Aftermarket Upper Control Arms (UCAs) - Filthy Motorsports

A detailed overview of aftermarket upper control arms (UCAs) for IFS vehicles including a comparison of SPC, Moog, and Icon Delta Joint ball joints and spherical bearings (uniballs) by Ben Brazda, owner of Filthy Motorsports.
Check out our related video on ride quality here: • Suspension Ride Qualit...
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Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Imitation or the use of any instruction or ideas shown in this video is solely at your own risk. Filthy Motorsports will not be liable for any personal injury or property damage resulting from attempting anything shown in this video. All content produced by, and all communication with Filthy Motorsports are subject to our terms and conditions found here: www.filthymotorsports.com/terms
Copyright 2018, Filthy Motorsports, LLC

[@samblevins1708]

Every time you do a video I learn more. Once again, clear, utter lack of nomenclature and incredibly informative. thank you for making these. I love learning this stuff and you present really well.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm so glad to hear it!

[@vikaskedare351]

What is the maximum angular travel of Moog ball joint

[@86Chevymontecarlo]

No music. No goofy opening. No one with a camera close up on their faces yelling at us. Simply to the point with useful information. I wish everyone else would do this...

[@Filthymotorsports]

We are so glad to hear that, thank you for the feedback!

[@mlee81]

I came to learn about upper control arms and got more than I bargained for. Superior job explaining btw. love the presentation with visuals and all. You explain things very well.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Sol glad to hear that, thank you!

[@neetones]

This is an incredible presentation. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@Amaterasu0123]

I wish I could like these videos more than once. Honestly, the best videos on the internet I've found for understanding the equipment I want to put on my Taco. I'll definitely be by the shop whenever I'm in Boulder.

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm so glad to hear it, thank you!

[@michaelblock3998]

Very well presented! Nothing I didn’t already know, but clear and concise. Job well done.

[@73chevy22]

Great video breaking the differences down. To me it seems you are being very impartial and that kind of straightforward breakdown is very much appreciated when trying to make product decisions. Definitely subscribing for hopefully more good content like this.

[@greym6436]

🙏🏽Thank you Ben for doing this subject on Ball joints. I typically stick OEM on 1stgen Tundra 4wd AC. I am looking too get a new set of UC's & I want the best design along with a very durable Balljoint system.

[@morgancox9157]

You're an outstanding presenter. Please keep up the good work. I'm loving the education.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@samdequina3386]

So far the best videos I’ve seen. I love the very well detailed explanation. God bless you.

[@sergeantinfantrymen1468]

honestly one of the best, most descriptive, informative video's ive ever watched!

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm so glad to hear that, thank you!

[@jcmoney227]

Thank you for the info! Very knowledgeable and user friendly. Appreciate you!

[@Gyppor]

Thumbs up again for the re-upload. Very informative and interesting even for someone who doesn't have a truck that uses UCAs. The section about ball joints is quite interesting!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks! So glad to hear it!

[@SS-tl5jo]

Very detailed and clear explanation. Learnt so much from you Ben. Awaiting for future videos. Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you, so glad to hear it!

[@koltonIII]

"learnt" 😂

[@vikaskedare351]

Very informative video specially the cut section part. Thank you for such a nice video lecture. One thing I wanted to know about maximum angular travel allowed by Moog ball joint

[@giladbo101]

Awesome video. Many people need to watch it before deciding about uca. I really like how you went deep into the ball joints. Made me figure few things out and that was great comparing.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mykey_C]

Awesome explanation, super stoked to see more content. Staying tuned!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Cheers!

[@scubbarookie]

Thank you. Even though there are many out there that want to have that race look, it seems to come at a steep price point! This video clip answers so many questions and in detail. This education is awesome!

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad to hear it, thank you!

[@barnetts9812]

Best information I've seen. Excellent online learning and support.

[@tartamuditis]

I hope people realize the value of your videos Ben! I tell everyone that asks me about my suspension setup to buy from filthy motorsports. I wish i knew about your page before i ordered my setup with another company. God bless you and your peers !

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm so happy to hear that, thank you!

[@bikesanddarts]

Wow! I'm getting a lift done and replacing my UCAs. Very informative vid and now you provided such great information that I at least know how to shop for parts better and to be able to find a shop that is knowledgable on how to align my truck with the new UCAs.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seminoletaco982]

Another quality video! Definitely interested in the SPC UCA for my full setup.

[@949offroad]

Fantastic video. Very well done. This really helped me understand the differences between the UCA’s and made my next decision easy. Thank you.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Great to hear!

