Total Chaos 4th gen Upper Arms Arriving soon! - Toyota

Good Times · 09-01-2004, 03:46 PM

If you guys are interested in some quality Upper A-Arms built by Total Chaos, give them a buzz at (951) 737-9682 (new area code). you can email them at chaosfab@aol.com. The more inquiries they get, the faster they'll get on the ball.

Once they are completed, they will be sending it off to various offroad shops for sale. Not sure on price but call your local shops for exact prices when they arrive.

I got to check out the sample r&d version (incomplete) and it will look identical to the 3rd gen 4runner/taco uniball design. So the quailty will be top notch! Hoping to have the final version soon.

Btw, this should apply to the new 05 tacoma's as well so that's a good sign for all the new taco owners looking for parts!

4route · 09-01-2004, 04:33 PM

Lance,

this is going to be a horribly stupid question, but when i saw a uniball upper a-arm placed next to a stock upper a-arm, i couldn't tell much difference and was wondering -- what are the benefits of these aftermarket upper arms?

thanks

Good Times · 09-01-2004, 04:48 PM

stock arms are ball joint. these arms will be uniball.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/projects/tacoma/uca.html

look at the pic of the stock vs total chaos. This should give you a good indication.

Also these arms are good for offroading. They clear the coils better thus you won't have to worry about hitting the coils w/ the stock arms.

basically an expensive mod that does little work. Very minimal but if you plan to go all out and do big stuff, it's just another mod to have. not alot of people do it though as the stock works just as well.

dcampen · 09-01-2004, 05:14 PM

Lance,

This is not intended as any criticism but I have been wondering for a while now, given the very extensive mods that you are doing, how did you decide to go with a 4Runner instead of a Tacoma? It just seems that someone who wants the offroad ability that you do might have chosen a Taco as the starting point.
At times I have a tinge of regret that I got a 4Runner instead of a Tacoma though I would still have left mine pretty much stock. For example you can get a stock Tacoma with 3" more ground clearance than a 4Runner.

Good Times · 09-01-2004, 07:28 PM

Part of the fun is being able to goto places where you would think you couldn't be able to do so. Yes the taco has more ground clearance but you must keep in mind that in offroading, it's 90% driver skills and 10% vehicle. Finding the safest line possible on a trail and being able to conquer it using the rig you have there. It's better to start small and appreciate what you have and then learn the tricks and trade of the limitation of the vehicle. Once you've mastered your stock rig, adding mods and moving up in the offroading adventure is just that much sweeter

(it's not that fun if you start w/ everything)

Some reasons why I went with the 4runner instead:
1. more balanced weight (taco cab empty causes traction issues).
2. shorter wheelbase (good for diff kind of terrains)
3. newer generation vehicle
4. made in japan!
5. no aftermarket parts available!!! (jk... this part sux as usual)
6. nobody has one (or willing to take it offroad - but there is a following!!! woohoo!)
7. frame is fully boxed compared to taco's that are just c channeled. (even the new 05 taco's will still have the c channel frame... what was toyota thinking?!?!?)
8. front/rear disc
9. v8 baby (i'm such a sucker for power)
10. everyone already has a taco lifted n banged up
11. driving a smooth and refined vehicle (def a plus!)
12. made in japan
the list can go on forever.

The 4runner can be modded just as well as a taco and go places that a taco can go. The best thing about it is that I'm able to enjoy the trails from the luxury of my 4runner (prob the only other vehicle i'd look into would be the 80 series LC).

Btw, I'm not into the banging the truck until it doesn't look like a truck either. I do appreciate all my body panels and I do plan to keep them in good condition. Ofcourse I won't wash it and wax it like crazy but I do try to keep it as normal as possible.

This is all part of the fun of being able to go on a moments notice out to the local fun areas and enjoy life. Life is too short to live and gripe over what if's

Anything is possible so long as you are confident that it is.

Lastly, how many people consider a 4runner being a capable offroading rig? not many now a days. It's always welcoming to see other owners willing to take their 4runner out on the trails for abit of a small adventure

Body damage sux though so drive carefully!

jharris2 · 09-01-2004, 07:35 PM

So Lance -- when will you have every part in the truck replaced? You're wokring on it a little at a time!

4route · 09-01-2004, 07:44 PM

i have to concur on the issue of traction control being a bit less on a Taco than on a Runner. i test drove both in the mountains one winter on the snow and on the streets and on the dirt/sand. the 4runner felt a bit more stable in comparison as far as traction goes.

that's not to say anything negative about the Taco, just one reason why i, too, decided on a 4Runner instead. i love both though, and wouldn't mind having a Taco some day.

