Helpful info request: 2.5" bilstein front lift. Do i need upgraded UCA's

[10ac]

I have a 2014 5th gen TEP. Putting a bilstein 5100 lift on. Set at 2.5" front. Will i need upgraded aftermarket upper control arms? Will it align properly and drive properly and no weird uneven tire wear?
If i need to have the upper control arms, and it is 100% needed, then thats cool but if i can do without and be ok, thats even better.
I was planning to get the SPC LR uppers.
Ill be running 285/70/17 bfg ko2's on pro comp 17x8.5 wheels

 

[Simpleman74]

many run stock UCAs just fine

Many need aftermarket UCAs

Point being no 2 trucks are the same.

I have no issues with my stock UCAs and 2.5" lift

 

[jimster716]

If you're getting the suspension installed, might as well get the UCA for greater adjustment for bigger wheels and tires. But if the expense is something better used elsewhere, you won't break anything without them.

 

[mrevilandy]

I ran my lift without uca for a good year and some change. It was drivable and fine, no crazy tire wear or anything. Having said that I just put on uca recently as well and it drives even better why? Because I was able to get a better alignment and now it doesn't feel froggy on the highway over bumps etc.

 

[SLC Punk]

I have stock UCA's. The alignment shop was able to get my caster within spec (barely). I have no plan on upgrading to aftermarket UCA's

 

[96706RROMJP]

If you're getting the suspension installed, might as well get the UCA for greater adjustment for bigger wheels and tires. But if the expense is something better used elsewhere, you won't break anything without them.

Hey jimster, whats the consequences that can happen if you dont replace UCAs ?

 

[jimster716]

Hey jimster, whats the consequences that can happen if you dont replace UCAs ?

Should you get aftermarket upper control arms? Provides a good explanation.

There's potential that with the lift you won't be able to get within spec. This may compromise driveability with a tendency for darty steering and a chance your wheel won't return to the straight position coming out of a turn.

 

[Jhalko]

I ran my lift without uca for a good year and some change. It was drivable and fine, no crazy tire wear or anything. Having said that I just put on uca recently as well and it drives even better why? Because I was able to get a better alignment and now it doesn't feel froggy on the highway over bumps etc.

Yup. X2 I did the same.

 

[nb rob]

good topic and straightforward, great feedback.

 

[philsey]

I'll save you all the potential problems that 75% of all the posts deal with:

.85 lift to level, stick with 265's. Zero problems, perfect alignment. Almost as cool.

You're welcome.

 

[Saker]

I'll tag onto [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] 's post....

No UCA changes
2" lift to level
265 KO2's
alignment well within specs ... no issues AT ALL!

 

[10ac]

Great reading all your expierences with not having UCA's. Glad all of you are so helpful!! Maybe ill just run without upgraded uca's and get some down the road depending if they can get mine close to specs.

The lift isnt going to give me any issues having KDSS is it?

 

[Magnetic4R]

I was in spec with 2.5 lift but plan for potential premature wear. When I max mine to 3", and install my TC, I did notice a lil bit of grease sipping through the ball joint.

 

[96706RROMJP]

Wassup guys, i talked to toytec and this is what they told me with 3" your still able to get your alignment within specs, and replacing UCAs is recommended but not required, same response from bilstein lifts.

 

[96706RROMJP]

I was in spec with 2.5 lift but plan for potential premature wear. When I max mine to 3", and install my TC, I did notice a lil bit of grease sipping through the ball joint.

Do you know what was the cause of the grease sipping through the ball joints?

 

[4runner_RN]

Just ordered the non-adjustable 3" bilstein kit from toytec and had it installed. I called prior to ordering. (great customer service). I opted to get the SPC UCA's for peace of mind. The alignment shop had an easy time aligning. I had 0 rubbing with 285 70 17 BFG KO'2 on 17" mb wheels. I was also told it wasn't required but highly recommended. The truck drives very nice and smooth

 

[Magnetic4R]

Do you know what was the cause of the grease sipping through the ball joints?

When lifted, it changes the geometry of your suspension. Even though it's within spec, mine was at its limit on 2.5"lift. I assume as the joint travels up and down, it stretches pass it's tolerance. It was nothing major but just a very small amount sipping through. I suspect over the coarse of the yrs and mileage, it may get worst.

 

[Thesoundofpanic9]

Here's some helpful info: learn how to do a KDSS calibration so when your lift is installed and you see your T4R leaning to the passenger side, you can get it leveled again.