Upper and lower control arms Question

[kmiller93]

So i've been looking and no luck so far. Are there any LCAs out there that will reduce the angle on the ball joints since I lifted or should I keep the lower arms and replace the joints? (one is now leaking) I will also probably have the bushings replaced on the LCAs if the shop says that they're bad.

 

[gannonrt]

I'm really surprised that I'm the first to reply here... I'm not an expert but I've never heard of anyone replacing the LCA with anything other than OEM. People often use aftermarket UCA like Light Racing to be able to handle additional camber for alignment after a lift. However, you likely won't need that with less than 2" of lift. Also, you need to replace the lower ball joint right now! The ball joint typically goes bad in two different ways: the bolt shear off or the joint loses its grease. It's a catastrophic failure when it goes. You really should replace the ball joints. The LCA is not your problem in my opinion. Others will likely chime in here too.

 

[white_n_slow]

What he said. Replace those LBJ's ASAP. The consequences of LBJ failure are potentially deadly!

I don't think there are any options out there for a custom lower arm other than long-travel desert-racing style suspensions. Just replace the LBJ with factory toyota and you'll be good for another decade.

 

[kmiller93]

Thanks guys. Im going to get some toytec ucas after i pay for this. I just hope I make it to the dealership (less then half a mile away)

 

[5RUNNERZ]

no, there is nobody that makes after market lca, i looked when i did mine. total chaos said they could make one if you really want but they were gonna charge like 1500

 

[Mike07SE]

I know I have a 4th Gen, but similar situation. I just purchased Raybestos OE arms to cover replacing the LBJ and new bushings that come already installed. $105 / side (RockAuto) the price can't be beat, and Raybestos' ball joints are supposed to be one of the best on the market.

Introduction to Ball Joints by Raybestos Chassis - YouTube

Edit: I just noticed the 3rd Gens don't have the LBJ pressed into the LCA (like I do), but here's a link to a bolt in & out affair from Rockauto.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1034409&cc=1375163

 

[kmiller93]

So heres a side note I work for Enterprise and deal with Ford a lot so I brought it to them to check out, they give me employee discount and no labor charges.

The mechanic showed me what was wrong and said this, "all bushings were shot, lbj going bad and uppers looked ok, brake lines need replacing, sway bar links were too small, tie rod needs to be bigger and there was a slight leak on the rear main seal. He also told me that I could not just replace the bushings on the LCA I had to buy a new one completely. But I found bushings on toytec.com. So....?

Im now going to buy Toytec UCAs unless you guys say they're crap, extended brake lines, bushing for the rack and pinion and I guess new LCAs. The links and leak can wait.

 

[white_n_slow]

Im now going to buy Toytec UCAs unless you guys say they're crap,

They're not crap, they're just not really the best way you can spend your money. Most people get aftermarket UCA's so they won't have to run wheel spacers with wider tires (wheel spacers are a lot cheaper, if that's all you're trying to do). There is plenty of tolerance within the stock adjustment to align the camber on a 3" lifted truck. The additional caster would be nice, but again, in my experience, a lifted truck drives perfectly straight down the highway without it. Not exactly $450 well spent, IMO.

I would also take whatever your mechanic told you with a grain of salt. Go under the truck and see if you can verify any of his issues. I've never had to replace a brake line due to age, and I've owned some pretty old trucks. Stock sway bar end links work fine with my 3" tundra TRD lift. ...Just sayin'

 

[kmiller93]

Ya I saw that the bushings were shot. There really isn't one on the rack. Bushings and ball joints are a must right now. As for UCAs im going to do some more research.

 

[kmiller93]

Is the angle of my LBJ normal for a 3in lift?

 

[txbonds]

Tagging along as I'm curious to know also. Regards.

 

[Nelsonmd]

It's the same as everyone else with a 3" lift.

Did you end up replacing your LCA or buy the aftermarket UCA's?

 

[JWaldz]

yea, looks a lot like mine after i put new ones on and they still seem fine.

 

[kmiller93]

I tried to find LCAs but no luck. I did replace UCAs with camburgs.

It's the same as everyone else with a 3" lift.

Did you end up replacing your LCA or buy the aftermarket UCA's?

 

[4runner1983]

Is the angle of my LBJ normal for a 3in lift?

View attachment 96310

View attachment 96311

Unfortunately, if those CVs have any kind of significant mileage on them, they will be the next thing that needs replacement post a 3" lift.

If they were run at stock height for a long time, they've likely worn a groove at the stock angle. Lifting is going to take those CVs out of the "groove" they're accustomed to and ruin them.

It just happens as a result of a drastic change in CV angle on old CVs. A new pair is about $150 and can be installed with basic tools about an hour per side.