Upper Control Arm Comparison -

[@K-bob_45]

You guys have great videos. Can’t wait to order from you guys

[@ShockSurplus]

appreciated, glad we can help!

[@jeremyledbetter8022]

Huge help in my decision to get the Icons vs Total Chaos

[@ShockSurplus]

We are glad to be of assistance!

[@FOURFTP]

What did you end up going with ? I’m on the same boat. Between both brands

[@brandenvuong81]

Super informative! helped me get an idea about the use of UCA's.

[@ShockSurplus]

That is great to hear! If you need anything at all, please let us know.

[@BrentonWestrich]

Great video. Aside from the life heigth that requires replacement of the UCA, no one seems to address the age of the vehicle. At some point bushings & ball joints wear out and replacing bushings can be time consuming. Whats the general rule that leads you to replace the UCA when the vehicle / OEM reaches a certain age? Even with a minimal 2" lift?

[@ShockSurplus]

mileage may vary, pure street vehicles wont need new upper ball joints for a while. but when the ball joints go, its typically cheaper to buy a new arm with the ball joint already pressed in. upper ball joints can easily last 150k miles on a vehicle doesn't see a lot of dirt. feel free to email [e-mail] for other questions

[@seandalejackson2525]

Hey My Man, how does the Bilstein B8 UCA fit in this comparison?! Cool Vid!!

[@mancityfan25]

I would love to hear his input on this!

[@ShockSurplus]

We have a Blog post about the the UCA which include Bilstein B8 UCA. www.shocksurplus.com/pages/definitive-upper-control-arm-comparison-guide

[@sublimeskull0Ne]

8:34... dude for sure runs a Facebook page. 😅😂

[@ShockSurplus]

Guiillltttyyyy

[@BrandonAgpaoa]

I have a 3" BDS leveling kit for my 2020 Tundra. I do plan eventually to upgrade my entire suspension, and I've been working with Matt. Until in able to upgrade, do I need to upgrade my UCA now?

[@curtisjoyce8002]

Hey there! Not sure if you have been asked this. If so I’m sorry…. I have a 2022 trail boss and going to install bilstein 5100 adjustable and set them at the 1.5” lift for a level stance. Would you recommend swapping out the UCA’s? Thanks!!

[@simpletacoma]

Can you install upper control arms with stock suspension?

[@ShockSurplus]

Yes you can but there isn't much benefit in doing so unless you wanted something stronger.

[@simpletacoma]

@@ShockSurplus stronger as In adding suspension?

[@ShockSurplus]

Strong is terms of quality. They are offered in Forged Steel, Tubular Steel, and Billet Aluminum

[@simpletacoma]

@@ShockSurplus I went with dirt king uca

[@simpletacoma]

Ball joint

[@flightmedic7169]

I need to move my tire slightly outward on a 4” lift but this is due to a slight frame damage. Would this help move it outward from the top ?

[@ShockSurplus]

that's a good question, text/call us at 213-433-3616 and request Bowman

[@suetaylor1127]

how come there is not a video like this on the LCA's?

[@ShockSurplus]

For LCA, we would run OEM ones unless you're doing a mid to long travel kit then you would run the LCA provided on those kits.

[@dillonencinia2729]

So if all I’ve done was Level out the front of my 2021 F150 with Bilstein 6112, is the a reason to buy a new UCA?

[@ShockSurplus]

There are few reasons to why one would upgrade the UCA. More articulate is provided on aftermarket options, some require extra clearance, some provide adjustment to dial in camber and/or caster, and just having more beefy and rigid UCA.

[@dillonencinia2729]

@@ShockSurplus Thanks for the reply 🙏🏼

[@alialmosawi3273]

Hi, I will install Nismo lift kit 2 inch in my Xterra. Do I need to replace the UCA? Is the Icon UCA fit without problem?

[@ShockSurplus]

We suggest that you change the UCA anytime you lift up any vehicle.

[@davidrabago7129]

I would like to install bilstien 5100's on my 2017 ram 4x4, should I replace the upper control arms?

[@ShockSurplus]

If you're keep it stock height, then no. But if you're lifting it, it's good practice to always change it out.

[@ceeIoc]

Do I need them to help fit 285’s on a Tacoma with 2.5 inch lift?

[@ShockSurplus]

You should always upgrade your UCA when lifting your vehicle as good practice.

