UCA's and Offset

[gimlithepirate]

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do for UCA's, and am thoroughly confused. My plan is to use Dobinson's for a 3" lift up front, 2.5" out back, with the goal being to run either 255/80/17 or 265/75/18. Originally, I had been thinking I would run JBAs with stock wheels. My reasoning was that since I wasn't going wider than stock, I should be fine on clearing the UCA. However, after looking at the JBA website I'm not so sure.

I know from research that the Limited 18's have an offset of +25mm. On JBA's website, they say that 255's need an offset of -12mm. That seems extreme enough that any tire is going to run into major rubbing problems on the fenders from what I've seen.

I guess my question is, are there better UCA options that give more clearance? I love that the JBA's use off the shelf ball joints, but if they cause this many clearance issues, it gives me pause. Or, is the right answer to get 17" wheels which have a 0 or negative back spacing?

Feeling a little bit like I fell down the rabbit hole... The lift part I get, the need for UCAs at that level of lift I get, how to pick a UCA and compatible tire size is still throwing me.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do for UCA's, and am thoroughly confused. My plan is to use Dobinson's for a 3" lift up front, 2.5" out back, with the goal being to run either 255/80/17 or 265/75/18. Originally, I had been thinking I would run JBAs with stock wheels. My reasoning was that since I wasn't going wider than stock, I should be fine on clearing the UCA. However, after looking at the JBA website I'm not so sure.

I know from research that the Limited 18's have an offset of +25mm. On JBA's website, they say that 255's need an offset of -12mm. That seems extreme enough that any tire is going to run into major rubbing problems on the fenders from what I've seen.

I guess my question is, are there better UCA options that give more clearance? I love that the JBA's use off the shelf ball joints, but if they cause this many clearance issues, it gives me pause. Or, is the right answer to get 17" wheels which have a 0 or negative back spacing?

Feeling a little bit like I fell down the rabbit hole... The lift part I get, the need for UCAs at that level of lift I get, how to pick a UCA and compatible tire size is still throwing me.

Get SPCs. Nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[kcdehart]

+1 - love my SPCs. Tons of adjustability and they stand behind their products.

On the topic of wheels/tires, 265s are stock width, so those and 255s should be fine with any UCA. It's once you get wider than that that you risk rubbing suspension components.

 

[Drift Monkey]

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do for UCA's, and am thoroughly confused. My plan is to use Dobinson's for a 3" lift up front, 2.5" out back, with the goal being to run either 255/80/17 or 265/75/18. Originally, I had been thinking I would run JBAs with stock wheels. My reasoning was that since I wasn't going wider than stock, I should be fine on clearing the UCA. However, after looking at the JBA website I'm not so sure.

I know from research that the Limited 18's have an offset of +25mm. On JBA's website, they say that 255's need an offset of -12mm. That seems extreme enough that any tire is going to run into major rubbing problems on the fenders from what I've seen.

I guess my question is, are there better UCA options that give more clearance? I love that the JBA's use off the shelf ball joints, but if they cause this many clearance issues, it gives me pause. Or, is the right answer to get 17" wheels which have a 0 or negative back spacing?

Feeling a little bit like I fell down the rabbit hole... The lift part I get, the need for UCAs at that level of lift I get, how to pick a UCA and compatible tire size is still throwing me.

Just went thru this ordeal because Dobinsons’ is backordered until the end of the month (I ordered Black Friday) so I cancelled and went with JBA. Essentially if you go larger than 32s, you’re gonna risk rubbing the gusset.

For me personally, I want to run 5th gen trail wheels (17x7.5 +15) with 285/70R17s and it won’t clear by .425” so I’ll have to run spacers - the common ones are 1.25” which will but be way out, but don’t think rubbing the fenders will be an issue more than the amount of trimming increases and possible body mount clearance. 265/75R18, I’m not sure, +25 would give you minimal clearance (.2”) - if you’re set on that size I’d hit up JBA - they helped me solve my clearance questions via text.

