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How necessary are UCAs on a 2-2.5 inch lift

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Astrov, Apr 4, 2024.

  1. Apr 4, 2024 at 1:03 PM
    #1
    Astrov

    Astrov [OP] Member

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    So, in a couple of weeks me and my brother are going to be installing Bilstein 5100 shocks on all 4 corners, OME 2887 springs, a 1/4inch driver side spacer for the taco lean people tend to get with aftermarket suspension and an HS Deaver AAL. I got all the suspension components from HeadStrong Off-Road(really quick delivery and good customer service by the way). I’ll be putting the 887s on the 4th notch on the 5100s and am anticipating a 2 inch lift according to Headstrong's chart on their website. I saw on a couple of threads that 2-2.5 inches is maxing out the stock UCAs. Is not putting on an aftermarket UCA going to mess up the stock UCA and the tires in the long run? Or is it mainly for something like ride quality or a mix of both. My Tacoma is pretty new I got it this past November. I decided not to buy UCAs because from what I understand most quality UCAs are around 600+dollars which would essentially almost double the price of the rest of the suspension which I got for $798. If I do have to get UCAs any suggestions on quality budget ones?
     
  2. Apr 4, 2024 at 1:27 PM
    #2
    Crikeymike

    Crikeymike ExitOffroad.com Vendor

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    You shouldn't need to preload the struts, you're adding lifted coils.

    UCA's allow for more articulation, better ride comfort if they're built right, and mainly a better alignment when it's lifted. They aren't necessary with a 2" lift, but 2.5" or more you start to run out of caster, so it doesn't drive as well as it should.
     
    gotoman1969 likes this.
  3. Apr 4, 2024 at 1:36 PM
    #3
    sarcastictechsupport

    sarcastictechsupport Well-Known Member

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    I have 2” on mine and didn’t need them. Made it easier to go to 33” tire as we were able to move it away from the cab mount with caster adjustment on lower control arm. That solved both the caster and the tire clearance problem. YMMV
     
    rosswood, JFriday1 and 908tacoma like this.
  4. Apr 4, 2024 at 2:35 PM
    #4
    JFriday1

    JFriday1 Well-Known Member

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    Might wander around more around 45mph and faster.
     
    Crikeymike likes this.
  5. Apr 5, 2024 at 7:17 AM
    #5
    908tacoma

    908tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I’m running the 887 and OME shocks and while not necessary like others said the UCA helped clear and align my 285s
    IMG_8380.jpg
     
    hinmo24t and rosswood like this.
  6. Apr 5, 2024 at 5:10 PM
    #6
    gudujarlson

    gudujarlson Well-Known Member

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  7. Apr 5, 2024 at 5:20 PM
    #7
    rosswood

    rosswood Well-Known Member

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    I have a similar lift and only upgraded UCAs bc of a tire rub with 285s. The drive was fine before but i will say it does drive better now with JBA higher caster.
     
  8. Apr 6, 2024 at 4:10 PM
    #8
    Astrov

    Astrov [OP] Member

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    How long have you had the lift for? And did you experience any sagging?
     
    908tacoma[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 6, 2024 at 4:36 PM
    #9
    Mrcooperou812

    Mrcooperou812 Well-Known Member

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    5100 fronts are already extended length. I just add an extra circlip on drivers side and nix the spacer.
     
  10. Apr 6, 2024 at 5:10 PM
    #10
    908tacoma

    908tacoma Well-Known Member

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    about 8000 miles , a year. No sagging I see but I’m going to measure tomorrow to check
     

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