I know I'll catch grief for the install of stock-size control arms but the original ball joints were shot and needed replaced. My 2003 4Runner (with a Toytec 3" Ultimate Lift) did not have replaceable ball joints on the arms--called for control arm change. So, I installed Total Chaos upper and lower control arms (stock clearance) with replaceable uni-balls. All is good except for the 1/64" clearance between the lower uni-ball cup bolt and CV axle wheel "hub". Un-Sat........This was done per-the-directions and appeared to be worse after an alignment. Anyone else experience this?
Total Chaos Lower Control Arms (stock Length)
- Thread starter schwari1
- Start date
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JacksonRally
New member
Assuming the bolt is being installed from the bottom? Are there any threads left past the nut? If so then cut the bolt down a little. Once threads are exposed they are no longer needed. Sometimes it is necessary to run a longer bolt to get proper shoulder length, so do not be afraid to cut excess off after the nut. If not then you might want to look into a "half height" nut. Now these are easy to come by in a Nyloc style but I would not run a Nyloc nut on a major suspension component. You will have to find a mechanical locking aircraft nut (google it) in half height. Then you will be able to shorten the bolt even more. Remember to install all hardware with RED Loctite.
wkerder4,
So far, no rubbing but ever so close!! No complaints yet on the stock arms; very heavy-duty and put together well. I didn't want to go through the pain of extending axles on the CV's and running fiberglass fenders to accomodate clearance for the extended travel race application. These are bolted from the top so it is the top of the bolt that is close to rubbing.
So far, no rubbing but ever so close!! No complaints yet on the stock arms; very heavy-duty and put together well. I didn't want to go through the pain of extending axles on the CV's and running fiberglass fenders to accomodate clearance for the extended travel race application. These are bolted from the top so it is the top of the bolt that is close to rubbing.
JacksonRally,
Thanks for the suggestion, but these are not bolted from the bottom and there would probably be less clearance on top if they were. The nut is pretty big; it is larger than the bolt head. I'm going to guess that when I contact Total Chaos and ask about the clearance, they will suggest their knuckles have a better clearance option with that application. I'm almost certain that these will eventually rub - especially if there becomes the slightest wear on the hub bearings or if the control arm has any miniscule "flex".
Thanks for the suggestion, but these are not bolted from the bottom and there would probably be less clearance on top if they were. The nut is pretty big; it is larger than the bolt head. I'm going to guess that when I contact Total Chaos and ask about the clearance, they will suggest their knuckles have a better clearance option with that application. I'm almost certain that these will eventually rub - especially if there becomes the slightest wear on the hub bearings or if the control arm has any miniscule "flex".
JacksonRally
New member
Yeah, pics would help.
Can't figure out how to attach pics, but after looking and thinking about the problem, I have the idea that the alignment could be the problem. The bottom uniball bolt is not perpendicular to the uniball cup (both sides angled far to the outside when viewed from the front). The alignment was done by Sears to factory specs. I think that with the lift, oversized tires, Spidertrax wheel spacers and aftermarket control arms, things might not aling to factory specs. If that could be the case, I'm unsure where or how I could get a decent alignment done. Any suggestions??
Wheelers Off-Road had the uppers for $649 and the lowers for $1595.61. I spoke with Total Chaos and they said in this case, "A miss is as good as a mile". They assured me that there would never be any flex between the components. I will grind the head of the bolt down if there is ever any contact.............I will certainly re-post if there becomes an issue! Thanks to all that responded!
