Mybuddytmil
New member
Old thread but good info. About the torque spec for the upper ball joint , factory spec is 82 ft/lb but the info in the thread says 45 ft/lb. Is that just a JBA thing?
4th & 5th Gen Upper Control Arm UCA Install - Write Up
- Thread starter Slowgoat
- Start date
Gclark949
New member
I noticed the same discrepancy. 82 vs 45 ft-lbs is a big difference and seems to me this joint is still the same tapered fit as OEM so why would the torque be different?
I called my local 4x4 shop (Toyota-specific) and they swear by SPC. That said, I'm curious what the best bang-for-the-buck UCA is these days as well.
I ended up going with JBA. My local shop likes to use Icon. @ $800 that was a bit hard to swallow. I decided to just do whole the install myself. Picked up a decent spring compressor for less than the install price so hopefully it will give me motivation to do more of my vehicles. I am done with renting the suicide sticks.
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
What are you using spring compressors on? I've never had to use any on these trucks
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
And some people like them, but I have SPCs and that all I recommend to folks. To many wheel fitment issues with JBA and I love having the adjustability of SPCs
Front struts.
I tried changing the front springs on my '99 with the method I read on the forums that supposedly you could do without a compressor. Couldn't do it and it's not worth the headache. Just unbolt the assembly and turn the handle on the compressor, done. Safe, easy, fast.
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
I just assembled lift struts this weekend on a 06 and it wasn't too bad honestly. Definitely easier with an extra set of hands to operate the jack though while you watch the shock go into the top hat
rdruss
Senior Member
Yep, did my '03 this way couple years ago, removed xreas and installed yellow Billy's and FJ springs and it worked well.
Going to do similar in a few weeks when I install a 1" spacer in front, going to replace top hats too but will use same method, no spring compressor, jack under LCA.
That_Titanium_4RNR
New member
I found that bolting in the top hat first to the upper housing area aids a lot in the install one less thing to hold. Just fyi
UCA’s free
Guys, I was able to get a set of struts and springs from a 2018 TRD Pro Tacoma for my ‘06 4runner. Added a few inches of lift and was able to get rid of my X-REAS BS. They guy I got it from also included his factory UCAs and some other small parts. My UCAs are in good shape, so I am not using the Taco ones. If anyone is interested in the ‘18 Taco UCAs with about 1200 miles on them, let me know. I can give for free if you are in Colo and want to pick up, or I can ship to you at shipping cost.
Guys, I was able to get a set of struts and springs from a 2018 TRD Pro Tacoma for my ‘06 4runner. Added a few inches of lift and was able to get rid of my X-REAS BS. They guy I got it from also included his factory UCAs and some other small parts. My UCAs are in good shape, so I am not using the Taco ones. If anyone is interested in the ‘18 Taco UCAs with about 1200 miles on them, let me know. I can give for free if you are in Colo and want to pick up, or I can ship to you at shipping cost.
So these UCA's will fit on the 4th gen 4runners? If so, I am interested. I will pay for shipping.
Jpilot, sent you a few PM's, not sure if you received them? If not, please email me at ocmtber at hotmail dot com
Hi-desertT4R
Member
Thanks
Thanks for this write up. My JBA arms are in the mail and will be here in a few days. I’ve been running my stock uca’s with a 3” Toytec lift for almost 5 years. Driver side ball joint is getting noisy.
Received my uca’s yesterday and installed them today. Minor difference on my installation. My rubber mud guards already rotted and came off due to the extreme climate in southern Nevada lol. I have a 1/2” body lift and didn’t need to bend any sheet metal to remove the bolts. I did have to unclip the wire on the driver side below the battery at two spots. Very easy with the guidance of this post along with JBA’s instructions and the attached videos. I went ahead and pulled my Bilsteins out and adjusted the ride height up from the lowest setting up to the third. Thanks again OP.
Thanks for this write up. My JBA arms are in the mail and will be here in a few days. I’ve been running my stock uca’s with a 3” Toytec lift for almost 5 years. Driver side ball joint is getting noisy.
Received my uca’s yesterday and installed them today. Minor difference on my installation. My rubber mud guards already rotted and came off due to the extreme climate in southern Nevada lol. I have a 1/2” body lift and didn’t need to bend any sheet metal to remove the bolts. I did have to unclip the wire on the driver side below the battery at two spots. Very easy with the guidance of this post along with JBA’s instructions and the attached videos. I went ahead and pulled my Bilsteins out and adjusted the ride height up from the lowest setting up to the third. Thanks again OP.
Last edited:
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
About to swap in UCAs & coilovers from a 2020 Tacoma TRD OR. Is an alignment needed after this kind of work?
RedSled
New member
Yes.
Any UCA Updates
I'm about to invest in suspension updates for my 2012 Base 4Runner. I was curious if there were any updates with what shocks, struts, and upper control arms to use? Nothing crazy here outside of updating the 4Runner for its next 125k+ mile journey.
Also, what I am also deciding is whether to DIY or have a shop install the suspension. I'm pretty picking with my maintenance and am capable, it is more of a time and trust issue that I have with the mechanics near me. (many have the "it is your problem now" attitude)
Thanks in advance for the feedback. I look forward to the dialog.
Mr. Bill
I'm about to invest in suspension updates for my 2012 Base 4Runner. I was curious if there were any updates with what shocks, struts, and upper control arms to use? Nothing crazy here outside of updating the 4Runner for its next 125k+ mile journey.
Also, what I am also deciding is whether to DIY or have a shop install the suspension. I'm pretty picking with my maintenance and am capable, it is more of a time and trust issue that I have with the mechanics near me. (many have the "it is your problem now" attitude)
Thanks in advance for the feedback. I look forward to the dialog.
Mr. Bill
patrickufkes
New member
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