Good Times · 09-02-2004, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jharris2
So Lance -- when will you have every part in the truck replaced? You're wokring on it a little at a time!

hehe, it'll still be a 4runner

well I guess in my eyes it'll still be a 4runner. Atleast it'll retain all the stock body parts ;)

Luxury · 09-02-2004, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Good Times
hehe, it'll still be a 4runner well I guess in my eyes it'll still be a 4runner. Atleast it'll retain all the stock body parts ;)

Hell yes, it's a badass 4runner! I don't even go off pavement and I love your rig. I remember the first time I saw your runner on yota, I was blown away.

Good Times · 09-02-2004, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Luxury
Hell yes, it's a badass 4runner! I don't even go off pavement and I love your rig. I remember the first time I saw your runner on yota, I was blown away.

Hey thanks for the warm compliments!!

I wouldn't say it's a badass 4runner but more like a cool 4runner

But back to the main thread, if any of you guys are interested, give them a buzz so they know that this item is something ppl want

Thanks!

Good Times · 09-02-2004, 04:36 PM

UPDATE:

It looks like Total Chaos is ready on this item. I'll find out more and get back to all of ya soon.

DR2 · 09-03-2004, 06:21 PM

I have the Total Chaos upper A-arms on my 3rd gen. along with our Donahoe Racing coil-overs. You can not beat the combination.

Bluto · 09-07-2004, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Good Times

....
7. frame is fully boxed compared to taco's that are just c channeled. (even the new 05 taco's will still have the c channel frame... what was toyota thinking?!?!?)
....

So the 4Runner is 100% boxed? What difference does fully boxed make? Stronger?

From PickupTruck.com "The next-generation Tacoma is derived from Toyota’s Prado platform, which is the basis for the Lexus GX470 and Toyota 4Runner SUVs. The frame is fully boxed up front while the middle is rolled-lip C-channel and the rear is open C-channel."

Good Times · 09-17-2004, 09:22 PM

Bluto, if you look at a 4th gen's frame, it'll look like a box. (from the back it'll look like this [] [] (crossmember section of the truck).

if you look at a tacoma's frame it'll look like a [ ]

now comparing the two you can tell that a boxed frame is much stronger than a unboxed frame. Now why the new taco's made the rear a c channel like the previous gen taco, i have no idea. I know DR had a chance to get a 05 early so I heard from them that it was a c-channel from mid to rear.

Anyway, regarding the UCA's (upper control arms), I'll have photos of them on wednesday/thursday

Looks like Kartek and other stores will have these items in the next two weeks. (they're trying to get it out by Oct.)

I do know that the combination of the TC UCA and the Donahoe Racing coilovers is awesome! Look to see them release their coilover soon. This will be a great buy item as a set for all of those that are interested in lifting your truck with style and functionality. Both of these items will be a hot ticket item when they are released!

Keep ya posted.

Good Times · 09-28-2004, 10:40 PM

Been busy and almost forgot to post some photos of the new upper a-arms.

I'll have more photos up once I get some photos of the stock, Total Chaos and the ATS / Inland Truck arms are together. (for comparison purposes).

Anyway, here's some teaser stuff:

09-01-2004, 03:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	Total Chaos 4th gen Upper Arms Arriving soon! If you guys are interested in some quality Upper A-Arms built by Total Chaos, give them a buzz at (951) 737-9682 (new area code). you can email them at chaosfab@aol.com. The more inquiries they get, the faster they'll get on the ball. Once they are completed, they will be sending it off to various offroad shops for sale. Not sure on price but call your local shops for exact prices when they arrive. I got to check out the sample r&d version (incomplete) and it will look identical to the 3rd gen 4runner/taco uniball design. So the quailty will be top notch! Hoping to have the final version soon. Btw, this should apply to the new 05 tacoma's as well so that's a good sign for all the new taco owners looking for parts! __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

09-01-2004, 04:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	stock arms are ball joint. these arms will be uniball. http://www.off-road.com/toyota/projects/tacoma/uca.html look at the pic of the stock vs total chaos. This should give you a good indication. Also these arms are good for offroading. They clear the coils better thus you won't have to worry about hitting the coils w/ the stock arms. basically an expensive mod that does little work. Very minimal but if you plan to go all out and do big stuff, it's just another mod to have. not alot of people do it though as the stock works just as well. __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

09-01-2004, 05:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
dcampen Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 666	Lance, This is not intended as any criticism but I have been wondering for a while now, given the very extensive mods that you are doing, how did you decide to go with a 4Runner instead of a Tacoma? It just seems that someone who wants the offroad ability that you do might have chosen a Taco as the starting point. At times I have a tinge of regret that I got a 4Runner instead of a Tacoma though I would still have left mine pretty much stock. For example you can get a stock Tacoma with 3" more ground clearance than a 4Runner. __________________ 2004 4Runner SR5 4WD V8 Dorado Gold Pearl Bridgestone Dueler Revo 265/75-16 Build Date: 11/03 Dave

