Cheap RockAuto UCAs for just 1 year?

[Acorn22]

Hey guys, quick question for you all....

So my current stock UCA bushings are shot to hell and make a terrible creaking noise going over bumps, it only goes away when I've been driving around for 20ish minutes to get everything moving/warm again. I had been planning on swapping the bushings this summer, but never found the time because of work and my limited access to a press. And now while in school I definitely don't have time because the only shops are closed on the weekends, and I have 0 time during week days.

I need to get either the bushings or just full UCAs swapped to eliminate this noise, so I was considering just buying some cheap RockAuto UCAs with the bushings preinstalled so I could swap them myself on a weekend (not needing a press). I know with my lift the alignment will never totally be correct, but my plan is to just have these cheap UCAs on until next summer when I can upgrade to some SPCs to once and for all have the correct alignment. My budget is what is holding me back at this point in time.

Does this sound like a reasonable idea?

 

[squabeggz]

If the bushings are just squeaky and annoying...ride them until you can get the UCAs you want.

 

[Jeffy]

If the bushings are just squeaky and annoying...ride them until you can get the UCAs you want.

+1

You can try spraying them with Tri Flow or something similar, that might help with the squeaking until you get a proper upgrade

 

[Soneill]

Nope, nope, nope, no way no how. Do what they said above.^^^

 

[JayRolla]

Just leave them. My spcs and poly lowers squeak like crazy. After time the grease washes out. Very annoying.

 

[Acorn22]

Just leave them. My spcs and poly lowers squeak like crazy. After time the grease washes out. Very annoying.

Yeah I've tried shooting them with grease and that doesn't seem to ever work for very long at all because it does it get washed out.

I guess I should also mention that when I take the wheel off either side I can physically move the UCA about 1/4th of an inch just by shaking it up and down. If I leave them on over the winter, could this cause any damage? Btw I have new LBJs and UBJs so I know it is not those.

 

[Lindenwood]

I have read lots of reports that with cheap U/L CAs, the bushings are really soft and weak and start shredding after a relatively short time. And, I have seen one confirmed example of clone LCAs breaking on a 3rd gen, so I wouldnt expect any better from the UCAs.

Don't get me wrong. I am a cheap bastard, and will usually go with the cheapest option available. I run imported tires, I built all my bumpers and skids with an $80 HF welder, etc etc. However, it only takes one failure of a major suspension or steering component to put your life and your vehicle at very serious risk. So, that, and engine components are about the only areas in which I try to avoid buying cheaper stuff.

That said, I'd bet you could find some used ones online.

 

[Acorn22]

I have read lots of reports that with cheap U/L CAs, the bushings are really soft and weak and start shredding after a relatively short time. And, I have seen one confirmed example of clone LCAs breaking on a 3rd gen, so I wouldnt expect any better from the UCAs.

Don't get me wrong. I am a cheap bastard, and will usually go with the cheapest option available. I run imported tires, I built all my bumpers and skids with an $80 HF welder, etc etc. However, it only takes one failure of a major suspension or steering component to put your life and your vehicle at very serious risk. So, that, and engine components are about the only areas in which I try to avoid buying cheaper stuff.

That said, I'd bet you could find some used ones online.

Not a bad idea at all, throwing out some searches it looks like I could get a used one for around 20-30$. I assume 96-02 4runners share the same UCA design

 

[squabeggz]

I'm currently in the process of rebuilding my front end. I am just about to put some JBA offroad UCAs on. Not much coverage on this site, but Tacoma and Jeep (yeah yeah) guys seem to love them. They are about the same price range as the SPCs, i got mine for ~$460. Haven't put them on yet, but they look great. Zerks on the ball joint and both of the bushings.

ANYWAYs...
Let me know if you are having trouble finding used UCAs locally for a decent price. Mine are in fairly good shape for having 240k on them. A little bit of surface rust, but the bushings seem pretty stable still...i was actually surprised. Not as much stress on the uppers i guess.

I'm over in SLC,UT so i bet we could work something out that is affordable.