Which UCA is Best for YOU? Toyota Aftermarket UCA Part 2

How to choose the best/optimal upper control arm (UCA) design for your type of build.
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[Correction]: The SPC pivots are NOT rigid. For UCAs, SPC wraps the X-axis joints in rubber, which gives them vibration dampening. This in turns reduces some stiffness. So in terms of bushing deflection, SPC probably sits right in between AccuTune and Ironman. Thanks to viewer Christopher Wilson for pointing this out.
0:00 Intro
0:30 Body Design
2:30 Ball Joint
4:51 Frame Pivot
7:48 Recommendations

[@christopherwilson9140]

The xAxis joint is completely insulated from the steel by rubber. This gives it better NVH than a rod end. I know this because I had to replace one, the process involved drilling out the rubber yo remove the metal portion of the joint.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Ah you’re correct. Looks like SPC has a UCA specific x-axis bushing, which is the generic x-axis joint wrapped in rubber. Hmmm this is even better. How long did yours last? Or why did you have to replace them?

[@DRUMZ4LIFE82]

25,000 miles, they’re no good

[@christopherwilson9140]

@@TinkerersAdventure I did the thing where you buy mevotec supreme and SPC parts come in the box. One of the joints went bad really fast and at the time I could not get them warrantied because they were out of stock. So I found the kit to replace them. Other than that the rest have been fine for about 20k miles.

[@waynebarker7951]

As an engineer I really appreciate your bringing up both positives and negatives of the various options and also giving the reasons for your opinions. Keep up the good work! I'm learning a lot about my Tacoma and hope to learn more from you in the future

[@MaXimus666789]

Bro! Please keep up the fantastic content. No BS click bate just mic dropping facts over and over! Shame I don't have a ISF vehicle would be awesome for you to do some live axel content in the future!

[@taliesinangling3564]

I appreciate the amount of time and research put into these videos to deliver clear and accurate information, great work

[@zixiaoliang]

Great info as usual. Glad to see some sponsorship support behind you 👍

[@miguelsouderado3459]

My guy, your videos are on point. Thank you for taking the time to document and share your expertise.

[@davidcarranza1987]

Your videos are great! Love the attention to detail. You have answered so many question that most just skim on. Please keep them coming.

[@mgyexpedition8155]

Great video! High quality content! So much knowledge packed into this short video.Love it!

[@active411vm]

That fj in the backround looks sick af!

[@humanbean123]

Excellent video! Thank you for making all of these videos! They are very in-depth and informative! Much appreciated! :)

[@snart87]

I wish these videos were around when I first got my FJ. Thanks for all the hard work filming these videos, I'm learning so much!

[@1Coolbanana]

Another excellent video. Really great unbiased work 👍

[@campchamp2526]

Mate, you're a champion at this KZbin! Thanks for clearing things up on the last UCA video. 🇦🇺

[@BL-tr2ug]

As always, excellent content. This quality of content sets the bar for content publishers, its relevant, well presented, informative and succinct. This is the sort of experience and advice we wish we could get and that costs a packet. Thanks for the education......

[@GodBreathed77]

This video breakdown was so incredibly insightful. Really amazing content. Also helped me (new to suspension), have a much better understanding of the suspension components all-together.

[@kwilcox417]

Teach us more stuff Kai! Seriously though, thank you for all the hard work, information, and excellent presentation.

[@g.fortin3228]

Wow.. all explained and very clear on all the details.. well done Sir ! Thank you.

[@CherokeeChief.]

Your the type of guy id love to go wheeling with and off-road with. Knowledgeable and well thought thru on everything on your rig. I know I could learn a ton from you outside your videos. Great work

[@Tacoexplorer]

I have the Icon Tubular with delta joint. Super happy with them after 4 years of abuse. Recommended them to my friend and he’s happy with them as well.

[@drsus0]

I love that the two most popular brands for UCAs ( Icons/ total chaos) are not even mentioned, such piles... if you want rubber ducky noises everywhere you go, get total chaos. if you want never ending servicing ( and failures) get Icon. these videos are worth a LOT More subs and likes, amazing work, thank you!

