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Upper Control Arms

Old 04-08-2010, 01:03 PM
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Default Upper Control Arms

Since I installed the 4wd struts on my 2wd for more height my control arms are at awkward angles. The ride is alot rougher and I have been reading up on getting newer control arms. I looked into Total Chaos but they are expensive. I dont know if getting new OEM arms will help because they will just be bent at the same angle and im looking to fix the problem and get a better ride. What do you guys think?

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Old 04-08-2010, 01:10 PM
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What about 4wd UCA's??? Are they any different to go with the struts???
Old 04-08-2010, 01:15 PM
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I don't understand how this would work. I believe the hub (I believe that's what it's called on a 4wd compared to a spindle on the 2wd) on the 4wd is also a little taller than the spindle on the 2wd isn't it? I looked into this and I was told you'd basically have to switch the hub over also and I don't know if that's possible.

You might be better off putting your old strut back on and putting a spacer lift on it.
Old 04-08-2010, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by camstng66
What about 4wd UCA's??? Are they any different to go with the struts???
I was wondering the same thing but idk. I was hoping you guys could tell me
Old 04-08-2010, 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jam92102
I don't understand how this would work. I believe the hub (I believe that's what it's called on a 4wd compared to a spindle on the 2wd) on the 4wd is also a little taller than the spindle on the 2wd isn't it? I looked into this and I was told you'd basically have to switch the hub over also and I don't know if that's possible.

You might be better off putting your old strut back on and putting a spacer lift on it.
I was told this too before I made the swap but the strut actually pushed the front up 2 more inches using the spindle I got from the Pro Comp 6 inch lift. How would a spacer lift make a difference? Wouldnt it just do the same thing?
Old 04-08-2010, 01:44 PM
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I didn't realize you had a lift as well. That will probably change things a little. I think you're right. The spacer would be the same. Sorry total noob response!
Old 04-08-2010, 02:09 PM
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Ok, this is what I see happening, and someone tell me if they concur also. By adding those 4wd struts, and gaining 2 inches where previously you hadn't, this has put things in a bind, as it should. The new 4wd strut might be pushing your truck up, but I GAIR RONE TEE its pushing your LCA's down & that is whats giving you such a horrible ride. Now, not only are you putting added stress on the upper ball joint, but now the lower as well since the LCA is being pressed to compensate for the height difference. Then again, it could be that these tasty chicken McNuggest are so yummy I am not thinking straight...
Old 04-08-2010, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by VanoFord
Ok, this is what I see happening, and someone tell me if they concur also. By adding those 4wd struts, and gaining 2 inches where previously you hadn't, this has put things in a bind, as it should. The new 4wd strut might be pushing your truck up, but I GAIR RONE TEE its pushing your LCA's down & that is whats giving you such a horrible ride. Now, not only are you putting added stress on the upper ball joint, but now the lower as well since the LCA is being pressed to compensate for the height difference. Then again, it could be that these tasty chicken McNuggest are so yummy I am not thinking straight...
That does make sense. I would tink maybe you'd have to custom make some brackets to drop your upper a-arms down 2" to realign everything.
Old 04-08-2010, 02:22 PM
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I hadnt thought of it that way which could also be a contributing factor. I looked at the lower ball joints since you mentioned this but they dont look like they are under alot of stress like the upper ones are. I also just realized today that the passenger ball joint boot has been torn open which isnt a good sign but there is still no play in any joints so im ok for now. Im just thinking in the near future when I do need new UCAs what kind should I get?
Old 04-08-2010, 02:31 PM
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Personally, I had to get new UCA's on the fly cuz my BJ's went out and you cant unpress them on the UCA's like you do on the LCA's so I just went w/ OEM from RockAuto.com. If I had the cash/time to save up for them, I would get these:

http://www.camburg.com/?p=373
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