UCAs and Rear Trailing Arms...benefits?

[FourEyedWilly]

So I have pretty much chosen the suspension system I'm going to spend my hard earned coins on Overland Warehouse...
Full 2.0" suspension kit

My question is, I also see some replacing UCAs in the front and Trailing Arms in the rear. It's a lot more bucks on top of $1400. So, is this just for increased travel or are their other bennies? Has anyone gone without these two upgrades and then done them?

Thanks!

 

[kylebacc]

Well i know the UCA's will allow your alignment to be back in spec. Without them, your caster will be a bit off. Not too much to worry about right away in my opinion, but others may feel differently. I have a 3" spacer kit on both of my 4runners (which do the same thing to the caster), and my mechanic says he's not too worried about how much off it is because it's so little. As far as the trailing arms, I don't know what the benefits are.

 

[Autbond]

I would buy the UCA's, I don't think the trailing arms are at all necessary or worth it.

 

[bulldogtaxi]

upgrading the control arms will also eliminate them hitting the coil at full extent of the front suspension.

 

[Mike07SE]

If you're getting a good lift like an OW lift and plan on at least leaving at the height that it comes at or more I'd upgrade at least the A-arm.

Several reasons:

1. Prevent the stock A arm from hitting the springs on droop.

2. You have much more travel that will stress the stock ball joint.

3. And the all obvious caster. If you drive on the highway at all your truck may become a little twitchy.

You can get away with the stock trailing arms.

 

[afromullet]

I have the OW 2.0 Front/Rear. I have the stock UCAs and trailing arms. I run 275/70/17 MTRs and FJ alum rims (-15mm offset). My alignment is very close to all "green". I think I'm .01 off in my camber on the right side. I have 3" lift in front and around 3.25" in rear. The offset on the rims (or wheel spacers) will allow you to go on the bigger tire size, without UCAs.

For the trailing arms, you should upgrade them if you are wheeling rocks. I put a sizeable gash in mine last week; lucky it didn't bend. I hear if you bend them, it makes a for a bad day.

-Scott

 

[daPitbull]

Depends on the terrain you wheel. If play on the rocks, I'd upgrade the rear LCA's before the UCA's. I've been on rides where people have bent the stock LCA's (they're week stamped steel). Electronics go crazy, ABS, TRAC, etc because the alignment of the rear wheels are off, no fun getting off the trail...much less getting home. Either upgrade them or carry spares.