[@ceeIoc]

Are the icon tubular with delta joints no good?

[@drsus0]

@@ceeIoc the icons are good if you're willing to do the servicing to the delta joint ... and most say they will do this but end up leaving them on til they crap out THEN servicing them, and by then you usually need new ones you can go on any forum and type "dealt joint worn" and a bunch of " I need new ones already!?" or " its only been 6 months and they already make noises" etc. if you stay on top of them, they will last and stay quiet, but as I said, most people don't.

[@ceeIoc]

@@drsus0 gotcha. I really just want a set it and forget it uca. It seems spc is the best but maybe I don’t need that much adjustability on a 2.5 inch lift. Have you heard of Freedom UCA’s? They have good reviews on a Amazon.

[@drsus0]

@@ceeIoc the non delta icon is a good one. the SPC are great ones you set them up. I hear the Accutune ones are also good. have not heard of the freedom and I wouldn't pout too much weight behind amazon reviews. id go on as many forums related to your truck and search for freedom UCA, if no results, ask. you want real user input, not a review form some guy that installed them drove around the block and gave it 5 stars.

[@Kiwigd]

Another hit.. out of the ballpark! Great video Tinker

[@themr2guy]

Love your videos. Straight to the point and just makes sense.

[@WEESHBONE]

I enjoy your full explanations! Very interesting and intelligent!

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

As always another banger!!! Keep up the good work dude 🤙🏻

[@sk8sn0surf]

TA, I love your videos! I am shopping for UCA form yo 2020 Tundra Pro right now, and I was going to buy the JBA brand ...but now after listening to you break down the other UCA's [ which are similar to the JBA build - powder coat, tubular greaseable, urethane ] I am sold on the Ironman! … I too live in the NE rustbelt! Keep up the great comparison and demonstration vids! 👍

[@davesantimaw5413]

Always cool to watch your videos!

[@burrosperdidos]

Love the way you break down your analysis. You touched on sway bars in a previous video, but hearing your pragmatic take on real world use (or removal) would be very informative!

[@Tranfamilies]

that would be interesting video. I thought I need at least fr sb, but after remove them all and with IM FCP and heavy spring (my rig is heavy), it handles very well offroad. Onroad it is not at all bad as many have said it would. I bought the fr sb to install but now decide to go without fr/rr sb.. Dampening of suspension and correct pairing of spring definitely help. Love to hear more from Jake analysis

[@ilyaa]

Amazing content as always.

[@michaelbias3438]

Another outstanding video. Thank you.

[@jamesf6315]

Again, killed it man. Can wait to be educated on the next video!

[@eddiesaninocencio7486]

Great commentator, I learned allot just from this video.

[@royyang89]

Nice video! Keep them coming!!

[@accutuneoffroad]

Another awesome video, keep up the great work!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! Just realized I forgot to mention preproduction unit in this video. Hope you guys will launch the product soon!

[@Clayjones80]

@@TinkerersAdventure I was wondering when I saw this video - Accutune did my Fox 2.5 DSC shocks and I'm not impressed with my Icon UCA's. Delta joint is pretty limited with caster angles for 5th Gen 4Runner's

[@electricstartclint]

Great video. Would’ve loved to have seen a Dobinsons UCA as well. OE ball joint and OE frame pivot bushings.

[@4xhoser]

Damn dude! You sure lay down a bunch of good information what an awesome video! Cheers!🤘🇨🇦👌

[@jimskatr103]

PLEASE! Do a 1st gen sequoia build. I love your channel

[@406Campr]

Kai, you killed it again!

[@nynomad7625]

Zero issues so far with my Camburg Balljoint UCA's, just keep'em lubed

[@ejshelby5460]

the comment about clearance and reservoir hose addresses exactly what I've been dying to know. I ran the old man emu BP51 on the 4runner front, but kept the stock UCA, as I set the preload to be very low. However, somehow it still gave me a 3" lift!! The lift aside, I am really concerned that the hose is tightly tuck between the shock body/collar and the UCA, I feel the down travel of the UCA will soon destroy the hose.

