Upper Control Arm Replacement

I have a 2012 Tacoma Prerunner with 226,000 miles and I’m looking to rebuild the UCAs. These were the parts I was looking at getting. I’ve read where I might have to cut the UCA bolt, so I figured I’d order some as replacements. Do yall have any critiques about these parts or recommend a different brand? If y’all have any tips on the install process, please share!

 

i just hammered them out on mine with a 3/8 extension
PBlaster applied 48 hours prior helps a lot too

 

Not worth rebuilding OEM UCA with aftermarket parts vs. just buying Beck or Moog complete UCAs.

Cutting the UCA bolt head is the cleaner way vs. bending and cutting the inner fender.



You'll still need to unclip the fuel lines along the driver's side firewall and install the bolts from the rear.

 

I can't help but say be careful with the Moog ball joint. I don't have specific case to sight but I've seen people talk bad about them on this forum.

Maybe look for a set of used OEM UCA's on the marketplace. I got a set off a 2022 with 2000 miles on them from here last spring. Ball joint and bushings but no bolt. I haven't installed the UCA's yet so if you really need them let me know. I'd probably spend the extra money getting a new OEM bolt from the dealership. We are talking like only $20-$30 difference here so I'd probably go the OEM route.

 

Agreed, I would 100% not want to spend $100+ on parts only to have to spend the time to install those bushings/ball joints on my arms. But then again I also don't have a press at home. Another option is to find a lightly used set of take offs. In my area they can be had for cheap.

When I changed my UCA's I didn't have to cut the inner fender. I personally didn't like the idea of cutting/replacing. I did a very minor bend with some large adjustable pliers and the bolts slid right out. I've talked to someone who has done it on many, many trucks and he said they're all a bit different so YMMV here.

 

^Yeah in the trucks I've done, at least one side couldn't pass the bolt no matter how far I bent the inner fender. I either had to cut the bolt head or grind off half the bolt head. I would say have a 4.5" angle grinder with cutoff wheel ready for the job.

 

Those bushing sleeves are probably fused to the UCA

I've done this a few times and would not recommend rebuilding them.

You might end up using every tool you have, including buying a hydraulic press if you don't have one, in order to get those bushings/sleeves out.

like everyone else said, just get the beck, moog, TRQ uca if you are leaving it stock.

And, Grease the new sleeves, so they don't stick to the UCA (just incase you need to pull them apart for some reason)

 

This is kinda what I did. Due to the leaf spring recall, I picked up a free set of leaf springs from a TW member who threw in the UCA’s with about 5K miles on them. I folded back the affected area and had no issues punching out the bolt. I watched the TRQ video for guidance. Turned out, my oem UCA’s with 215K miles were not in the bad shape I thought they would be. The BJs were a bit loose but had no play in them. The oem bushings looked good also. I plan on refurbishing my UCA’s and offering them at cost on my local area market thread.

 

Those parts will teach you the lesson “you get what you pay for”.

 

Not exactly the same, but similar. Debated replacing ball joints in my Camburg upper arms. With so many stories about aftermarket ball joints, I researched the Camburg ball joints. Ultimately though, I just opted to buy another set of new Camburg arms, assembled with their Camburg ball joints.

Eventually will get the new ones installed, along with a full box of maintenance and upgrade parts.

Point being, if complete assemblies are not cost prohibitive, go that route. Less headaches unless you have a reasonable access to tools needed for ball joint and bushing replacements.

 

unless you're looking for that increase caster adjustibility, get a set of low-mileage OEM takeoffs. Should be plenty of them out there with the amount of owners who go aftermarket UCAs. Hell i think i still have mine in a box somewhere