[boostedka]

My ‘04 front end needs some refreshing along with new brakes all around. For brakes I am debating between OEM pads and rotors or Brembo UV coated rotors with Akebono pads for about $200 less. Any comments on either set up?

For UCA, I’m debating finding some slighty used 5th gen arms or getting something aftermarket like Freedom off-road or JBA. I currently have Dobinsons 2” springs up front on 5100’s with Dobinsons 1” springs in the rear also with 5100’s.

Also, and recommendations for lower control arms??

Thanks In Advance

[gimlithepirate]

Originally Posted by boostedka

My ‘04 front end needs some refreshing along with new brakes all around. For brakes I am debating between OEM pads and rotors or Brembo UV coated rotors with Akebono pads for about $200 less. Any comments on either set up?

For UCA, I’m debating finding some slighty used 5th gen arms or getting something aftermarket like Freedom off-road or JBA. I currently have Dobinsons 2” springs up front on 5100’s with Dobinsons 1” springs in the rear also with 5100’s.

Also, and recommendations for lower control arms??

Thanks In Advance

For LCAs, I did 1AAuto. I can't tell a difference between them and OEM, but will have to see how they hold up.

For UCAs, with a 2" lift you could stick with something stockish. I'm not sure there is an advantage to going with a 5th gen, vs just a generic 4th gen. As to aftermarket options, there are tons. I have SPC and I'm a fan of the adjustability. Not everybody is.

For brakes, look into the 5th gen break upgrade. Helps with sticky calipers. If you just want to do an in kind upgrade, the akebono pads are great. I have centric rotors so can't speak to the rotor question.

[boostedka]

Originally Posted by gimlithepirate

For LCAs, I did 1AAuto. I can't tell a difference between them and OEM, but will have to see how they hold up.

For UCAs, with a 2" lift you could stick with something stockish. I'm not sure there is an advantage to going with a 5th gen, vs just a generic 4th gen. As to aftermarket options, there are tons. I have SPC and I'm a fan of the adjustability. Not everybody is.

For brakes, look into the 5th gen break upgrade. Helps with sticky calipers. If you just want to do an in kind upgrade, the akebono pads are great. I have centric rotors so can't speak to the rotor question.

Thanks for that feedback. Those 1AAuto LCA's look solid. How many miles how you put on them and how do the ball joints on them look so far?

For the UCA's I mainly brought up the 5th gen arms because I figured it would be a cheap way to get something OEM and close to new. I am not opposed to getting something even like the ones that 1AAuto makes as well. This vehicle doesn't get offroaded so I really don't need something high end.

How have you liked those Centric Rotors so far? How many miles? I am primarily looking for something that won't warp easily that isn't super expensive. I also don't want to buy the cheapest thing out there either and have to do it again in a year or two.

[boostedka]

Originally Posted by gimlithepirate

For LCAs, I did 1AAuto. I can't tell a difference between them and OEM, but will have to see how they hold up.

For UCAs, with a 2" lift you could stick with something stockish. I'm not sure there is an advantage to going with a 5th gen, vs just a generic 4th gen. As to aftermarket options, there are tons. I have SPC and I'm a fan of the adjustability. Not everybody is.

For brakes, look into the 5th gen break upgrade. Helps with sticky calipers. If you just want to do an in kind upgrade, the akebono pads are great. I have centric rotors so can't speak to the rotor question.

Also forgot to ask, what all is needed with a 5th gen brake upgrade? Do the TRD Pro SEMA 17x7's clear the calipers? Thanks again.

[boostedka]

After doing a quick search about the 5th gen brake upgrade, I may go this route.

[boostedka]

Did some more reading on the 5th gen upgrade and decided to go with that. I ordered everything from Rockauto a little while ago. Thanks @gimlithepirate for the tip on that.

Now I just need to decide what to do about arms. I may go with the 1AAuto upper and lower set.