Upper Control Arms with OME Lift?

[gkaan]

Starting my suspension build on my 04 and would like to use OME kit incl shocks, springs, torsion bars. A local 4x4 dealer is claiming I need new adjustable upper control arms as well and is charging $577 for them. This is my first 4x4 and I dont have the experience nor do I know the dealer well enough to judge how necessary the control arms are. How important is it to replace these as well? Appreciate the info.

 

[AllLC]

That depends on how much lift. You also might consider the diff drop. Check out slee offroad. Lots of good information, good prices and great expertise. They actually have a 100 series they modify and use. (at least they use to).

 

[slacker24-7]

Agreed if your just running 33's you can keep the lift low and run the stock arms , you will need a little rake in the stance anyway

 

[Bomar]

I am running 34s on my LX AHC lift and 34s on 99LC and have ZERO alignment issues and both have stock UCAs. Will not run anything but they with all the issues everyone has with noise and joints failing.

Find another place to do business with or find someone that can do it correctly.

But with 200k+ miles on my OE uppers that is what will do back on. Truck at one point had 35s on it.

 

[Bomar]

You are close to OK4WD. I would do see them. Rin is a great guy but someone there has a 100 series.

 

[diego355]

See what the alignment specs shows after the lift, If you see the range being really out of spec then buy them.

 

[ga12r1]

I think a lot of it comes down to what you are comfortable with. I run a 2.5" lift and 34s with SPC UCAs and I'm getting +3.8* caster. I could have barely squeezed in at the lower end of spec with factory UCAs but I didn't like the feel of it at all. I'm on the HWY a lot and love the way my truck feels with more positive caster. It was one of the best "upgrades" I've ever done.

 

[abuck99]

See what the alignment specs shows after the lift, If you see the range being really out of spec then buy them.

Second this suggestion. Aftermarket UCA really only necessary for caster correction.

If your lift doesn't allow you to get a minimum of 1.5 degrees of caster then you may want to consider them. $577 is the going rate for SPC UCA's (he's not marking them up).

 

[gkaan]

Appreciate all the feedback. using 33's for now i'll go w/o the UCA unless needed

 

[jLB]

In my experience, the 33" tires have little to nothing to do with it. It is dependent on how much "lift" you want from cranking on the torsion bars, what condition the rest of your frontend (suspension/steering) is in, and how sensitive you are to reduced caster.

 

[SWUtah]

I had Slee do mine 3+ years ago. 2" lift OME, differential drop and I had him level it. He aligned it using stock UCA's drives like new

 

[gkaan]

it off to ok4x4 monday