[Argyle Edison]

These spc uppers were on the 4R when I bought it used years ago. The ball joints in them are toasted and I’m seeing them for about $160 pair.

I’m unsure if I want to just fix them, or go another route. The adjustability of the SPC could be nice, if alignment techs knew what they were doing with them....but they don’t. And the local off road shop never even heard of them. And unfortunately, I can’t do the alignment myself.

So rather than deal with this pita every single time, I’m thinking of just getting some Dobinsons, JBA, or Freedom units (that are just a bit more than the ball joints alone).

I have a two inch lift and run larger wheels & tires so I don't want to put stock UCAs.

What would you guys do?

P.s. I don’t really do any hard wheelin, just absolutely horrible roads and trails.

[Argyle Edison]

Interesting, I thought for sure somebody would have an opinion on this or had dealt with a similar situation before

[Jetboy]

I would probably just replace the ball joints. There's got to be an alignment shop near you who can set them correctly. It's really not that difficult. And the cost of new BJs is going to be cheaper than any other option.

[[email protected]]

Definitely just replace the ball joints and be done.

[comtn4x4]

I agree with everyone else. The cost to replace the UCA will be much higher than the ball joints considering much of the work has to be done in either situation. And at a minimum a new set of high caster UCA's would be 3-4 times more than the ball joints.

[Daikon]

Many aftermarket UCA's are designed so you can replace the ball joints. It's a wear and tear part.

Originally Posted by Argyle Edison

These spc uppers were on the 4R when I bought it used years ago. The ball joints in them are toasted and I’m seeing them for about $160 pair.

I’m unsure if I want to just fix them, or go another route. The adjustability of the SPC could be nice, if alignment techs knew what they were doing with them....but they don’t. And the local off road shop never even heard of them. And unfortunately, I can’t do the alignment myself.

So rather than deal with this pita every single time, I’m thinking of just getting some Dobinsons, JBA, or Freedom units (that are just a bit more than the ball joints alone).

I have a two inch lift and run larger wheels & tires so I don't want to put stock UCAs.

What would you guys do?

P.s. I don’t really do any hard wheelin, just absolutely horrible roads and trails.

[usdmej]

Originally Posted by Argyle Edison

I’m unsure if I want to just fix them, or go another route. The adjustability of the SPC could be nice, if alignment techs knew what they were doing with them....but they don’t. And the local off road shop never even heard of them. And unfortunately, I can’t do the alignment myself.

SPC is a huge company, they make quality OE and aftermarket parts and also work closely with mechanics and alignment shops. you should be very weary of a shop that hasn't heard of them


just replace your ball joints but more importantly find a better alignment shop

[Argyle Edison]

Originally Posted by usdmej

SPC is a huge company, they make quality OE and aftermarket parts and also work closely with mechanics and alignment shops. you should be very weary of a shop that hasn't heard of them


just replace your ball joints but more importantly find a better alignment shop

I agree with all of you about the costs.

The alignment is a problem though. I have called the "off road" shops around here (all two of them lol), and countless shops scattered around in this tiny state (I've been in RI for 48 years), and no one seems to understand the configuration of these UCAs and how the caster can be adjusted by rotating the balljoint assembly.

So I print out the directions from the SPC website and present it to them when I show up for alignment. This is not ideal.

Not sure what choice I have. Much like tire work, it's just not equipment I have. fwiw, I have been a mechanic my entire life (military and civ) in some form or fashion.

So, with that said, I figured if I got a set of arms with "fixed" caster...it would be easier

Thanks for the help

[usdmej]

Originally Posted by Argyle Edison

So, with that said, I figured if I got a set of arms with "fixed" caster...it would be easier

it doesn't seem like it would change your situation since in both cases the shop is not doing anything about adjusting your caster.

it would be worth it to find a shop that's further away and more knowledgeable to get your UCAs rebuilt. that way, when they're apart, you can specify the caster setting you want and ask them to reinstall at your desired setting

[comtn4x4]

Originally Posted by Argyle Edison

I agree with all of you about the costs.

The alignment is a problem though. I have called the "off road" shops around here (all two of them lol), and countless shops scattered around in this tiny state (I've been in RI for 48 years), and no one seems to understand the configuration of these UCAs and how the caster can be adjusted by rotating the balljoint assembly.

So I print out the directions from the SPC website and present it to them when I show up for alignment. This is not ideal.

Not sure what choice I have. Much like tire work, it's just not equipment I have. fwiw, I have been a mechanic my entire life (military and civ) in some form or fashion.

So, with that said, I figured if I got a set of arms with "fixed" caster...it would be easier

Thanks for the help

I have had better luck with big name shops giving me a good alignment than some 4x4 "specialty" shops. Firestone and Big O Tires have been good to me. As far as getting the ball joint set in the correct position for your setup that should be a one time thing. After that all the adjustment would be in the more traditional fashion. As was said, if you are hitting multiple shops that can't adjust standard caster that's crazy.

[LandCruiser]

If they're the older two piece SPC UCAs, those were prone to breaking so I'd replace them.

[badattitude]

I dont use them, but the dobinsons and Icon UCAs have a protected ball joint. It will last longer, not get buggered up with salt ect.

Dobinsons Front Upper Control Arm Kit (UCA's) for Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4 – Dobinsons Direct

must be lifted to use these...

[mteolus]

Originally Posted by badattitude

I dont use them, but the dobinsons and Icon UCAs have a protected ball joint. It will last longer, not get buggered up with salt ect.

Dobinsons Front Upper Control Arm Kit (UCA's) for Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4 – Dobinsons Direct

must be lifted to use these...

If you grease the SPC ball joint every oil change they will be fine.

[Argyle Edison]

Originally Posted by comtn4x4

I have had better luck with big name shops giving me a good alignment than some 4x4 "specialty" shops. Firestone and Big O Tires have been good to me. As far as getting the ball joint set in the correct position for your setup that should be a one time thing. After that all the adjustment would be in the more traditional fashion. As was said, if you are hitting multiple shops that can't adjust standard caster that's crazy.

The general alignment isn't an issue so much as the setting of the caster with that unique rotation of the balljoint assembly. That seems to baffle techs

It's pretty difficult finding quality mechanics for anything, outside of standard wrenching, around here. There really isn't much of a motorsport atmosphere in this part of the country. I have to drive 3 hrs to the nearest drag strip, 4 to the circle track or road course, off-roading is all but choked off completely, so you have to leave the state for anything legit. Most people think driving on the beach is hardcore lol

So I tend to do all my own work and fabrication. There just a few things I cannot do in my garage. I could align my old jeeps with a tape measure, but that's different ;)

[Argyle Edison]

Originally Posted by LandCruiser

If they're the older two piece SPC UCAs, those were prone to breaking so I'd replace them.

I think these are later than those, but I'm not exactly sure. Like I said, they were on it when I bought it years ago.

Here's a couple picks