08-20-2020, 11:50 AM
|
#91
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Stephentown NY
Posts: 24
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Stephentown NY
Posts: 24
|
He says the only difference between the new and the old ball joints is the new one has a Groove Machine into it to retain the new boot and no discounts
__________________
2019 sr5 .eibach protruck lift with 1" top spacers in the front and 1" and 1.5" cornfeds In the rear. Jba ucas. 17x9 -12 raceline addicts 285/70/17 firestone at2. Artec full bellypan tank a-arm skids Magnaflow catback dd tail as turn lasfit switchbacks front oem led fogs morimoto 2stroke h11 9005 Blackout kit. 35% tint. Eclipse 725e jl audio c5-653 front c5-650x rear powered by 300/4 jl audio 10w6 powered by 500/2. Led bulbs in every hole.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-30-2020, 12:08 PM
|
#92
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
so just thought I'd check back in on this thread and I guess JBA updated their boot design.
Man, this sucks that there is not discount or anything for those that bought the older JBAs. Wasn't it all of us who brought this issue to his attention? Or at least a wave of it? I brought it up and then each and every one of you started to reach out to him.
Also, looking at the boot, I don't see why this boot wouldnt work with our existing ball joints. Even thought our ball joint doesnt have the "groove", this boot is longer and looks like it could easily squeeze between the single washer and the UCA for a tighter fit than what we have now...
I'm going to reach out to him and ask about it. Maybe if we get enough people here reaching out he will reconsider. At least a group buy? My boots are def not sitting right anymore and there is grease squeezed out the ball joint is dirty as heck now.
__________________
2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. JBA UCA, Dobinsons MRA Front Coilovers, Dobinsons MRA Long Travel rear. Cooper AT3 XLT 285/70R17
91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. [SOLD]
Last edited by joshik; 09-30-2020 at 12:21 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-30-2020, 01:51 PM
|
#93
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
so just thought I'd check back in on this thread and I guess JBA updated their boot design.
Man, this sucks that there is not discount or anything for those that bought the older JBAs. Wasn't it all of us who brought this issue to his attention? Or at least a wave of it? I brought it up and then each and every one of you started to reach out to him.
Also, looking at the boot, I don't see why this boot wouldnt work with our existing ball joints. Even thought our ball joint doesnt have the "groove", this boot is longer and looks like it could easily squeeze between the single washer and the UCA for a tighter fit than what we have now...
I'm going to reach out to him and ask about it. Maybe if we get enough people here reaching out he will reconsider. At least a group buy? My boots are def not sitting right anymore and there is grease squeezed out the ball joint is dirty as heck now.
|
Just got word back from Marlin. He said the new boots would not work with old ball joints. I really think it would... I mean it can't be worse than the existing boot. Perhaps, he doesn't want the liability. He holds that the existing boot and ball joint design is OK and there is no issue and that he came up with the new design because people were asking for it. Also, he said that people were only experiencing the gap (ball joint notch exposed) during full droop which is not true. I myself had it when sitting level. I know there was one other pic of the gap on this thread as well.
I guess if it bothers us too much we can find an aftermarket boot. I've been looking here:
Ball Joint Boot 16x38x26 mm black - type 2
__________________
2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. JBA UCA, Dobinsons MRA Front Coilovers, Dobinsons MRA Long Travel rear. Cooper AT3 XLT 285/70R17
91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. [SOLD]
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-19-2020, 08:51 PM
|
#94
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 204
Real Name: Ryan B
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 204
Real Name: Ryan B
|
New boot design..betterish
Just received my JBA UCAs today, they’re beautiful, happy to see the “new boot design” incorporating a machined groove at the top of the ball joint as well as a matching groove on the boot as a retaining point for the groove. Not SO happy to see the choice for wrapping and retaining the boot is a very small black plastic zip tie. New adventure, finding a steel spring clip equivalent, meh could be worse.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-20-2020, 12:02 PM
|
#95
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 246
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 246
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmbertoldi
Just received my JBA UCAs today, they’re beautiful, happy to see the “new boot design” incorporating a machined groove at the top of the ball joint as well as a matching groove on the boot as a retaining point for the groove. Not SO happy to see the choice for wrapping and retaining the boot is a very small black plastic zip tie. New adventure, finding a steel spring clip equivalent, meh could be worse.
|
Do the new arms come with the upgraded bushings as well? On the old ones you have to loosen the bolt in order to grease them or they build up pressure.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-20-2020, 04:12 PM
|
#96
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,546
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,546
|
I just ordered my JBA UCA's a few weeks ago and installed this weekend and can confirm that there is a new ribbed boot design, a plastic ziptie holding the top portion of the boot, and no washer.
