Why I'm Moving On From Adjustable Upper Control Arms - AVOID These UCA's
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- Why I'm Moving On From Adjustable Upper Control Arms - AVOID These UCA's
JBA Control Arms Link:
jbaoffroad.com/?rfsn=7632092....
When lifting your 4Runner, Tacoma, or any other truck, its important to ensure you have good quality upper control arms to ensure your vehicle stays properly aligned. I have been running SPC Adjustable Upper Control Arms for nearly a year (7000KM), they have already kicked the curb and shown signs of ball joint and bushing failure. I have considerable play within my bushings and my ball joint which has left me super disappointed as they are not cheap, and an integral point of a 4Runner build. So it was time for a change to a better UCA, and with that, a switch to JBA control arms to ensure the 4Runner can handle both offroad and daily driving conditions.
These heavy duty high caster JBA control arms are a massive step above competitors in the market in terms of strengths and quality control. Allowing you to add 3 degrees of caster out of the box, these JBA control arms are a no brainer for anyone looking to install a lift on their 4runner, Tundra, Tacoma, or FJ cruiser.
Loose Axles is a community focused on navigating the Toyota automotive world, discovering new products, sharing helpful information, and building some sweet offroad Toyota rigs! For full build lists, social media links, and contact information please visit: campsite.to/looseaxles
Timestamps:
00:00 - The Importance of Aftermarket UCA's
00:30 - My Experience with SPC Adjustable UCA's
00:42 - How Adjustable Control Arms Work
01:38 - AVOID SPC ADJUSTABLE CONTROL ARMS
02:00 - My New UCA Recommendation - JBA Offroad
02:40 - JBA Heavy Duty High Caster Upper Control Arm Features
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Great video! Love the sublte editing and variety of camera angles you used. Production quality is so good! Very important to bring light onto such a widely used and expensive part.
Thanks Hunter - and absolutely. UCAs are are not cheap and relatively simple as far as components go - it’s a no brainer to pick ones that will last. Thanks for stopping by!
Just purchased the JBAs! I hear so many good things about them and your video sealed the deal! also confirmed exactly what I thought would happen to many of the adjustable UCAs over time depending on situation and abuse
Congrats on the purchase! You are seriously going to love them. So glad I could help with the decision-making process.
Great episode, i am in the process of deleting my SPC's and going with another brand that is not adjustable. Same story as so many, have replaced both ball joints and bushings, only to be worn out again. Keep up the great content!
Another sad SPC story - I hate hearing these! My experience with JBA has been tremendous so far - can’t recommend them enough. Thanks for stopping by!
Solid video man, easy to follow and straight to the point!
Thanks Kaden! Appreciate your kind words.
Good quick video bro
Had JBA’s for two years, no issues.
That’s what I’m talking about!
I have 40,000 miles on my SPC uppers and have had them for 5 years. Never greased the ball joints and still no issues.
Consider yourself lucky! That’s awesome to hear they are still going strong.
@@looseaxles I do! My wife's 4Runner needs aftermarket UCAs and we decided to go with JBAs after reading about all the issues people have been having with the SPCs. I do consider myself lucky!
JBA all day. I have the HD ones on my 3rd gen taco and they are built like a TANK. 40k miles on them and zero issues or play.
Thats what im talking about! Exact same experience for me. Rock on!
I had SPC for 3 years, and went through 3 sets. Due to the constant bushing issues. My last set started showing play after 13,000km.. I sent SPC video of the play, and they said well that's only a little play and it's not that bad. So they wouldn't replace again. So now I went with JBA, and it's way better, and the customer service is amazing. Can't say enough about the jba crew. Great company and a great product.
Wow! No kidding. What a polarizing experience between each company. I’m glad to hear that you’ve had such a good experience with JBA. I’ve heard so many similar stories of them going above and beyond in the customer service they provide. Thanks for the comment - love having you provide some feedback!
Any updates on the new sealed ball joints? Im very curious if they're any better
@@jbonoan100 the jba or the new SPC ones?
0:23 Hey man, new to your channel here as the timestamp says, I’m looking at the longevity of this type of control arm set up.
I stopped here because I just wanted to tell you I would like that black-and-white Canada flag. That looks cool.
Much love from America
Edit: No homo.
Hey! Thanks for stopping by - it’s great to have you! In terms of longevity, I’ve had absolutely no issues at all with this setup. It’s been brilliant so far. As I’ve shared before, JBA is absolutely world class in terms of quality and customer service.
Right in! I made them myself - I can send ya one or two if you want!
