Upper Control Arm Comparison -

Although the factory UCA works well for a factory setting, adding lift and adding larger wheel and tires put additional stress on these components. Excessive lift can also change your suspension geometry beyond the factory UCA, and can affect everything from steering, travel, ride quality, excessive wear on joints and tires. In order to correct all of this and put your alignment back into a factory spec, an upgraded UCA is needed.
Full guide here:
www.shocksurplus.com/pages/de...

[@K-bob_45]

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

[@ShockSurplus]

appreciated, glad we can help!

[@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.

[@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

[@saulocampos9811]

That was great. Thanks.

[@ShockSurplus]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🙏🏼

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.