[@tonysajkowski3534]

This was the best explanation of ball joints and value I have seen great job

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you, Tony!

[@danielmarkey2956]

Thanks Ben for such a great video. I changed where I am getting my SPC control arm aligned at.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Cheers!

[@henrikm4657]

Super educational! Thanks for taking the time to do all the cutting, etc.

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm so glad to hear that, thank you!

[@TheJeffHardison]

Thank you so much for making these videos. No bro hype with just facts. I love the pros and cons of all the setups. Your the man!!

[@Filthymotorsports]

That is exactly what we were shooting for, so glad to hear it came out that way! Cheers!

[@garrettsmith8286]

I was about to buy race UCAs for the FJ. Looks like SPC is the way to go for my application. Great video!

[@michaelspangenberg4077]

Excellent video. Very thorough and precise. Great channel.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Much appreciated!

[@damexicutioner3747]

Thank you so much for this. First time upgrading my upper control arms. This showed me so much. Great video

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad it helped, thank you for letting us know!

[@rickmellor]

Best deep dive into ball joints I've seen!

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@ssoulssurfer]

Wow awesome videos thanks a lot. Just stumbled upon them looking at your website. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on the delta joint upper arms for my 98 tacoma TRD 4x4 V6 but now thinking twice and looking at the SPC's

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad to hear it! They are both excellent options!!

[@user-str8shtr]

Great educational video! Thanks for the class and your time for doing it. I’m definitely going to subscribe to your channel.

[@crowderlg]

AWESOME video, Sir. I was debating the ICON Delta vs the SPCs and JBAs on a 5th gen T4R, but this settles it SPC it is! I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm so glad to hear that, thank you!

[@vangeloalmazan4799]

I was debating with SPC or Camburg for my 2016 4Runner. I’m lifting mine to 2.5” and 1.5” spacer. I guess I might just go SPC it’s cheaper and for its purpose. My 4R is my daily and never Offroad it yet. No plan so far.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Nicely done Ben.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks!

[@edgarmendez4872]

thank you for the education. your presentation is excellent.

[@montemurray4513]

Best explanation I have found on YT about UCA

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you!

[@scottamy6496]

Fantastic video and awesome explanation, thank you!

[@JohnWaid6Plus]

Best ever video explaining this! Thanks

[@Filthymotorsports]

Oh wow, thank you!!

[@richardrussell1930]

Outstanding video. Very informative and well done. Thank you.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dustinhendrickson9551]

Finally! After reading through so many forums and articles where it seems like its just preference on getting control arms with a 3" leveling kit on a 15 silverado. Good to hear real information and why you should replace them.

[@willywill6486]

Nice class FOR FREE, lots of learning my man, thanks for sharing

[@Filthymotorsports]

You are very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@randyjoeparish372]

Learned a lot from this video. Thanks for all of the info.

[@chrisquirk6399]

Thank you for this! Very clear. Was looking forever for answers i didnt know i needed. Then this. Learning complete! Thanks again!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Haha, so glad to hear it, glad you watched!

[@luismvazquez9102]

Wooow excelent information, thank you for the outstanding research, very easy to understad for those of us that start to modify a Truck suspensión and with this information we can do the rigth way 😀😀

[@Filthymotorsports]

You are very welcome, glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@craigmorris4730]

Excellent presentation.I learn a lot.THX you..keep up the good work

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you!

[@evolusd]

You really are one of the best out there. Thx for the great info!

[@cameronmcintosh2978]

This video is so detailed and awesome!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks so much!

[@6SLipoJuice]

Awesome video ! Thank you for passing on your knowledge !

[@Filthymotorsports]

You are very welcome, thank you for watching!

[@RicardoRodriguez-vo2cs]

Great stuff guys! Learned a lot while folding laundry 😆

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad to hear we made your chores more enjoyable!

[@ricochetmedia689]

Dude... AWESOME video. Thank you so much for all of the info.

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad to hear it!! Thank you!

[@robertsprehe]

Amazing video!! Thanks for all the information!

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@user-ue5hg3hj2w]

Thanks again for a wonderfull presentation !!!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you for watching!

[@huerta25264]

wow. such great information. Great work!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@cag7772]

Thanks for making this video Really enjoyed it.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad to hear it!

[@djmiller1258]

Awesome videos..i learned allot thru them all thank you

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

Excellent job 👏

[@bmg321wtf]

Thanks for the info. Now i am curious about the spc's. Might switch out the fabtech uniballs. Although i just found the replacement spherical bearings for $50 ea. The first set lasted me about two years. I'm in Massachusetts with alot of salt and calcium in the winter. And i go wheeling in the spring, summer and fall, lots of mud.

