Will i need upper control arms?
Within most Toyota models and over the various model years the Toyota trucks and SUV’s may need, depending on lift height, aftermarket upper control arms following a lift. The general rule of thumb on aftermarket UCA’s is the closer you get to exceeding 2.5” (2nd Gen Tacoma) / 2" (3rd Gen Tacoma) of lift the more necessary the UCAs become in order to get your truck back into alignment.
For those with lift spindles (for 2WD trucks) or lifts gained from drop bracket kits, the need for aftermarket UCA's changes. In the case of those with 2WD trucks running lift spindles, the need for aftermarket UCA's will come into play only if more lift is added beyond what the spindles provided. As far as those running drop bracket kits the same rule applies, when going beyond what the lift kit provided aftermarkert UCA's may need to be considered.
For those with lift spindles (for 2WD trucks) or lifts gained from drop bracket kits, the need for aftermarket UCA's changes. In the case of those with 2WD trucks running lift spindles, the need for aftermarket UCA's will come into play only if more lift is added beyond what the spindles provided. As far as those running drop bracket kits the same rule applies, when going beyond what the lift kit provided aftermarkert UCA's may need to be considered.
Will I have fitment issues with Upper control arms?
With any style of upper control arms we do suggest to check with the manufactures specifications surrounding appropriate application and wheel/tire fitment concerns.
What are the various types of upper control arms?
Below are the 2 most common UCA's we get questions about
BallJoint UCA's
This type of arm mirrors that of the factor arms with respect to the joint. Like the factory arms the balljoints are sealed and encased in grease. This type of joint seems to be the best fit for those who are concerned with rust due to their environment (i.e. along the coast, lots of rain, snow, areas with high precipitation). Generally speaking the balljoint UCA's require little maintenance due to the joint being sealed.
Uniball UCA's
Due to the design of the uniball, this type of joint typically offers more range of motion over balljoint UCA's. For this reason the uniball UCA is a common choice for those who are focused on maximum articulation and performance. The downside to the uniball UCA is that the joint itself is not sealed, in fact both the underside and topside are fully exposed to the elements. As a result this type of UCA typically requires frequent inspection and maintenance (making sure the uniball and cup is cleaned and a dry lube is used periodically).
BallJoint UCA's
This type of arm mirrors that of the factor arms with respect to the joint. Like the factory arms the balljoints are sealed and encased in grease. This type of joint seems to be the best fit for those who are concerned with rust due to their environment (i.e. along the coast, lots of rain, snow, areas with high precipitation). Generally speaking the balljoint UCA's require little maintenance due to the joint being sealed.
Uniball UCA's
Due to the design of the uniball, this type of joint typically offers more range of motion over balljoint UCA's. For this reason the uniball UCA is a common choice for those who are focused on maximum articulation and performance. The downside to the uniball UCA is that the joint itself is not sealed, in fact both the underside and topside are fully exposed to the elements. As a result this type of UCA typically requires frequent inspection and maintenance (making sure the uniball and cup is cleaned and a dry lube is used periodically).
Why do aftermarket Upper control arms help with alignment, what's wrong with the factory arms?
Aside from aftermarket arms that offer adjustment like SPC's adjustable balljoint arms or the Total Chaos uniball UCA's with adjustable heims, aftermarket arms that do not offer adjustability are designed such that they incorporate additional caster and camber to accommodate for an anticipated lift.