[@dustywizard1104]

I would love to see a video on Tacoma lean, or the driver side droop on the sr5 platform. I'm interested to see your analysis/solution. Awesome video once again.

[@4xfortuner812]

Funny how there’s always a toyota lean on their 4wds. I had an hdj80 with the same driver side lean and 2 fortuners 2015 and 2020 with the lean as well. Only explanation i could think was the fortuners were designed for a majority RHD market so fuel tank sat on left to balance the driver side rhd but in making LHD market units it causes all the weight to sit left side.

[@jdimonda]

I can't wait for you to get your hands on a new tacoma trd Pro or Trailhunter to analyze its components.

[@SongHawj53]

Just subscribed! Good videos. Planning to lift my 2010 fj. Love your fj front end. Will be contacting you for everything you have on yours

[@trailrunnah8886]

Excellent info!

[@notakm9957]

another great video!

[@ausguy4385]

A video on do you need longer brake lines and diff drop at what lift amount would be great too

[@erikschutzman2402]

awesome, thank you for the video

[@GrizzlyPath]

Great comparison and rundown! I went with Ironman UCAs because I valued them being basically maintenance free and closer to OEM. I can swap ball joints out and get new bushings without having to go with expensive alternatives. Additionally, I’ve found a lot of the spherical joints to be noisier, even when greased up regularly. Obviously going to depend on use case, but for me a more OEM spec worked great.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Agree, unless for actual racing, I always prefer everything close to OEM.

[@Glanzautosalon]

Tinkerer's Adventure what do you think about their shocks the Ironman 4x4 foamcell shocks?

[@kirkhamster0024]

Agreed 100%. How many miles do you have on your IM UCA? Any noise issues?

[@goforbroke2]

How are your Iron UCA’s holding up? How many miles have you put on them?

[@Mulberryman375]

Excellent!!!

[@GameOvrMan]

Thank you! Very informative. Which shock would you recommend for a 2 inch lift? Primarily for ride quality on the bumps

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

I went with the Poly Performance UCAs because they use OEM style ball joints and bushings, but with upgraded rubber. And they're only $450!

[@VorticalOatmeal]

Excellent video as always! Any info on extended sway bar links? Do I really need them, if so how much longer than stock? Do you get any benefit from buying those super thick and beefy ones over something of a stock thickness?

[@michaelscott8968]

Hey great videos. What UCA would you recomend for a 3 inch lifted tacoma? Any other recomendations?

[@DRUMZ4LIFE82]

Great videos both 1&2. I will say I just sent my SPC arms back for warranty. Those X Axis bushings failed after 25,000 miles of highway driving just a heads up to some considering them, and finding a competent technician to touch them is tough.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! That's some good real world feedback. From just the design it looks pretty promising. But sounds like not great execution

[@gmnelli]

Same here on bushing. Plus, my ball joint failed too even with regular greasing. Leaving the bushings alone but replaced ball joint with SPC new sealed unit.

[@RalphCrongeyer]

Hello, thanks for the videos. I would like to see you add the JBA and/or JBA HD High Caster UCA's to this or your next comparison review of UAC's. I'm currently running with JBA HD UAC's on a 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser and they are holding up very well and allow my alignment to be adjusted to +4 degrees caster to move my front wheels forward.

[@bluephoenix383]

I'm running stock uca on my 19 4runner OR with fox 2.0 coilovers front with 1 in lift coils in rear with fox 2.0 shocks on stock size wheels and tires was going to get aftermarket uca but so far alls well on the stock ones

[@Metallictaco]

Great video and this channel is awesome it’s basically like a tacomaworld forum Tedtalk😂🤙

[@turk_labs]

Accutune UCA's are great. After blowing through several sets of SPC's due to X-axis failures, I wanted to try something else. So far so good, no noises yet several months in.

[@babyfacelmao69]

@turk_labs still going good brother? I like them, worried about the heims noise-wise.