[@toddpeterson6035]

Great video on UCA’s!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you!

[@ninjaturtle]

Great videos Ben. Thank you for sharing your attention to detail and providing the visuals with your cut aways. One suggestion though, and it’s only because you asked. Please, please try to drop the power-block cadence. Yours isn’t horribly bad but it would be such a huge improvement to your presentation. Everything else is so on point.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@gibstera5580]

Good video. Very informative. I have a 2017 4runner and doing a Dobinsons lift kit and planning on putting 285s tires. I was not planning on replacing the upper control arm until now. Watching the video is making wonder if I should go ahead and upgrade the stock arm. Is the stock arm strong enough. I am not going to rock climbing or race a baha dessert. Just need the lift for flood zones and crossing creates when going to the mountains. Thank you for your time

[@IvandGreat]

Amazing job, you make more of these, you will boom.

[@Filthymotorsports]

I'm trying! They are just a tremendous amount of work! :)

[@IvandGreat]

Filthy Motorsports i bet man. Thank you for your hard work.

[@peterh7841]

again great explanation

[@steveschilling5966]

great video answered many of my questions

[@Filthymotorsports]

Glad to hear it!

[@ricardoarizaga1997]

Great video well explained like always... I would like to see a comparison between MAZZULA/ CAMBURG/BAJAKITS/DIRTKING UPPER CONTROL ARMS billet and boxed..and if you recomend those for daily driven or race purposes or weekend warrior..thanks in advance...

[@roberts3889]

Awesome...thanks for the education!

[@mikejones4801]

Very good info Thanks

[@JesusWSalazar]

@Filthy Motorsports 3 Questions caused by your great/extremely educational video; Scenario: Have a 2017 Tacoma OR DCLB. Have an OME BP-51 kit (front and rears) preparing to install soon and am staying as close to no lift as possible for now (maybe go up 3/4-1"). I'm not increasing tire size (265/70/16) yet, may one day go to 265/75/16. Prepping truck for comfortable daily driving (bad back) and weekend getaways with a slide in four wheel pop up camper (arrives in June). Also doing air bags in rear to balance camper load as needed. I'm not blazing off road but I do hit old dirt and rock roads for camping and at a good pace. I'm looking for quality/reliability/ease of service and most importantly, dialed in alignment. So here's my dilemma's/3 questions: #1- I was going to go w/OME's uca's but now I'm not sure if I should consider the SPC's or the Icon Delta uca's. What are your thoughts between the 3 uca's given my scenario? #2-Since I'm more daily driver than weekend warrior and have air bags, I'm beginning to lean towards Icon RXT leafs instead of the OME's, because RXT's appear to be more progressive. Suggestion? #3-Front bump stops. For progressive reasons and lower height I'm leaning towards Wheelers Off Road stops instead of Timbren. Suggestion?

[@purple8gold]

This is very helpful. Thank you!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronlivien]

Watched this video soon after the shop I go to recommended SPC UCA’s for my 2013 4Runner Trail. Even when others are going with Total Chaos, etc, he recommended SPC’s for durability and less maintenance.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks for sharing, we hear that a lot from our customers!

[@chopper1588]

This is great information thank you for the video

[@alexgarcia3900]

Amazing video

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Very helpful video , thank you sir ! PS. You have a new subscriber 👍

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@billygraysullivaniii200]

That was incredibly useful.

[@CantSitStillforREAL]

What a wealth of knowledge. Great videos. You are making me want to drive 30 hours to come to your shop. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@Filthymotorsports]

So glad to hear it, thank you for watching!

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

Learned a lot thank you

[@marknicholson681]

You definitely explained the uniball well.....thanks

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you for watching!

[@damacknificent151]

So I was on Amazon trying to buy uca ball joint and lower ball joints for my 4runner, but moog problem solver was getting bad reviews, like they fail prematurely or what not. Even some KZbin vid out there. So I opted for OEM for that reason. But those SPC uca look real nice.

[@caution_xray]

GREAT vid.. thanks! 👍🏽 subscribed

[@Filthymotorsports]

Awesome! Thank you for the sub!

[@lokeyodinson8749]

I now know truck-fu a little better now, thank you so much!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Lol, glad we could help!

[@baylorhector]

Great video

[@nickganiron2730]

Thanks for the information.

[@Kanefires]

insane value in this video. curious if there is any updates you think could be added in past 5 years?

[@mrdiazjr27]

Just subscribed..great video

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks for the sub!

