Anyone tried to shave the boot down on one end to match the angle? I was thinking of trying this on my belt sander.
JBA UCA post install thoughts - boot not fitting right?
- Thread starter joshik
- Start date
Anyone tried to shave the boot down on one end to match the angle? I was thinking of trying this on my belt sander.
Drift Monkey
New member
Might work, but I don't think it reaches far enough either way. Give a try with the double washers and let us know!
hetzler_l33
New member
I haven’t thought about that. I’m not sure if that will compromise the boot integrity or not, but honestly they should just use a snap ring to seat the boot when they ship it
He'd have to add a flange to the control arm which would add cost. I think it would be worth it but all of us gen 1 guys would be hosed.
Drift Monkey
New member
Seems easier if they just woulda gone with a bellows/accordion style boot?
hetzler_l33
New member
Yeah, I think they need to update that boot design somehow instead of putting on a bandaid with the extra washer.
That’s true, but if he adds it as an option for a extra charge then that’ll eliminate the issue of forcing the higher price for them all. Kinda like an option for a different style ball joint lol
Looks like he updated the boot design but it only works with the updated balljoint. $60/each. Check JBA Instagram page
I feel like by the time I buy the updated ez lube bushings and the updated ball joints, I should just get complete new updated arms and sell mine on Craigslist.
Maybe there should be a discount for those who have the older versions, within reason.
I feel like by the time I buy the updated ez lube bushings and the updated ball joints, I should just get complete new updated arms and sell mine on Craigslist.
Maybe there should be a discount for those who have the older versions, within reason.
Shiftless Joe
Member
Hopefully there's a discount to those who've recently purchased a set of their uppers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRCmi6gwCO/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRCmi6gwCO/
Bernardchan96
New member
Anyone message Marlin about these boots for people who bought the JBA uppers with old boots
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.
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.
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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
rmbertoldi
New member
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.
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.
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...
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...
Drift Monkey
New member
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.
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 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?
Silver Stallion
New member
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!