Dill
I have had jba on my 4runner for 5 years never needed another upper control arms they are great and rebuildable.
Rock on! I’ve heard such good things myself. Glad to hear you had such a killer experience!
I have a pair of the JBA upper control arms on my 2016 4Runner. They’re pretty awesome. I also love that you can lube them yourself. You’re going to love them.
100%! They have been absolutely brilliant these past few months. So happy with them.
Killer Video as always, keep it up dog!
Thanks guys!
Nice video, I’ve had my SPC going on about 50k miles I wheel pretty hard, daily drive and even now doing little jumps with the truck. I’m on bilstien 6112/5160 and sumo spring bumps. I regularly grease them every oil change as recommended. Not a single issue with them. I was considering JBA but I had ran SPC coilovers and camber control on my old Honda so I knew they were a trusted brand with years behind them so I went with them. Sorry to hear others had problems
Glad to hear! Keep a really close eye on them! I have found my JBA’s to be miles above!
I have the spc uca's on my 21 taco. I've been through 3 sets of ball joints now in 2.5 years. I use the proper grease and at the proper times. I'm riding on a 3" lift old man emu BP51's. I'm so done with the poor quality of these uca's, more specifically the ball joints.
Just ordered the Camburg kinetik ones, hopefully the uniball design can handle the rocks in moab a little safer and more reliably.
Great video sir.
Seriously! That’s unbelievable. I am hoping they provide you with much more reliability - sounds like you could sure use it! Thanks for stopping by!
The SPC xAxis bushings strike again
Right back at ya again!!!
Nice video!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a kind comment. You rock!
Man, I think it's a damn shame you still haven't cracked 1,000 subscribers yet. Your channel is filled with a lot of useful information especially for 4th Gen 4Runner owners, I'd say it's up there on par with Canadian Gearhead. We've talked briefly on a couple 4th Gen 4Runner Facebook groups, I definitely appreciate your content when it comes to the more mechanical side of things, it's definitely been useful a time or two with my build...like this video here, it's great that JBA is partnering with you.
I've been thinking about swapping out my SPC UCAs for the JBA UCAs for awhile now, especially given the history of SPC and the fact that the adjust-ability of them really isn't that useful especially considering very few places even know how to adjust them for a proper alignment. With all the said, any particular reason why you would recommend the HD version over the STD version? That's one thing I'm trying to decide, right now I think I'd be good with just the STD version since most of my driving is on pavement at the moment, however it is an eventual goal to overland full time in my 4Runner in the western US and possibly Canada where the off-road tracks are more abundant...however I'm trying to justify the additional $250 for the HD over the STD, which puts the JBA HD model in the Total Chaos price range.
Aw man! Your comments never cease to make my day better. Thanks for the encouraging words. We’ve been getting some great watch hours lately, but the biggest success has been that our community has continued to grow and we’ve been able to connect with some really awesome people such as yourself. Trusting that the subs will come in time!
Genuinely speaking, I think both options are fantastic. I ended up going HD as I run 35’s and a pretty significant lift with some decent weight on my rig. Realistically speaking, I am sure the STDs would do the job just fine realistically as they are comparable to the relative majority of aftermarket UCAs out there. Whatever you do chose, I have confidence that JBA will stand behind their product and that you’ll be happy for years to come.
Definitely on par with Canadian Gearhead or better!!!
Bahaha. An inspiration to say the least!
@@CanadianGearhead I wouldn't say better, but you both have been great sources of mechanical information for the 4th Gen 4Runner, which is a bit outside my wheelhouse without any help from fellow TH-camrs like yourselves, so the content you guys create is very much appreciated. Interior builds and woodworking is more my specialty, although I did have something arrive today for my overland build that I'm excited to install and possibly do a video on. Actually just need to get off my rear end and post some more videos on the build inside of my 4th Gen since it's come a long way from the last video I posted over 2 years ago.
I've had the SPCs on my GX for a couple years and I would have to agree with all the points you made. Mine are making some awful noises and I keep them greased. They definitely have too much adjustment and are much less serviceable than other options out there. I should have trusted my gut and gone with JBA 😢
Hey Tony! The promise of adjustability seems amazing - no fault in trying! I’m really glad to have made the switch now myself. There’s a lot of people who buy SPCs for parts still!
Disappointed with my SPC UCA's too. First set creaked, had to pay half of the MSRP to get them replaced because I couldn't provide proof of purchase and even had to ship the old set back. Now just over a year, less than 10k miles, and NO off-road use, the ball joints are worn out. For further context, the vehicle is a 5th gen 4Runner on 33's and has a minor lift. I have ordered the new and "improved" sealed ball joints and i'm having them installed this week. Hopefully this will be a long term resolution, otherwise I'll be moving on from the brand as well.
