Questions on upgrading to aftermarket stock length LCA

[darrensan]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been on the fence about whether I should upgrade to aftermarket LCA stock length but don’t see any reason not to.

Can anyone explain the benefits of aftermarket stock length LCA? (Looking at dirtking LCA)

 

[delloro]

Can install dual shocks.

But I'm not sure of any reason the stock need upgrading, except for long travel.

 

[Sundy]

I'm wondering what the reasoning is for upgrading the LCA, without going long travel.

Do you have a need for new LCA's/bushings? Do these provide additional built in caster, to help move the wheel forward? Bling factor (nothing wrong with that)? Dual shocks?

Truly interested as I haven't read much on them - did a quick google on the DirtKing LCA's and they look dang fancy - I just don't see what improvements they provide unless you have KDSS for additional articulation as they claim, or are pushing the limits of your OEM LCA's.

Neat looking product, but at a price point of $2K for the KDSS compatible, I think I would just step into a full long travel kit.

 

[Jetboy]

I can't think of any good reason to swap them unless you're going to something like the MCLT setup for high clearance or you are having them setup to relocate the spindle forward for larger tires. Otherwise - I'd stick with OEM. OEM LCAs are the LCA you'd build if you had a billion dollar factory and a team of mechanical engineers to design and build them.

 

[themaestro]

I can't think of any good reason to swap them unless you're going to something like the MCLT setup for high clearance or you are having them setup to relocate the spindle forward for larger tires. Otherwise - I'd stick with OEM. OEM LCAs are the LCA you'd build if you had a billion dollar factory and a team of mechanical engineers to design and build them.

I agree with this. For 99% of people, the stock LCAs are fine.

I'll just give my anecdotal experience on why I went aftermarket.
1. I have the heimed DK UCAs, and King extended travel coilovers. In my mind, the stock LCAs were the 'weakest link', in addition to limiting my down travel with the ext Kings.
2. I wanted to do a rebuild of the stock LCAs, (new LBJs, new bushings). But there aren't, as far I as I can tell, any good after market LBJs. So then I was left with buying new stock LCAs, and for a pair that's about $650. At that point I spent the additional $1k and got a much better LCA with servicable LBJs and bushings, and integral skidplates. Plus I went with the DK model with the swiveling KDSS link.

IMO they have a lot less deflection and offer a more direct feel, as if all of the road imperfections go to the coilover instead of being absorbed/deflected by the bushings.

 

[rdruss]

A good reason is to upgrade the bushings to "better" ones. Those that allow rotation of the steel bushing insert versus deformation of the stock rubber ones as the suspension articulates. Probably not noticeable on the street, although it may be, but would imagine would notice off road.
I have purchased a set of Graham SuperPro bushings to install in the stock arms when I need another project. They sell complete arms too. I would visit their website and watch a couple of their videos, impressed me to the point I spent $250 on their bushing set!