I thought I just didn't have a washer included in my kit until I found this thread.. other than the ziptie, no complaints for the money considering the next option is a bit more pricey and if you want, you can re-clamp a metal band in place of the zip tie.
I do definitely understand the frustration with the "gen 1" boot users but I guess such is the life of a product improvement.. its not limited to aftermarket UCA's by any means..
Overall very happy with these... but... now to solve the newly developed rubbing issue with my 35x12.5 tire on these UCAs that I did not have on the factory UCA...
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-20-2020, 04:17 PM
|
#97
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,546
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 1,546
|
A couple of pics after install
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
__________________
2003 Limited V8 4runner - 37's, Tacoma Front End swap, ARB locked front and rear , LC200 rack swap
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
10-21-2020, 03:47 AM
|
#98
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
so just thought I'd check back in on this thread and I guess JBA updated their boot design.
Man, this sucks that there is not discount or anything for those that bought the older JBAs. Wasn't it all of us who brought this issue to his attention? Or at least a wave of it? I brought it up and then each and every one of you started to reach out to him.
Also, looking at the boot, I don't see why this boot wouldnt work with our existing ball joints. Even thought our ball joint doesnt have the "groove", this boot is longer and looks like it could easily squeeze between the single washer and the UCA for a tighter fit than what we have now...
I'm going to reach out to him and ask about it. Maybe if we get enough people here reaching out he will reconsider. At least a group buy? My boots are def not sitting right anymore and there is grease squeezed out the ball joint is dirty as heck now.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
Just got word back from Marlin. He said the new boots would not work with old ball joints. I really think it would... I mean it can't be worse than the existing boot. Perhaps, he doesn't want the liability. He holds that the existing boot and ball joint design is OK and there is no issue and that he came up with the new design because people were asking for it. Also, he said that people were only experiencing the gap (ball joint notch exposed) during full droop which is not true. I myself had it when sitting level. I know there was one other pic of the gap on this thread as well.
I guess if it bothers us too much we can find an aftermarket boot. I've been looking here:
Ball Joint Boot 16x38x26 mm black - type 2
|
I moved on to SPC UCAs and have not regretted it. With the caster adjustability (and the taco tabs I installed in place of the stock cam bolts) I gained a lot more rearward clearance now (~1” more) which should help a ton since I’m mounting 35s tomorrow. 295s cleared fine with the JBAs (after BMC), but I did have to run wheel spacers to get it away from the JBA’s excessive gusseting. I also recently swapped out my suspension and the front sits a bit higher - there was a bit too much positive camber with the JBAs (with everything else dialed in) than I’d like, so the SPC’s camber adjustability was a big plus there as well.
Honestly, the ball joint boot and Jesus DVD stuff really left a bad taste in my mouth and I can’t say that I’d recommend them any longer.
__________________
2006 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4WD
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-09-2020, 03:49 AM
|
#99
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
so I've been thinking. Who here thinks that the original ball joint/boot design is flawed? Do you think it's "normal" or acceptable for the joint to be exposed and/or squeezing out grease?
I've lived with the issue thus far and am kind of fed up with it. In talking with Marlin from JBA, I find it odd that he would think that it is ok for grease to spew out and/or the joint to be exposed.
I was about to pull the trigger on buying the new designed ball joints (since I'm installing new LCA) but can't justify spending $120 extra dollars to replace a design flaw.
I messaged Marlin about the ball joints again and asking if there could be any discounts had. I would even return the faulty ball joints. I'm about to do what Drift Monkey did and just ditch the JBAs and bite the bullet on new SPCs just out of spite.
Am I crazy?
