SPC or Icon UCA?

masphx

masphx

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Which is better to go with assuming the Icons are 20% off. Also, where is the best place to buy the spc uca?
 
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For what its worth I just installed SPC on mine last week.These are much stouter than the factory UCA and I like having a traditional ball joint vs the uniball. I'm very happy with them and the truck drives much better. I set them at +2 degrees caster and that seems to be about right. They can adjust as far as +4 degrees caster if needed.
 
What I liked about the SPC arms is that they are silent and will remain silent, the ball portion of the ball joint is bigger than any of the uniball types on the market currently, and the maintenance is super easy. They articulate just as much as a uniball style and should be plenty strong for any type of sensible (not hard-core) off-roading these vehicle are capable of. Also, the ballpoints are replaceable and you don't need a press or anything, just bolts new ones in.
 
Have you looked into JBA Offroad? They make UCAs for the 4th/5th gens. Their current model seems to have positive reviews and guys are getting 3+ on caster. You can service/swap out the balljoint without taking off the control arm. Their customer service is great too. Their first run of UCAs in early 2015 did have problems with Tacomas but it was addressed quickly by the owner of JBA.

JBA STD High Caster Upper A-arms for 2005-14 Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser

I wanted balljoint UCAs so I was on the fence between JBA, SPC, or Camburg. I've read Camburg's CS being pretty non-existent. Their BJ UCA's net barely any positive caster over OEM, and you will need to remove the UCA to press in new balljoints.

LR/SPC UCAs are made in China and have spotty reviews on various forums. Some have had horrid experiences with them while others have nothing but raving reviews. It's a toss.
 
Strictly an alignment necessity. Both very high rated quality parts. Price shouldn't be the deciding factor. If you have alignment issues and need +/- 4 degrees camber or caster go with spc, they offer adjustable ball joints. If not then go with either. I needed the extra adjustment, otherwise I would have icon everything.
 
Seattle206 said:
Have you looked into JBA Offroad? They make UCAs for the 4th/5th gens. Their current model seems to have positive reviews and guys are getting 3+ on caster. You can service/swap out the balljoint without taking off the control arm. Their customer service is great too. Their first run of UCAs in early 2015 did have problems with Tacomas but it was addressed quickly by the owner of JBA.

JBA STD High Caster Upper A-arms for 2005-14 Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser

I wanted balljoint UCAs so I was on the fence between JBA, SPC, or Camburg. I've read Camburg's CS being pretty non-existent. Their BJ UCA's net barely any positive caster over OEM, and you will need to remove the UCA to press in new balljoints.

LR/SPC UCAs are made in China and have spotty reviews on various forums. Some have had horrid experiences with them while others have nothing but raving reviews. It's a toss.
Click to expand...

I like the look of those JBA.

Question; do you need aftermarket UCA if doing a lift kit 2.5/1.5 keeping XREAS?
 
I have had the SPC UCAs on since mid 2011, The old style bushing and no zerk.
These have held up very well to a heavy front bumper and spirited off-road driving.
I have no cracks in the bushing sleeve, no bolts have backed out and no noise.
I would put another set of SPC's on mine, no problem.
 
aquilon said:
I like the look of those JBA.

Question; do you need aftermarket UCA if doing a lift kit 2.5/1.5 keeping XREAS?
Click to expand...

I have 1.5" lift on the front and I feel like I can use more caster. The steering wheel return to center is tad more sluggish and tad more wandering on the hwy. Somewhere on this board I posted up my alignment #s from stock to FJC suspension to what I have now, 6112s.
 
Just ro let everyone know i went with SPC for the alignment and ease of matinance. Just hope they sever me well. Thanks for all the advice.
 
I can't believe eBay arms haven't been discussed here.
The arms on ebay are 99% the same as the name brands. I mean really its bent metal welded to bushing and ball joint or uniball housings.

I've been running the ebay Camburg knock offs for some time with no issue. I know many people have enjoyed the Uniball Total Chaos ebay arms as well. I've installed those on a FJ and it was uneventful.

Uniball $320 (Total Chaos style)
2003-2009 4-Runner & FJ Cruiser 2WD/4WD Silver Upper Control Arm For 2-4" Lift | eBay

Tradional Ball Joint (Camburg style)
$200
2003 - 2009 Toyota 4Runner / 2007 - 2014 FJ Cruiser UPPER CONTROL ARMS 2WD 4WD | eBay
 
Just installed SPC LR. So far so good but obviously way too early to evaluate durability. Price, adjustability, and the ability to easily replace the ball joint were factors in making my decision. They are beefy as hell compared to factory but time will tell on the welds.


 
swapmeet said:
I can't believe eBay arms haven't been discussed here.
The arms on ebay are 99% the same as the name brands. I mean really its bent metal welded to bushing and ball joint or uniball housings.

I've been running the ebay Camburg knock offs for some time with no issue. I know many people have enjoyed the Uniball Total Chaos ebay arms as well. I've installed those on a FJ and it was uneventful.

Uniball $320 (Total Chaos style)
2003-2009 4-Runner & FJ Cruiser 2WD/4WD Silver Upper Control Arm For 2-4" Lift | eBay

Tradional Ball Joint (Camburg style)
$200
2003 - 2009 Toyota 4Runner / 2007 - 2014 FJ Cruiser UPPER CONTROL ARMS 2WD 4WD | eBay
Click to expand...

Link to any discussions of these? Last time I did any reading on these was when they first showed up. Quality was not so hot back then I don't think.
 
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