[@turk_labs]

@@babyfacelmao69 no noises at all yet, still solid. Probably 15k on them total, did a 5k trip from east coast to Colorado and Moab without issue. Going to pull them off to inspect and do a double shear brace for the UCA mounts.

[@babyfacelmao69]

Badass, thanks for the reply!@@turk_labs

[@tdgarage4012]

Great content. Please consider expanding into other makes for channel growth like Ford Raptor.

[@lukedeleon8183]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Really appreciate your in depth analysis and education. I also have an FJ. Upgrading to 295/70R17s with bilstein 6112 heavy load coils. Expecting about a 2.2” lift. Which UCA would you recommend? I was planning on JBA, but now based on your video, i am leaning to the Iron mans.

[@scootypuffjr.]

Have you done this yet? I'm thinking about the same setup

[@bluegrapevr6]

Thank you for excellant educational video's. Could you discuss 1st gen tundra ifs ? And you opinion on best non- long travel hard ware options currently available? Lots of confusion on forums. Looking at ifs set up. Only 1" additional droop looks attainable due to design. Do you agree?

[@miguelbarriga8472]

Subscribed

[@mattymcmacca]

Bigger, Stronger balls XD Your channel is awesome, when are you adding more content?

[@Expl4rnr]

Dobinsons and JBA UCAs are also top notch as well. For older Toyotas my preference is JBA, can run a larger tire/wheel and not have a bunch of maintenance.

[@kennethbecerra7362]

I currently have JBA on my 2006 Tacoma Double Cab. It’s been 2 years and zero issues. Just add the recommended grease when you do your oil changes

[@altcode1510]

I really like your videos. Lots of information to digest so we can make the best choice to modify our suspension. Could you please include JBA Uca in your video comparison. The company says it has a 99 degree of articulation at the ball join due to their design and channel for grease on the bushings. I am having a hard time de siding which UCA to get and now I am trying to figure out what is the better lift high. I used to think the a 3" lift was better for clearance but I am not sure that is the way to go unless you are getting a long travel set up like the Marlin Crawler which very expensive giving everything it needs to be modified. For me budget is very important since I cannot afford to expend a lot of money on the suspension but I want something that is reliable and does not break the bank. Thanks again for your videos.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! Their EZ Lube bushing is easier to grease than other poly bushings. But it is still poly bushings at the end of the day. For Toyota prado platform, the high angle ball joint won't gain you any performance (see part 1 video)

[@96kylar]

When are the Accutune units going to be available ? Great vid bro,.. killer info.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! Send them an email and check if they have a date. They didn’t have a date when I borrowed this unit over a month ago

[@96kylar]

@@TinkerersAdventure Kai,.. much thanks for all you've done here, and the time involved. Ive found, talking to many many out there, isnt the best plan, when they are telling you what YOU need, because, they bought it. I dont roll like that, and your vid's, and the way you are going about it, is spot fucking on mate. Much thanks for those of use out there, that just dont open up a blank check, and better yet, want to know WHY im sticking something on my rig. Stay at it ....

[@davidanthonytechurnangauta4880]

When is the next😫 i want more! Now that you made me go dirtking, i wanna see more videos from you😢

[@orangekilla3374]

Hey you should review Jdf fabrication uca’s they use oem Toyota inner pivot bushings and come with sealed Greasable uniballs for the best of bolth worlds.

[@kevinkeener1885]

Please make a video on the marlin crawler long travel kit.

[@95tman]

Ive had SPCs on my tundra and now SPCs on my tacoma and they have both been flawless. I grease the UBJs every other oil change and they remain silent. Between the two trucks, I personally have 50k miles on SPC UCAs with no problems to report. If my GF's 4runner gets an aftermarket set of UCAs they will likely be SPCs

[@foskco87]

Interesting. I've had my SPC's since May 2020 with no issues as well but I keep hearing about how people are having problems with them

[@thisthat5874]

What kind of grease and grease gun do you use ? You grease every 5k miles ?

