UCA the limiting droop factor?

[tucktuck8]

So I have Built Right UCA's and I believe they are maxing out. When I get on the gas hard and the front lifts up It sounds like chattering from the front. I know it isn't my 5100 maxing out because when I undo my lower control arm the shock continues to lower after the UCA is maxed.

Is it normal for the UCA to be a the limiting factor for droop?

 

[tucktuck8]

Anyone? Getting a lot of chattering in the front at WOT. Pretty sure its the UCA's but not positive. I have Cardone CV axles that are known to bind with too much lift, could this be it?

Ideas?

 

[Jeremy556]

Yes, the UCA is generally the limiting factor. I can't imagine topping out your front end with acceleration unless you have way too much lift and no down travel. Even then, it shouldn't make noise.

Aftermarket CVs would be high on my suspect list for front end noises.

 

[LTDSC]

what do your angles look on the uniball and the cup of the UCA now at ride height? That will help determine if you're too tall for your set up.

 

[Mike07SE]

When it comes to suspension lifts on our trucks, the stock UCA's become a hindrance in a few areas.

- The first is the often discussed alignment issues that arise when caster angles disappear and there isn't enough adjustment that can me made during an alignment to correct it.

- The second issue at times are aftermarket wheel and/or tire clearance. Aftermarket UCA's most of the time can gain back some space to provide a necessary gap.

- Third is the limitation on down travel as you bring up. The stock UCA's will eventually hit the coils of the users setup.

In an ideal scenario, the limiting factor in the suspension's down travel is the shock while everything else like the UCA's and CV joints are still with operating tolerances. If you run into the unlikely scenario (at least with the 5100's) that the shocks are too long and cause a CV bind you would know it right away. Upon acceleration, the truck will make violent banging noises as the joint binds and unwinds. Not good. Quick and easy way to check on this is to lift the front of the truck where the wheels are off the ground. Spin both of the wheels and they should do so without and binding or resistance. If you feel a buildup of resistance and an 'unwinding' feeling about every 120* your CV's are cutting it close (which is the problem with aftermarkets as they use narrower joints in general vs. OEMs).

Hope some of this helps.

 

[tucktuck8]

what do your angles look on the uniball and the cup of the UCA now at ride height? That will help determine if you're too tall for your set up.

It seems pretty close to topping out.

When I lift the front off of the ground I cannot rotate the front tires more than a 1/4 turn. I think Cardone CV's are causing this but it drives fine on the road.

I am still not sure if the chatter is from the cv's or the UCA's

Where could I pick up re-manned OEM CV's?

 

[LTDSC]

That definitely looks topped out if not damn near. I'd lower your front end a bit to get it to be somewhat centered.

Here are mine at ride height for reference

 

[tucktuck8]

That definitely looks topped out if not damn near. I'd lower your front end a bit to get it to be somewhat centered.

Here are mine at ride height for reference

Yeah I might have to lower my front. I have the 885 with top plate setup which many people have. Not sure why I am having trouble.