09-01-2004, 07:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	Part of the fun is being able to goto places where you would think you couldn't be able to do so. Yes the taco has more ground clearance but you must keep in mind that in offroading, it's 90% driver skills and 10% vehicle. Finding the safest line possible on a trail and being able to conquer it using the rig you have there. It's better to start small and appreciate what you have and then learn the tricks and trade of the limitation of the vehicle. Once you've mastered your stock rig, adding mods and moving up in the offroading adventure is just that much sweeter (it's not that fun if you start w/ everything) Some reasons why I went with the 4runner instead: 1. more balanced weight (taco cab empty causes traction issues). 2. shorter wheelbase (good for diff kind of terrains) 3. newer generation vehicle 4. made in japan! 5. no aftermarket parts available!!! (jk... this part sux as usual) 6. nobody has one (or willing to take it offroad - but there is a following!!! woohoo!) 7. frame is fully boxed compared to taco's that are just c channeled. (even the new 05 taco's will still have the c channel frame... what was toyota thinking?!?!?) 8. front/rear disc 9. v8 baby (i'm such a sucker for power) 10. everyone already has a taco lifted n banged up 11. driving a smooth and refined vehicle (def a plus!) 12. made in japan the list can go on forever. The 4runner can be modded just as well as a taco and go places that a taco can go. The best thing about it is that I'm able to enjoy the trails from the luxury of my 4runner (prob the only other vehicle i'd look into would be the 80 series LC). Btw, I'm not into the banging the truck until it doesn't look like a truck either. I do appreciate all my body panels and I do plan to keep them in good condition. Ofcourse I won't wash it and wax it like crazy but I do try to keep it as normal as possible. This is all part of the fun of being able to go on a moments notice out to the local fun areas and enjoy life. Life is too short to live and gripe over what if's Anything is possible so long as you are confident that it is. Lastly, how many people consider a 4runner being a capable offroading rig? not many now a days. It's always welcoming to see other owners willing to take their 4runner out on the trails for abit of a small adventure Body damage sux though so drive carefully! __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

09-01-2004, 07:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
jharris2 Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,543	So Lance -- when will you have every part in the truck replaced? You're wokring on it a little at a time! __________________ 2003 SR5 V6 4WD Titanium with cladding


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09-01-2004, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
4route Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: texas Posts: 701	Lance, this is going to be a horribly stupid question, but when i saw a uniball upper a-arm placed next to a stock upper a-arm, i couldn't tell much difference and was wondering -- what are the benefits of these aftermarket upper arms? thanks

09-01-2004, 07:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
4route Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: texas Posts: 701	i have to concur on the issue of traction control being a bit less on a Taco than on a Runner. i test drove both in the mountains one winter on the snow and on the streets and on the dirt/sand. the 4runner felt a bit more stable in comparison as far as traction goes. that's not to say anything negative about the Taco, just one reason why i, too, decided on a 4Runner instead. i love both though, and wouldn't mind having a Taco some day.

09-02-2004, 04:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	UPDATE: It looks like Total Chaos is ready on this item. I'll find out more and get back to all of ya soon. __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

09-03-2004, 06:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
DR2 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 13	I have the Total Chaos upper A-arms on my 3rd gen. along with our Donahoe Racing coil-overs. You can not beat the combination.

09-17-2004, 09:22 PM	#14 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	Bluto, if you look at a 4th gen's frame, it'll look like a box. (from the back it'll look like this [] [] (crossmember section of the truck). if you look at a tacoma's frame it'll look like a [ ] now comparing the two you can tell that a boxed frame is much stronger than a unboxed frame. Now why the new taco's made the rear a c channel like the previous gen taco, i have no idea. I know DR had a chance to get a 05 early so I heard from them that it was a c-channel from mid to rear. Anyway, regarding the UCA's (upper control arms), I'll have photos of them on wednesday/thursday Looks like Kartek and other stores will have these items in the next two weeks. (they're trying to get it out by Oct.) I do know that the combination of the TC UCA and the Donahoe Racing coilovers is awesome! Look to see them release their coilover soon. This will be a great buy item as a set for all of those that are interested in lifting your truck with style and functionality. Both of these items will be a hot ticket item when they are released! Keep ya posted. __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

09-28-2004, 10:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
Good Times Chaos Edition! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Socal Posts: 1,657	Been busy and almost forgot to post some photos of the new upper a-arms. I'll have more photos up once I get some photos of the stock, Total Chaos and the ATS / Inland Truck arms are together. (for comparison purposes). Anyway, here's some teaser stuff: __________________ Lance 2003 4runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition Chaos Edition! Operation Rebuild Chaos Edition

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