In your case, it looks like a 5th gen wheel with +15 offset would clear just fine since 255/80R17 would fit fine since it’s ~1.3” narrower.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

Just went thru this ordeal because Dobinsons’ is backordered until the end of the month (I ordered Black Friday) so I cancelled and went with JBA. Essentially if you go larger than 32s, you’re gonna risk rubbing the gusset.

For me personally, I want to run 5th gen trail wheels (17x7.5 +15) with 285/70R17s and it won’t clear by .425” so I’ll have to run spacers - the common ones are 1.25” which will but be way out, but don’t think rubbing the fenders will be an issue more than the amount of trimming increases and possible body mount clearance. 265/75R18, I’m not sure, +25 would give you minimal clearance (.2”) - if you’re set on that size I’d hit up JBA - they helped me solve my clearance questions via text.

In your case, it looks like a 5th gen wheel with +15 offset would clear just fine since 255/80R17 would fit fine since it’s ~1.3” narrower.

I'm running trail wheels right now with no rubbing on spindle or UCA(which is an SPC). on 285/70r17s or 285/75r17s. Not sure who told you that you would need spacers, but they are wrong. Could still run them if you want them, but you don't HAVE to

 

[kcdehart]

Yeah, I'm on 17x7.5 +15 Sequoia wheels with 285/70R17 KM2s and I have zero suspension rubbing. No spacers

 

[gimlithepirate]

+1 - love my SPCs. Tons of adjustability and they stand behind their products.

On the topic of wheels/tires, 265s are stock width, so those and 255s should be fine with any UCA. It's once you get wider than that that you risk rubbing suspension components.

If SPCs were the price they used to be, would be a no brainer. They seem to be more expensive than they used to be though... They are definitely the main other option I'm considering.

Basically, I have to decide SPC with no rubbing vs JBA with easily replaceable joints. If I go JBA, I've now confirmed with Marlin I'll need new wheels to clear.

 

[gimlithepirate]

Just went thru this ordeal because Dobinsons’ is backordered until the end of the month (I ordered Black Friday) so I cancelled and went with JBA. Essentially if you go larger than 32s, you’re gonna risk rubbing the gusset.

For me personally, I want to run 5th gen trail wheels (17x7.5 +15) with 285/70R17s and it won’t clear by .425” so I’ll have to run spacers - the common ones are 1.25” which will but be way out, but don’t think rubbing the fenders will be an issue more than the amount of trimming increases and possible body mount clearance. 265/75R18, I’m not sure, +25 would give you minimal clearance (.2”) - if you’re set on that size I’d hit up JBA - they helped me solve my clearance questions via text.

In your case, it looks like a 5th gen wheel with +15 offset would clear just fine since 255/80R17 would fit fine since it’s ~1.3” narrower.

That 5th gen combo is exactly what I'm considering if I decide to go JBA. Just gotta decide whether to go new wheels, or SPC UCAs...

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

If SPCs were the price they used to be, would be a no brainer. They seem to be more expensive than they used to be though... They are definitely the main other option I'm considering.

Basically, I have to decide SPC with no rubbing vs JBA with easily replaceable joints. If I go JBA, I've now confirmed with Marlin I'll need new wheels to clear.

You can buy SPCs from BattleBornOffroad for under $500 shipped!!! That's a great deal for a super solid product. T4R is the coupon code!

 

[kcdehart]

If SPCs were the price they used to be, would be a no brainer. They seem to be more expensive than they used to be though... They are definitely the main other option I'm considering.

Basically, I have to decide SPC with no rubbing vs JBA with easily replaceable joints. If I go JBA, I've now confirmed with Marlin I'll need new wheels to clear.

FWIW, SPC balljoints just unbolt and are replaced super easily, as well. I found my SPCs on Rockauto, oddly enough. They were labeled as something else, and I'm not sure if they're on there anymore. They were $420 shipped though

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

If SPCs were the price they used to be, would be a no brainer. They seem to be more expensive than they used to be though... They are definitely the main other option I'm considering.

Basically, I have to decide SPC with no rubbing vs JBA with easily replaceable joints. If I go JBA, I've now confirmed with Marlin I'll need new wheels to clear.

