UCA upgrade suggestions (1 Viewer)

[dogdaysindurham]

Also I would PM or email Jason if folks have any questions. He is usually quite responsive in my prior experience.

 

[hoser]

Nitro, no question. The newest batch definitely allows more movement than the SPC's (i've had both).

By "movement" do you mean range? The current version of the SPC's have their xAxis joints on the frame side That's infinite and won't limit range. And their ball joint is advertised as having 80 degrees total of range.

The Roadsafe/Blackhawk/Nitro/Etc... ball joints are advertised as having 78 degrees of range. Which is quite similar to the SPC's. So.... I dunno... independent testing is in order. Doesn't really matter for most.... as long as it isn't the limiting factor.

 

[STGLX470]

Thanks for everybody's feedback. I heard back from Jason @TRAIL TAILOR, and although their UCAs don't normally have the little bracket for the ABS wire, he was willing to customize some for me. That's the kind of customer service that earns my dollars. So needless to say, I pulled the trigger and ordered the Trail Tailor UCAs. From what I can tell, they look very similar to the Nitros, and after shipping, the cost is almost identical. I don't think I could go wrong either way, but I feel better about my purchase knowing it's supporting a smaller business that builds a good product.

 

[geanes]

@STGLX470 ... did you get the "red" ones? Those look nice.

 

[Jasonazx]

By "movement" do you mean range? The current version of the SPC's have their xAxis joints on the frame side That's infinite and won't limit range. And their ball joint is advertised as having 80 degrees total of range.

View attachment 2222177

The Roadsafe/Blackhawk/Nitro/Etc... ball joints are advertised as having 78 degrees of range. Which is quite similar to the SPC's. So.... I dunno... independent testing is in order. Doesn't really matter for most.... as long as it isn't the limiting factor.

View attachment 2222183

I just know that when I switched, I had much smoother extension in the front end-no topping out, like I had with the spc’s. I like how I can source bushings and ball joints easily from wherever as well. Those frame end bushings in the spc’s seemed to wear out pretty quick on me, as well as the ball joints. Hoping I have better luck with the nitros.

 

[STGLX470]

@STGLX470 ... did you get the "red" ones? Those look nice.

Haha nope I was boring and got black. I figured I'd keep it basic since none of my other suspension components are colored except my rear springs, which you don't really see anyway.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Your set went to powder this afternoon.

J

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

The TT arms look great. And Jason's customer service and forum presence is one of the best! I just want more caster...

I'm working with an alignment shop here in town and an adjustable jig to build custom arms. Hoping for a 5-6 degree design soon. Working on the extended arm lengths to properly gain extra caster.

I've gotten as much as 5.4 degrees from my 200 design.

J

 

[Dave Crowe]

Are you guys that are running the new style Nitros still happy with them. I am about to swap out from the old style with poly bushings due to noise and shop is recommending SPC.
Thanks for any feedback!

 

[OwnerCS]

I bought SPC. I had the defective ball joint or the earlier models, and started making a horrendous noise after about 6000 miles. It was finger-loose. They replaced it with the updated, greaseable model. The camber adjustment plate is prone to moving, even with monster torque value they specify applied. The bushes are now greaseable after correcty problems with them going dry and wearing prematurely (I assume). I had to have my 100 re-aligned after the defective ball joint replacement and the camber adjustment moving. $100 per alignment.

If I was to do it again, I would pass on the SPC's

I do like the ability to adjust the caster for 4 degrees, which tracks well down the road. I reality, I think 3 degrees would be fine if you can get that from the others

" The camber adjustment plate is prone to moving, even with monster torque value they specify applied."

Somebody on here warned me about that before I installed SPC and suggested that I scratch off the arm paint/coating so the adjustment plate is making a metal-to-metal contact with the arm. I could see how the paint could be crushed under torque and allow the adjustment to loosen. So I did that and haven't had a problem with movement at this point. Not saying that I won't in the future. If someone already has SPC arms and experiences a problem with movement, this may help.

 

[geanes]

Are you guys that are running the new style Nitros still happy with them. I am about to swap out from the old style with poly bushings due to noise and shop is recommending SPC.
Thanks for any feedback!

I'm happy with the new Nitros. I had the old ones and was blowing thru those poly bushings every year. So far, the new ones with rubber bushings have been noticeably better.

 

[Kofoed]

" The camber adjustment plate is prone to moving, even with monster torque value they specify applied."

Somebody on here warned me about that before I installed SPC and suggested that I scratch off the arm paint/coating so the adjustment plate is making a metal-to-metal contact with the arm. I could see how the paint could be crushed under torque and allow the adjustment to loosen. So I did that and haven't had a problem with movement at this point. Not saying that I won't in the future. If someone already has SPC arms and experiences a problem with movement, this may help.

I saw the same recommendation. Maybe the rust will help secure the plate lolololo

 

[hoser]

Yes, I made that suggestion. It's the same reason why newly powder coated wheels sometimes fall off. A good powdercoating company will mask off the wheel mounting surface and the lug nut mounting surface.

 

[OwnerCS]

Yes, I made that suggestion. It's the same reason why newly powder coated wheels sometimes fall off. A good powdercoating company will mask off the wheel mounting surface and the lug nut mounting surface.

Thanks for the recommendation. I think it's keeping me out of trouble!

 

[pili]

Going on 2 years with my SPC's, no issues knock on wood. Although I don't wheel my lx as hard as some you animals on here.

 

[Dave Crowe]

I'm happy with the new Nitros. I had the old ones and was blowing thru those poly bushings every year. So far, the new ones with rubber bushings have been noticeably better.

@geanes, did you have any issues with alignment?

 

[geanes]

@geanes, did you have any issues with alignment?

Zero issues with alignment. They've held up and not required any further adjustments. Been very very happy with them.

 

[Dave Crowe]

Zero issues with alignment. They've held up and not required any further adjustments. Been very very happy with them.

Thanks @geanes! Appreciate your insight. Placing order today.

 

[gungriffin]

Zero issues with alignment. They've held up and not required any further adjustments. Been very very happy with them.

How long have you had the new style in? I am concerned about how long the non serviceable rubber bushings will last with 35" tires. I am going to need new UCAs as Nitro doesn't sell the poly bushings or ball joints for the old version of the UCA anymore. I am undecided on SPC or Nitro.

 

[Jasonazx]

Still good with my nitros going on two years, and they’ve been abused.