[@kipconner5143]

What about JBA uca's? I have a 3 inch Eibach stage 1 kit on my 14 Tacoma.

[@besteraj]

Thank you for the huge effort you put into your VLOGS. Perhaps...slow it down? I am having to jot down your facts and observations as I am planning a 2" lift on my own LC150 Prado V6 VX with KDSS. This is jokingly, but it feels like I am attending my final year psychology master class again 😆 Except, I REALLY want to be here!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Haha I like your analogy! Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try to slow it down more

[@3GFinn]

Love the vids! What is your opinion on Icon's UCA Delta Joint? Thanks.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

For late model Toyota prado 120/150s, I feel its only benefit (over Moog problem solver ball joint) is you can retrofit it into a uniball arm, if you already had one. If you're buying a brand new arm, I don't see much benefit of delta joint.

[@3GFinn]

@@TinkerersAdventure thanks!

[@EmpTy-kf2rq]

Have you noticed higher running coolant temperatures with the LP9s in front of your radiator grill?

[@drewncars9505]

Have you looked into the marlin crawler RCLT-HD arms? Big Mike is able to run either 37s or 40s without spacers or a body mount chop and has a CTI score of 820!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

It's a pretty impressive design. He did had to refab the front of the wheel well (under where the battery is mounted), which is probably more difficult to do. My dirtking long travel pushes the tire forward 1/2", I'm running 315/70R17. I'm already rubbing the front of the wheel well near full compression and steering. So I don't think "no need for BMC" means "less work" as many thought. Nevertheless, this kit has many unique benefits.

[@gabelangmead8867]

How do you feel about the rough country UCA’s which are similar in design to the Ironman UCA

[@Treetopflyer777]

I have a 2018 4runner TRD off road. I’ve got a Bilstein 5100 shocks already installed and Dobinson springs that are going to be installed next month. I’m located in Canada, where salt and stuff affects the car. I want to get the best UCA for my set up and my environment. I’ve been hearing a lot of failures lately with the SPC control arms. In fact, one place didn’t want to sell them to me For that reason. It appears that likely the Iron Man control arm would be best but what is your opinion? Any help would be really appreciated!!!

[@KingHaywood85]

😮I'm interested in billet upper control arms for my Tacoma but can't find any info on how to perform an alignment with them only install videos

[@6402457]

JBA high angle uca best bang for the buck and maintenance is so simple and easy

[@tracecanyon]

What about the Icon UCA?

[@chadw.6049]

So what is your view on Ironman’s UCA now they had a recall for ball joint /cracking failures and now replacing with a mismatch of various ball joints?

[@caseyhanas3311]

One question, why UCA's with an OEM ball joint? One thing to mention is, OEM joints = OEM like performance Camburg, Total Chaos, and many others use a uniball in their UCA's for a reason, and thus why the price is always higher. Otherwise, great vid! Would love to see you make a UCA uniball comparison, particularly a 1st gen Tacoma UCA!

[@lifesgo0d]

He covered this in the video . . . .

[@GrmpaJA]

Are the delta joint tubular uca a decent value?

[@kakashikakashi-]

why wasn't dobinson mentioned? uses factory Bjs literally rock solid

[@scoobysid04]

When doing a spring upgrade for bigger tires what would be the best route on UCAs? I have a 22 T4R pro and wanna put 285s on it. Thanks in advance 👍

[@machiavelli_g4458]

damn my total chaos.... damnnnnn

[@chinesevirus7709]

What are your thoughts on jbas?