Also SPC joints are easily replaced as well. No they're not carried in stores, but they are easily found and bought online. If you're worried about them going bad, then just buy and keep a second set on hand. I've been running mine for awhile now and don't expect to redo them any time soon. I keep them pumped fresh with grease every oil change.

 

[montijo505]

The issue with JBA specifically is that the ball joint portion sticks out really far, and some people have had rubbing issues. SPC’s and most other UCA’s aren’t as wide there and most people run lots of wheels with no issues.

Several people have just ground down the outer lip of the JBA to avoid rubbing. Not a viable solution but worked for some people who did not figure out they would rub until it was too late.

Also a +1 for SPC, have run them since about 2015 with no issues. I’m needing to replace the ballpoints due to one has a small hole (no leaking) in one of the boots. Adjustability is great for alignments.

Here is where it rubs on most applications as well as where the ball joint sits, the outer most lip.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Drift Monkey]

I'm running trail wheels right now with no rubbing on spindle or UCA(which is an SPC). on 285/70r17s or 285/75r17s. Not sure who told you that you would need spacers, but they are wrong. Could still run them if you want them, but you don't HAVE to

Yeah, I'm on 17x7.5 +15 Sequoia wheels with 285/70R17 KM2s and I have zero suspension rubbing. No spacers

Right...I specifically mentioned I'm gonna run JBAs which stick out more at the gusset...Marlin at JBA confirmed I will need to run spacers.

 

[Drift Monkey]

That 5th gen combo is exactly what I'm considering if I decide to go JBA. Just gotta decide whether to go new wheels, or SPC UCAs...

For me, I kinda wanted new wheels anyway, just a bit disappointed Trail wheels won't work without spacers...not a huge deal to me, just means a bit more trimming. JBAs were under $480 shipped and showed up in a few days...great customer support too.

 

[gimlithepirate]

You can buy SPCs from BattleBornOffroad for under $500 shipped!!! That's a great deal for a super solid product. T4R is the coupon code!

Hmm, just tried it. Their website is showing 633$ for them, and the coupon code doesn't look like it took that much off.

I think there has been a price increase on the SPC's recently.

 

[gimlithepirate]

FWIW, SPC balljoints just unbolt and are replaced super easily, as well. I found my SPCs on Rockauto, oddly enough. They were labeled as something else, and I'm not sure if they're on there anymore. They were $420 shipped though

Thanks for the tip. Looks like they still have them. That might make this a tad easier.

Also, I should have said a stock uniball. I do like that the SPC don't require a press to put them in.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

Hmm, just tried it. Their website is showing 633$ for them, and the coupon code doesn't look like it took that much off.

I think there has been a price increase on the SPC's recently.

Yeah just tried the code and it didn't take anything off on my end. I would try reaching out to them and see why its not working. I checked just the other day and it was less than $500. Free shipping, and no tax

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

Right...I specifically mentioned I'm gonna run JBAs which stick out more at the gusset...Marlin at JBA confirmed I will need to run spacers.

Right....I'm letting you know that if you went with SPC which can be had under $500 shipped as well, that you wouldn't have to spend even more money buying spacers, or new wheels. I have no doubt that you'll need spacers when using JBA UCAs. They have a major design flaw in my eyes. I simply don't understand why people still buy them.

 

[Drift Monkey]

Right....I'm letting you know that if you went with SPC which can be had under $500 shipped as well, that you wouldn't have to spend even more money buying spacers, or new wheels. I have no doubt that you'll need spacers when using JBA UCAs. They have a major design flaw in my eyes. I simply don't understand why people still buy them.

I don't like the issues people have had with SPC...I already have in the JBAs in my possession so what's done is done I suppose.

This probably woulda turned out differently in Dobinsons had their stuff in stock lol.

 

[That_Titanium_4RNR]

I don't like the issues people have had with SPC...I already have in the JBAs in my possession so what's done is done I suppose.

This probably woulda turned out differently in Dobinsons had their stuff in stock lol.

The issues people had years ago, with an entirely different design, fwiw. They fixed their design and have an extremely solid design now. They even sell retrofit kits and the like. JBA on the other hand, has not. If they fixed their clearance problems then I wouldn't be b!tch!ng as much. I get that some people don't want an adjustable design though.