Upper control arms that don’t suck?

My wife has tire envy. I’m getting ready to replace the 265/70 KO2s with 285/70 Toyo AT IIIs on her DD. It currently has an Eibach stage 1 lift kit with stock upper control arms. Alignment is good, with caster just under minimum spec. I was looking at replacing with adjustable UCAs, but seems like all have some negative reviews for quality issues with to some degree (SPC, OME)

I’d prefer something simple, i.e. fixed/built-in added
Caster and camber like OME, with original equipment quality/style ball joint that will last. Suggestions?

also feel free to suggest other tire options. The standard load P285/70 Toyo AT III seem to fit well compared to other LT options. These are going on 7” TRD Pro/SEMA wheels. I’d considered going with 255/75 or 80 options, with the C-load 255/75 KO2s trying to get a bigger-looking tire with a reasonably comfy ride as simply as possible.

 

Hey @White TuRD

from what I’ve read members say here on UCA’s, which is a lot, I highly recommend:
JBA
Total Chaos
Dirt King
Dobinsons

 

@White TuRD I’d say go ahead and stick with ur gut on P285/70 Toyo AT III, not a bad choice at all. 255/80’s are really cool too, but quite skinny..iunno if I’d truly like it.
Goodluck

 

Stay stock if you don't need the added adjustment.

 

https://youtu.be/InQnp42pfts?si=nFQg2moVUHwGuztc

 

I'm kinda leaning this way

 

In addition to what @Spare Parts mentioned, I recommend you check this out too
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LAYGdcKSA3o

 

I'm in the boat to lift to a point where I can still use stock UCA. Stock UCA seems to be trouble free, no squeaks, no re-greasing, no nothing.

I had SPC UCAs on my TRD ORP. It was such a pain where dealership won't grease them having to go to 4x4shop. SPC recommends to grease them on every oil change if I'm not mistaken. (I'm not a diy guy doing oil changes, greasing stuff, etc.. getting dirty.)

 

For that setup stay stock.

 

With that minimum lift just stick with stock UCAs.

How much cutting are you prepared to do to fit the tires? If you want least amount of cutting, pick a skinny tire like 255/80-17 (still a 33") and run it on stock wheels. Wheels with more outset, like the Pro/SEMA wheels, will require more cutting, because the tire will be swinging on a larger arc.

 

That ship has sailed.

The Eibach kit is great, much better ride than stock, IMO. I wish they made the kit in a 1.5-2” lift option.

also, consider this is my wife’s daily driver, so practical decisions don’t really matter.

 

No!!!! I mean stock UCAs.

I've run the Stage 1 with 285 on my 2019 ORP and it was perfect with OEM UCAs. I've had several other lifted 5th gens, just under 3" lift, all with stock UCAs and they all aligned and drove fine.

One (my first) 5th gen I did a 2.5" lift and Total Chaos UCAs on I was severely disappointed in them. No better than stock and squeaked badly if they got speck of dust near them. Hard to grease even though they had to be greased. Very user-unfriendly. Looked cool though...

 

lol gotcha, appreciate the clarification

 

I have Jba I’ve had the camburg ones before but the boot was already starting to tear with only a few thousand miles on them

Jba have been good so far

 

I had big tire envy as well. Installed Dobinsons UCA’s w/ 2’ lift and Toyo 285/70 AT III’s. Recently swapped TRD wheels and 285’s for Steelies w/ Toyo 255/75 AT III’s. I think the on road handling is much better with 255’s, alignment always felt off with 285’s. Still enough tread on 285’s that I’ve swapped back and forth a few times, for both on and off road driving. In both situations I like 255’s better! I agree with the others as far as UCA’s if you don’t need it keep the stock UCA’s… FWIW, I’ve had zero issues with the 4 yr. old Dobinsons lift.

 

How much lift is this set to?

 

On the lowest clip setting, ride height is at 21.125” - 21.75” hub center-to-fender well… about +2.5” over stock ride height

 

If it tracks straight on the highway and steering is acceptable, leave the OEM control arms.

 

I’ve been looking hard at 255/75 options. BFG is supposed to release a C-load KO3 in that size in 2025. My current KO2s (265/70 C) have been good, but got loud after 40-45k miles. Tread width is comparable between the two sizes, so might not look too skinny, but only 1/2” larger diameter

I might take another look at the BFG Trail Terrains in 255/75… but I think tread width is a little narrower than the KO2 in the same size

 

Dobinsons tubular use the oem ball joint. It's the best choice for you imo.
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...R6aA-iazSc9d1jtO4ppjYg5jAWFFxdmRs4I0J1B51HHpx

 

I have the same lift but on the highest clip so a little over 3 in the front with an added 1/2 cornfed spacer on the rear. I run 285 K02's on PRO/Sema wheels with no issues. My SPC UCA have just about 10k on them and have 0 complaints so far at all just grease with your oil change.

 

Camburg ball joint here. I'm too old for the squeaks & maintenance of a uniball but also want a desirable lifted alignment vs the one that's just in spec with OEM UCA

 

Adding a vote for the Dobinson's tubular. They've been great for me the last 10k miles.

 

Jba or dobinson. But I have heard good reviews of freedom offroad uca which are cheaper.

 

I went with JBA. I am loving the fact that I dont have to loosen the UCA bolt to grease them.

 

3rd vote for Dobinson's tubular. Few years and about 25k into them without any issues

 

For your app, stock.

 

Good to know this information, thanks