Replacing UCA's

[jHenrici]

Like many others, I have been lurking the site until I really needed to post something. It wasn't until recently that I need some advice/help.

Currently I have a 2008 v8 Sport with about 100,000 on it. Also I have the daystar 2.5/1.5 leveling kit, Spidertraxx 1.25 spacer and running BFG t/a KO's (265/70/r17).

Long story short I hit a curb going about 35 because I wasn't paying attention. The result was that I now have a slightly bent passenger side LCA and had to recalibrate the VSC. After a realignment, the ride isn't bad but does slightly pull to the right.

Here's my question, I am going to put a lot more money into my 4runner (as I plan to drive it until the engine gives out) and was wondering if it would be better to just invest in some more beefy LCA's now or get factory replacements.

I should mention that I have decided that when my XREAS bites the dust that I will replace the system with the 3" radflo lift kit offered by Toytec (radflo on all 4 corners). Then put on some 285/70 tires.

I do plan to take the runner on some trails ranging from CO to AZ, depending on disposable income. Eventually I will be putting on the Shrockworks bumper, sliders and skid plate (fingers crossed) and might as well armor my LCA's eventually.

Im going to replace the LCAs (maybe UCAs too) when I do the suspension just to knock it out when everything is open and have access to it.

If you were in my position what would you do? I have always been told a cheap man buys things twice, so I am willing to shell out the money for quality/work done correctly the first time.

I was looking at the Total Chaos LCAs, they are around $1600. Any ideas? Input is greatly appreciated.

TOTAL CHAOS 86500 | Stock Uniball Lower Control Arms


Best,

JH

Sorry, for the incorrect title.

 

[aha2988]

If you've got the money to shell out go for the TC lower control arms.. They will set you up for a long travel setup later on if you were to become interested if not you still have the bad ass TC LCA's (TC also offers skids and gussets to beef up your factory stuff)

If you want to keep it budgeted. replace it with the factory LCA however look into B.A.M.F. LCA skids. they bolt on to the factory LCA's and beef them up..

I would def. invest in UCA's that allow for caster adjustment and or correct caster issues when you lift to 3inches you'll need them. also New UCA's add clearance between the UCA itself and the inside wall of your tire allowing you to run a wider tire for off-road.

hope this helps!

 

[BReardon21]

Interesting thread, how much are stock LCA's?

I have been contemplating replacing mine as well. My cams are currently frozen so I would have to do new bushings and hardware eventually, not sure if it will be better to just do new LCA's. I know it would be cheaper but it borders on the "a cheap man buys things twice" mentality

 

[BReardon21]

Rock Auto has stock LCA's for $157, $223, and $305 each.

For $157 its just as expensive to buy new bushings, not mention the PITA it will be to properly remove and press new ones in. I may just replace with stocker LCA's and then use $$$ saved to buy LCA skids.

I will need aftermarket UCA's as I lifted almost 3" to get tires in SPEC. The sotckers look terrible right now.

there should be a problem getting everything in spec using stock LCA's and 3in lift correct?

 

[teampwr2]

Sure you dont have a Bent spindle ?....If you had it aligned and it pulls to the right ..dig a lil deeper and I bet you find its bent/maybe not but if it pulls at least go back and have them get it with in spec.

 

[jHenrici]

Thank you for the quick replies.

I am pretty sure that it is a bent LCA. The mechanic that my family has been going to has been always been upfront to us. To give you an idea, we have two Land Cruisers in our family. A '91 with 386,000 miles and then a '02 Land Cruiser with about 256,000 miles on it. He has maintained both of them. Unfortunately the '02 has a rebuilt engine which had a scored cylinder at about 220,000 miles.

If I may, I have a couple more questions to ask after your input. The first is if I did go with the option of replacing my LCA with a stock replacement and then used bolt on armor, what is the integrity of using BAMF? It seems as though that the TC LCAs are welded together and appear sturdier than something that would be bolted on. I guess that I have not dug deep enough through the forums to see this, but then again I'd rather get up to date information (people's opinions change). Also, would it just be smarter to buy an entire new front control arm assembly (both the UCAs and LCAs or am I just getting too loose with my money)? I mean, if I waited to replace my UCAs and put bigger tires on would there be rubbing or any other negative effects considering that I do have spidetraxx installed?

I have read a couple of peoples builds using the TC LCAs and I am just curious about their affinity towards them. If they are worth the money or just another good looking investment.