[@michaelfrymus]

Im looking for a non-rubber bushing, so either the urathane or possible a heim mount... And even though I want a uni ball, I should get a ball joint because I live in Canada and winters are rough and heard that they can get ruined. So, I need a ball joint or a delt Wondering how the Icon compares to the JBA HD High Caster Upper Control Arm... and which would perform better in the winters

[@ShockSurplus]

Well the Icon tubular arms use urethane bushings and the Billets use FK brand heims on the frame pivot side. If you want the strength of a uniball but the sealed design and the greasibility of an HD ball joint then the Icon Delta Joints are the way to go. The JBAs use stock-style ball joints and synthetic rubber bushings so if you wanted to add strength and minimize deflection, those will not do much for the cause. They do however have more caster built into them than the Tubular arms which can help tire clearance to a degree, however, if you are looking to get an arm for more caster/front wheel push we do think the SPC or Icon Billets are better. The fault of running an arm with a bunch of caster built in that is not adjustable is oftentimes you either have to make some sacrifices in your ideal camber specs to achieve a higher caster value or simply back off the caster on the stock cams. The SPC and Icon billet arms are capable of just as much caster, but since they have camber adjustment, you make fewer sacrifices elsewhere in your alignment. The Icon, or any heim jointed arm, also allows you to make equal adjustments at the upper and the stock lower cams so that you can get more forward wheel push for more tire clearance without running as much caster. So where you might need to run so much caster it makes it a chore to steer with something like the SPC or JBA, you could take a heim jointed arm like the Icon, put the front wheel where you want it, and run closer to the factory caster specs which will make turning bigger tires a lot easier on you and your power steering.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@ShockSurplus I'm new to all this, so I don't really understand much.. but, I don't believe I actually want Heim mounts as I'm hearing that although great for adjustability, they wear out quick. And maybe not optional for winters

[@ShockSurplus]

Then if winter wear and running a lot of caster are concerns then you probably want the Dobinsons Billets which offer similar adjustability to the Icon or any other Billet, but use sealed bushings on the frame pivot side.

[@saulocampos9811]

That was great. Thanks.

[@ShockSurplus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tyagomercado1767]

What be best for a 6inch lift on my Tacoma SPC or delta

[@ShockSurplus]

pros and cons to each, SPC seems less durable, Icon is rebuildable but you have to go billet to get adjustment. If you're not trying to make caster adjustments to fit larger tires in the wheel well, that's one of SPC's strengths. Most guys here run Icon DJ www.shocksurplus.com/search?query=icon-delta-joint

[@ceeIoc]

I have a 2 inch lift and after the alingment I have 1 degree of caster. Is this enough ?

[@ShockSurplus]

Varies on the vehicle but 1 degree of positive caster is usually not enough.

[@xanderfloats]

What number is the SPC?? 460 or 470

[@ShockSurplus]

These specifically? probably 460, but these aren't all for the same app

[@ShockSurplus]

25460 - 1st Gen Tacoma, 25470 - 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma, 25480 - 4th and 5th Gen 4Runner, GX470 and 470 and FJ Cruiser, 25490 - 2nd Gen Tundra.

[@xanderfloats]

@@ShockSurplus thank you for the response. I bought the SPC’s for my 3rd gen Tacoma. Some people say that the SPC’s UCA fail after 10,000 miles, is that true?

[@ShockSurplus]

Not from our experience with our own vehicles or with customers. The only two ways I can see the UCA failing is 1. end user forgets to grease it and maintain the grease. 2. they hit something very hard

[@beardumaw24]

600 $ very budget friendly ! lol, i think not !

[@user-hk3nq4sd4s]

Ill put this rwal simple. Uniballs suck they require alot of maintenance and qill rust niosy. Deltas are in the same group its a hybrid uniball they fail and are noisy. SPC suck balls they crack and are way to technical for alignmnet shops, plus if you need to adjust cast or cam you need to drop the spindle and rotate that stupis washer. Hands down nothing beats a Superpro period.

[@ShockSurplus]

so...crap on all the other guys and pitch superpro? k

[@user-hk3nq4sd4s]

@ShockSurplus the reason I say Superpro as expressed is in our trucks and buggies we utilized them all even making our own UCAs. Uniballs rust require major maintenance and snap. We looked into icons delta and it basically aodified uniball. If you have noticed most top brands are leaning away from uniballs and either getting rid of them period or making them sealed and for sure serviceable. This leads me to Moog or HD balls. Like military (were USMC Heavy Mechanics) we run HD ball joints and do not use unis. Superpro not only uses this method but has welded forged arms 1 fixed which are perfect and 2 adjustable still retaining ball joints. We haven't seen 1 uniball to date that hasn't 1 rusted, 2 made a lot of noise, 3 either broke snapped or required loads of maintenance. Also uniballs do not provide superior strength and more articulation at all.

[@daymonkeeton7364]

CONTACT SHOCK SURPLUS"? What a freakin JOKE! How about multiple calls and hold times, one up to 30 minutes long. Only to get a recording that says" Why waste anytime being on hold, go online and shop" Paraphrase. Well, if someone wants to speak to a real person with genuine questions, how about being more personal and picking up the phone. Employ more people to answer phones. It's all about relationship-building and communication guys. That's how you get the word spread. Since I know you are already established and my rant will absolutely go nowhere and probably get beat up here on posts, this is all a moot point. I'm only one guy and the world is just different. Regardless, this 61-year-old man who had shock questions for a purchase, will not shop at Shock Surplus. Out!

[@ShockSurplus]

All we can say is sorry! Last week was intense for us, 2 people out, training 2 new people, on top of big demand - all a tough combo! We're actively addressing phone volume and bringing down response times. If you want to give us another chance, email the owner [e-mail] - he's been made aware of your complaint.