Tacoma aftermarket UCAs

[cr500taco]

Need to replace my bushings on my control arms on my '97 4WD with 2.5" lift. Figured I would go ahead and replace the upper control arm with aftermarket ones. The Icon's, Total Chaos, All Pro and Camburg UCA's all look similar. The All Pro and Camburg are both $100 cheaper than the Icons and Total Chaos. Are there any differences between them?
Which do you guys prefer?

 

[DaveInDenver]

I run the Camburg with the OE-style (Moog brand) ball joints. They fit perfect, the customer service couldn't be better, alignment went fine so I'm very happy with them. I think in this case All-Pro, Icon, Camburg, Total Chaos are basically interchangeable and what you go with just mostly depends on the features. If you want uniball at least, if you want to use factory type ball joints then that means Camburg (which I'm not even sure are available for the 1st gen Taco anyway). The other option is SPC/Light Racing. Know some people who have and like them but no experience with them (I was concerned with the reliability regarding the Internet rumor of them breaking).

 

[pnw_chris]

Built right is another uniball option that seems to have solid reviews.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Built right is another uniball option that seems to have solid reviews.

Forgot about them, they do look good and the price is easier to tolerate for sure.

 

[ErockinTaco]

I run the Camburg with the OE-style (Moog brand) ball joints. They fit perfect, the customer service couldn't be better, alignment went fine so I'm very happy with them. I think in this case All-Pro, Icon, Camburg, Total Chaos are basically interchangeable and what you go with just mostly depends on the features. If you want uniball at least, if you want to use factory type ball joints then that means Camburg (which I'm not even sure are available for the 1st gen Taco anyway). The other option is SPC/Light Racing. Know some people who have and like them but no experience with them (I was concerned with the reliability regarding the Internet rumor of them breaking).

I have the light racing arms and they've been great so far. I do have a bit of a squishy sound up front but I haven't had the time to track it down yet... Could be from the lower bushings but not sure.
I believe they had a design change a few years back because of the failure that you're talking about. From what I've read the newer design does not have the same failure

 

[cr500taco]

How well does the cap hold with the 3M tape?

 

[cr500taco]

Thanks all for the replies so far.
From what I have read rhe uniball increases travel a little over the OEM ball joint. But, is a little noisier. So, I think I am going to stick with uniball arms.

I plan in installing Icon coil overs in the future, as well.

 

[Anathollo]

I've had the SPC Light racing UCA's on my second Gen. Rebuilt them twice and do not recommend them.

Spend your money right the first time and just get what you need. I'm currently running Camburg Uniball's and they are a great UCA.

 

[Anathollo]

Thanks all for the replies so far.
From what I have read rhe uniball increases travel a little over the OEM ball joint. But, is a little noisier. So, I think I am going to stick with uniball arms.

I plan in installing Icon coil overs in the future, as well.

Only time it's an issue is when they need to be greased or have a lot of debris in them. That's when you know to clean and regrease them.

 

[cr500taco]

I've had the SPC Light racing UCA's on my second Gen. Rebuilt them twice and do not recommend them.


Spend your money right the first time and just get what you need. I'm currently running Camburg Uniball's and they are a great UCA.

That's exactly why i made this thread. Want to spend my money right the first time

 

[Drewsifer]

I have been running the Total Chaos Gen two caddt kit (LT) on my T100 for about 3.5 years now. they make a lot of noise but still run solid. Had ICON UCAs on my 4th gen 4Runner and worked awesome for a little while but the uniball started to pit and corrode. (I was not using the dust cap) as far as i'm aware, the ICON uniball is chrome plated and the TC uniball is stainless steel. So I switched to the TC UCAs on the 4th Gen after that. I get a little bushing noise on cold morning but goes away after about 1-2 miles. Oh! If you decide to go with a uniball style, Use Tri-Flow or Supper-Lube. That stuff is amazing. Sorry I dont have any experience with the Tacoma side of things but thought I would share anyways.

 

[Samiman]

I have the light racing upper control arms on my 01 tundra and 06 sequoia and have no problems at all. I even have the old style ball joints without the grease fitting. I don't think I'm the only one that has never had problems. I have had mine for about a year and a half.

 

[FJOE]

I will second the Light Racing Upper control arms. Beefy and easy to swap. Get some bushings pressed in your old ones, and keep them as trail spares.

 

[cr500taco]

Thanks guys for the replies. I think that I am going to go with the Icon UCAs.

Another question, what bushings should I get for the LCA's. I need to replace those, as well. I've been told to get the stock ones, since they are rubber and they won't squeak. But, I was wondering if the lowers should be Poly, since the uppers will be poly.

 

[DaveInDenver]

There's no reason IMO to get poly in the bottom just because the uppers are.