truck since owning so likely more than that. Not sure how many miles the PO put on them. I did have squeaking issues with the bushings but pumped a bunch of silicone grease into them and it solved it.

If longevity is not a concern with the Nitro arms I would go that way since they’re the same cost as OEM and has the potential to improve handling with the 3° of caster built in.

 

[ga12r1]

I've had great luck with SPC and they give the most flexibility. They can be adjusted to get you 2000 miles back home with a bent knuckle(ask me how I know) plus they are the most field serviceable of the bunch, you can change the BJ in 10 minutes. Also to do front end work you never have to break the BJ taper to detach the knuckle, just take the nut off. All of this puts them at the top of my list of a non-uniball arm.

 

[GTV]

If you haven't watched this video yet and part 2 definitely do so.