[@pacset2]

Great info

[@flavrdPnut]

First time watching and I have to say one of the best most informative videos Ive seen. I am looking to do all new suspension and UCA for my first gen Tundra and almost pulled the trigger on the Camburgs but after this video and my application I think SPC is what I need. I would like to know if the SPC has the possibility to slide out of spot when under serious pounding? Also do you have a video on coil over brands and your thoughts? Thanks again!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks for watching and yes, the SPCs would be an excellent choice. When installed correctly they don't move, even under aggressive use. As for shocks, send us an email and we can make some recommendations!

[@jefferysayles]

Very informative. When are you going to do a similar full video on lower control arms?

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thank you! There is not much to be said about LCAs, they rarely every need to be replaced outside of a long travel suspension system. Do you have any specific questions about LCAs?

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Welcome Back! Another very informational Video! Question, what are the Degree's of movement between the 4 joints, How do they Compare???

[@Filthymotorsports]

Thanks! All joints exceeded the angle requirement for a mid-travel suspension so having "extra" was irrelevant and not a benefit so we felt no need to post those results. They will all get the job done with margin to spare. Great question!

[@anthonyreddy2834]

Thank you, that makes sense and my choice easier for replacing my uniball or now thinking about just getting the SPC uca.

[@danteblack9873]

Thank you so much.

[@tonydijock151]

great video with explanation i was interested in ordering camburg UCAs and lowers would they be compatible with BDS full suspension lifts i believe there billstiens that are in there 3 3.5 lifts in trying to do 35s on tires?

[@nathancupp1361]

This stuff should be thought in high school to everyone By this guy.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Haha!

[@bikerevolutiontv]

Great video. Whats your opinion on an extended shank ball joint? Say 25mm. Will throw off the camber?

[@mathewkorn5008]

What about lower a arms? SPC as well ? I’m gathering parts for my 07 frontier 4x Rural Colorado has rough roads and extreme weather......this will be my 3rd time replacing front end . moog was okay but got eaten up within 2 to 3 years

[@ejshelby5460]

so glad to find your channel, very well explained! Can I ask a question, product-specific. I installed the Old man emu BP51 front coil over on the 4runner but kept the factory UCA. The reason being 1. I won't install larger tires and 2. I wanted to do minimal lifting (less than 2"). The BP51 has ride height adjustment which I did, to the lowest lift, but it somehow still gave me a 3" lift! Now I face an issue, the remote reservoir hose is trightly jammed under the UCA. What aftermarket UCA allows wider arch/more clearance? Or, if my current situation is a real concern? Will the downward movement of the factory UCA damage the hose?

[@georgewashington938]

good info - thanks

[@nastysoda9212]

Thank you!

[@TheGilborg]

Great video As always Ben What kind of grease would you recommend and how often to grease the SPCs? I do lots of muddy oilfield road driving.

[@Filthymotorsports]

Great question, I use Mobil 1 Synthetic Grease for everything (but just about any full synthetic grease is a great choice). Greasing the UCAs (and joints) is really easy to do every oil change if you keep it with your oil change gear but even every other or every 3 oil changes is plenty. Cheers!

[@trialmx]

@@Filthymotorsports A related grease questions; as I watch the removal and installation of bolts and nuts in videos for suspension components I notice that the threads and tapers of the hardware doesn't have antisieze or grease applied either from the factory or when the new parts are installed. Is there a reason the hardware is installed dry in these locations? Wouldn't use of a lube in these places make subsequent removals less dependant on large hammers? As long as the hardware is torqued to specs retention shouldn't be an issue.

[@stumptownwoodworks]

Great breakdown on the types of joints. Giving the actual Rockwell C numbers on the hardness test would be beneficial to some. Simply comparing hardness of the ball without the race it sits in doesn't mean much, it's the system. There are instances where I may use parts into the HRc 60 range for one application and only in the 40s for another depending on the ductility required for that joint at my day job. I assume the test were done with one of the file kits? Or do you have a bench top indenter type machine?

[@Filthymotorsports]

The hardness of the balls in these applications isn't critical considering the ball joints are (should be) well lubricated at all times and, as such, wear on the ball joints isn't a common issue and thus should not be a significant deciding factor when selecting UCAs. Great question!

[@RBLX_67749_NZXcB]

Great explanation! I am getting the SPC UCA for my 2018 4Runner and having it installed by Toyota. What kind of maintenance is needed for the SPC UCA or are they low maintenance control arms?

[@Cosmicsurfpro]

Just valvoline lithium grease in zerks and your Good

[@grahamfielder4498]

Excellent thanks

[@Filthymotorsports]

You are very welcome!