[@illustriouslaz]

I love your videos. Do you ever come down south to wheel? Would love to ride with you and pick your brain about my LX470 suspension

[@TinkerersAdventure]

I’ve been to Windrock and Uwharrie Forrest a couple times! Great trails. See you on the trail some day

[@samro9744]

I currently have SPC UCAs and their bushings just wore out on my 4runner after just a year or 20K miles. It's making horrible sounds now and I wheel on an off road park every other weekend and use it on Colorado and Utah off road trails. My mechanic told me they're just factory replacement and not suitable for hard, off road use. The ball joint on the SPC is really fine as I grease it every 5k miles. Is my mechanic correct on saying it's not really meant for off-roading? I saw on SPCs limited warranty information that it's not covered if used off road. I am looking to replace it with accutune or the ironman now since the accutune has heim joints but I really like the set and forget thing that ironman is offering and it looks good and shiny and to top it off I got ironman FCPs after watching your videos. Loving their shocks so far!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

From the many comments I received, sounds like the SPC x-axis bushings do not last long. Great concept in theory, but poorly executed. As I mentioned in UCA part 1 video (check it out if you haven’t) strength needs to be put into context. Factory UCA will outlast most aftermarket UCAs even in off-road use. Breaking things with brute force and components wearing out are 2 different phenomena. Most people believe you need “upgrade” everything if you go off-road, but that is oversimplified thinking.

[@samro9744]

@@TinkerersAdventure you are right. I have learned from this experience and have a mindset now that these are “wearable” items. I just realized how much more wear off roading really does to components. I gotta always have some spare parts on the field and gotta know how to fix em. I have watched all your videos actually. You have a different perspective than the others and are truthful and knowledgeable. Your videos are very educational and interesting. Keep up the good work!

[@lukeroberts7250]

I hate my SPC uca's. In 18mos I've replaced the ball joints and the x-axis bushings. And the x-axis bushings are already bad again. I can grab my control arm and push/pull with a loud clunk. 250$ for Spc's upper ball joints and another 250$ for their x-axis bushings. I've got over 1250$ into these control arms and they have a ton of play and ride like shit. They've been nothing but a money pit and a headache.

[@thisthat5874]

Yeah man same here idk how they’re legally selling these things - mine were under warranty at a shop and replaced for free so here’s hoping they last this time

[@ryanjaramillo8152]

I heard Accutune has UCAs now but cannot find them anywhere online

[@accutuneoffroad]

Has not been released quite yet. Coming soon!

[@grumpyguzman3918]

Im having a cv axle problem on mine, i have a 3" lift in it and the cv is super tight on hub bearing and drive train, there is no play on cv axle at all please help me on that

[@chadw.6049]

Ironman UCA now having a recall, so concerned what is the long term quality of them? According to NTSB they are made in China and had faulty ball joints. I know Ironman has been replacing. But now found out made in China and with new ball joints, concerned about their claims of maintenance free. Be good if can hear your take on them now.

[@LancerNik13]

What about JBA UCA's?

[@rdyred5080]

Your knowledge is exceptional. Are you a Toyota robot?

[@xavior718]

I have SPC but it’s not flat like the one you have. I’m not sure if it’s an old version or not as I did buy them 2 years ago. It’s round, thick and heavy. It also doesn’t have joints like yours. It has thick bushings with a center metal sleeve.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Yeah that is their first generation aka light racing UCA. I had them many years ago

[@bigmoonoutfitters6180]

Can i give you a call or email concerning my 2019 tundra? You seem very knowledgeable and i would like to get some clear direction about how to go about upgrading my truck properly.

[@joereyna614]

I'm running ironman stage 2 nitro lift.. and both ball joints cracked open last month.. I've had them on the truck for about 11 months. I'm aware of the recall but CS is taking forever to reply.. from emails and call back... Should I just replace the ball joint myself? Thinking of Mevotech TTK ball joints.

[@trevoredmond8819]

My Spc x-axis bushings are failing with less than 20k, mostly highway miles. Just begun the warranty process so hopefully they will replace them.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

I have heard quite a few complaints about this in my comments now. It seems SPC didn’t implement well in practice.

[@douglasrobertson325]

What do we think about the JBA Offroad UCAs?

[@masterdriveroftoyotazupr4164]

I have them on my 3rd Gen 4Runner. No complaints here.

[@victoryengineer]

The correct answer is ball joint. If you are considering a uniball, save time, money and a lot of work and just get a Jeep. I've had Jeeps but currently drive a 4Runner. Jeeps are the ultimate crawlers but suck everywhere else.