__________________
2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. JBA UCA, Dobinsons MRA Front Coilovers, Dobinsons MRA Long Travel rear. Cooper AT3 XLT 285/70R17
91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. [SOLD]
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-09-2020, 10:28 AM
|
#100
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Canada
Posts: 33
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Canada
Posts: 33
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
so I've been thinking. Who here thinks that the original ball joint/boot design is flawed? Do you think it's "normal" or acceptable for the joint to be exposed and/or squeezing out grease?
I've lived with the issue thus far and am kind of fed up with it. In talking with Marlin from JBA, I find it odd that he would think that it is ok for grease to spew out and/or the joint to be exposed.
I was about to pull the trigger on buying the new designed ball joints (since I'm installing new LCA) but can't justify spending $120 extra dollars to replace a design flaw.
I messaged Marlin about the ball joints again and asking if there could be any discounts had. I would even return the faulty ball joints. I'm about to do what Drift Monkey did and just ditch the JBAs and bite the bullet on new SPCs just out of spite.
Am I crazy?
|
I guess that's the nature of owning a business and constantly improving your product over time. Anytime there is an update for a flaw the people who have the older one will want the improvement. Not an excuse for the old boot design either. I have the old boot style and just bought mine last year. So far my boot had been ok, a ton of people have these arms with no issues. Not the end of the world for me as I'll have to replace the ball joints one day anyways, I can just get the updated ball joint design at that time. Never do anything out of spite, it won't really make a difference for anyone. See what Marlin says first and maybe he'll have a solution. If not sell your JBA arms, move on and get the SPC. Good luck!
__________________
2004 SR5 V8, 275/70/16 KO2's, Eibach Pro Lift, JBA UCA, SuperPro LCA, DT Headers.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-09-2020, 11:48 AM
|
#101
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 380
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 380
|
Ive been running mine for over a year now and no issues. Ive been through the sand dunes, mud, dirt, rocks, water and they are holding up fine. I re-grease them frequently which takes about 2 minutes. But when the time comes ill just buy the updated boots. I wont be running 35s, just 33s and they should work fine for that.
But if I could go back, Id probably just get some SPCs or even the new Eibach ones that are similar to SPC for cheaper
__________________
04 V6 4x4. Eibach Pro Truck Shocks, OME 885, Icon 2" Springs. JBA UCA. 255/75/17 Kenda Klever AT/2. Spartan rear locker(removed). PCK. Hidden Winch
Last edited by phatcheeks; 12-09-2020 at 11:53 AM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-09-2020, 01:13 PM
|
#102
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Burnaby, BC
Age: 38
Posts: 408
|
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Burnaby, BC
Age: 38
Posts: 408
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
so I've been thinking. Who here thinks that the original ball joint/boot design is flawed? Do you think it's "normal" or acceptable for the joint to be exposed and/or squeezing out grease?
I've lived with the issue thus far and am kind of fed up with it. In talking with Marlin from JBA, I find it odd that he would think that it is ok for grease to spew out and/or the joint to be exposed.
I was about to pull the trigger on buying the new designed ball joints (since I'm installing new LCA) but can't justify spending $120 extra dollars to replace a design flaw.
I messaged Marlin about the ball joints again and asking if there could be any discounts had. I would even return the faulty ball joints. I'm about to do what Drift Monkey did and just ditch the JBAs and bite the bullet on new SPCs just out of spite.
Am I crazy?
|
I've been watching this thread for a while... 'cuz I thought JBA's were a really great design. But all this has me seriously rethinking that.
Can someone confirm: They've machined a groove into the ball joint itself to retain the boot? Thus eliminating the one major advantage that they run off the shelf ball joints available anywhere?
__________________
2005 V8 Limited
Bilstein 6112/5160, ADDCO bars. 18x9 Beast with 285/60R18 BFGs
IPT valve body, DT shorty headers, Dirty Deeds BAMF exhaust
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-09-2020, 01:40 PM
|
#103
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silver Stallion
I guess that's the nature of owning a business and constantly improving your product over time. Anytime there is an update for a flaw the people who have the older one will want the improvement. Not an excuse for the old boot design either. I have the old boot style and just bought mine last year. So far my boot had been ok, a ton of people have these arms with no issues. Not the end of the world for me as I'll have to replace the ball joints one day anyways, I can just get the updated ball joint design at that time. Never do anything out of spite, it won't really make a difference for anyone. See what Marlin says first and maybe he'll have a solution. If not sell your JBA arms, move on and get the SPC. Good luck!
|
yeh you are right about the spite thing. I was just thinking about it again and it was just irking me. I know the balljoints work perfectly fine and I know Marlin is a great guy. At least the redesign fixed the issue. I am going to call him today to see what he says as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by phatcheeks
Ive been running mine for over a year now and no issues. Ive been through the sand dunes, mud, dirt, rocks, water and they are holding up fine. I re-grease them frequently which takes about 2 minutes. But when the time comes ill just buy the updated boots. I wont be running 35s, just 33s and they should work fine for that.
But if I could go back, Id probably just get some SPCs or even the new Eibach ones that are similar to SPC for cheaper
|
yeh, i'm running 275s but going to 285s soon. I have spacers already too so clearance shouldn't be an issue. I like that the JBAs are made here in America and use easy to obtain GMC ball joints.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keros
I've been watching this thread for a while... 'cuz I thought JBA's were a really great design. But all this has me seriously rethinking that.
Can someone confirm: They've machined a groove into the ball joint itself to retain the boot? Thus eliminating the one major advantage that they run off the shelf ball joints available anywhere?
|
There are posts just above from peeps that have recently ordered and installed and show that the balljoint and boot design is updated. Looks solid now.
I'll probably revisit looking for "bellow" type 3rd party boots for our older style balljoints.
JBA seems like a great company and I know MANY people agree. Marlin was super cool. I was texting with him back and forth during my install and he is super responsive and nice. I know COVID is hitting everyone hard so I guess I should give him some slack. :T
__________________
2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. JBA UCA, Dobinsons MRA Front Coilovers, Dobinsons MRA Long Travel rear. Cooper AT3 XLT 285/70R17
91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. [SOLD]
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-10-2020, 12:55 AM
|
#104
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by joshik
so I've been thinking. Who here thinks that the original ball joint/boot design is flawed? Do you think it's "normal" or acceptable for the joint to be exposed and/or squeezing out grease?
I've lived with the issue thus far and am kind of fed up with it. In talking with Marlin from JBA, I find it odd that he would think that it is ok for grease to spew out and/or the joint to be exposed.
I was about to pull the trigger on buying the new designed ball joints (since I'm installing new LCA) but can't justify spending $120 extra dollars to replace a design flaw.
I messaged Marlin about the ball joints again and asking if there could be any discounts had. I would even return the faulty ball joints. I'm about to do what Drift Monkey did and just ditch the JBAs and bite the bullet on new SPCs just out of spite.
Am I crazy?
|
Not crazy. I don't regret the SPCs - tons of adjustment for 35s.
__________________
2006 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4WD
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
12-19-2020, 03:39 AM
|
#105
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: SoCal
Age: 44
Posts: 280
|
So check this. I was googling "JBA ball joint" and saw this:
Why 2 washers on the ball joint
So looks like JBA took my photos from THIS POST (page 2) and created an article. But what JBA failed to mention is that there is still a gap which I posted and many others after the 2nd washer.
WoW.
Anyways, I just got some new boots from a 3rd party. Gonna see if they fit. I don't see why not. It's not like the old JBA boots do anything special besides trying to sit flush on the bottom face of the UCA to keep grease in. They are made for their 3rd party bolt on chevy ball joints. I'll be installing them tomorrow along with my new LCA. I'll keep everyone posted.
__________________
2003 4Runner Limited 4wd V8. JBA UCA, Dobinsons MRA Front Coilovers, Dobinsons MRA Long Travel rear. Cooper AT3 XLT 285/70R17
91 Ext Cab 4x4 Yota, black with 4" front IFS trailmaster lift, 3" Downey rear springs, Downey Rubicon extended shackles, and 2" body lift. 35" BFG M/T w/ 4.56. Centerforce II clutch, Rancho 5000s all around and Rancho traction bar, K&N Air filter, Flowmaster, ARB Rear Diff Air Locker, Custom "Mad Eyes" light covers, Extended Diff Breathers, Hella Vision Plus Headlights. [SOLD]
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|