Aw man. I am so sorry to hear this. I am adding this to the considerable SPC warranty nightmare stories that have been shared. While the sealed ball joint might be a step in the right direction, I have seen it fail prematurely in a similar time frame. You wont be disappointed with JBA - no bogus customer service and they actually stand behind their product on THEIR dime.
Great Video!
Thanks buddy! It was your coverage of Falken that had me switching over. Love the videos!
@@looseaxles that’s a very high compliment. Thank you!
@208Tyler keep it up my man!
Well said. I've had my eye on the JBA's for a long time and you just confirmed a few thoughts i've been having about adjustables. How are you liking the JBAs now?
There isn’t a suspension/control arm company that I’ve worked with that has impressed me more than JBA. The UCA’s have been perfect as well - really tight fitment and no issues at all with the ball joints or bushings. Really happy with them.
Can’t go wrong with the JBAs. I’ve had them for 6 years with zero issues. I have the old design ball joint plastic protector and bushings. So over time the bushings have swollen due to grease unable to flow evenly. I will be upgrading those parts tho. Have them in the garage. Just need to take it apart and upgrade them. Other than, JBAs are awesome.
Wow! What a review, and spot on to what I’ve found too. Thanks for leaving some feedback - have a great day!
I swapped from Icon UCA to Amazon ones. For $250 and 100% less headache, i can replace the entire upper arm on both sides, rather than pressing in/out bjs
Which brand? I’ve seen a few guys run KSP.
I have been having the same issues! Probably going with JBA next
Seriously! Im amazed at how many people have had similar issues. The quality is miles apart!
its a reason i recommended Jba to him
Only downside to JBA's is the paint chips off after a year or so, and the greasing part, you will spend more time cleaning grease off your suspension. I like to have my suspension looking pretty and not grease flinging everywhere or have to go in and do a cleaning all the time. Balljoints have the most articulation out of any other arm out there, which, I have seen them make contact with bigger coils out there like Ironman's foamcell.
Hey Jesse! Thanks for the comments. With the red paint, i think chips will definitely show a bit more, but they are off-road parts after all - it matches the rest of the dings haha! No issues on my front yet with either fox or dobinson springs!
Ive had the jbas on my 4th gen for about a year. I should probably give everything a few pumps of grease.
Absolutely! They usually recommend every 5k miles to add 2-3 pumps.
I went with the SPC's for their adjustability which is a great feature, but they are of trash quality. Mine did the same thing as everyone elses. Bushings were shot within 25000 kilometers and almost no off road driving. Plus I've heard their ball joints are equally as unreliable. Kind of boggles my mind why they keep producing something that is so blatantly defective. It's gotten to the point where many distributors wont even carry their products anymore. Anyway I made the switch to JBA as most others seem to do. It is so nice to drive over bumps and not hear that annoying "clunk".
I could not agree more - it’s wrong to continue to sell a broken product! Glad to hear you made the change, JBA’s have been my go to and continue to impress me daily!
Would these UCA’s work good with King 2.5 coilovers? Are the ball joints sealed?
They would work very well! The ball joints are replaceable and feature grease nipples for servicing.
Just curious how are they holding up ? On the Timmy toyota show guy said the balljoints failed and were not as good as they claim 2sets very low miles and no offroadi
g,and the bushings wore also.cant believe every thing you read ..got set and, went with solo lowered control arms. Thought JBA was going to be the ticket.200 more dollars I could go with solo set of up 2000 4runner. Good Video
They are holding up really well. Far better than any I’ve ran in the past! Ball joints have been solid and are easy to swap if anything happens.
Installing them, their shim tolerances were really impressive. No play in the bushings at all and the ez-lube style has been great.
The one thing I will say, JBA stands behind their products. ANY issues at all, and they will fix them for you fast. You not only pay for a good product; but also the assurance that a company will stand behind it. The same can’t be said for quite a few others
If you purchase through the link in the description and use code “LOOSEAXLES” at checkout you can score some free merch as well. God speed!
Question. What’s the amount of caster then? And how much forward movement does it translate to?
JBA’s come stock with about 3 degrees of Caster built in. How much forward that moved the tire is relative to each specific vehicle as every vehicle is different with different suspension setups, angles, and heights.
On my truck for example, I went from 4 degrees of caster to around 6 and this probably transferred into around .5” of room.
I'm using 'FREEDOM OFFROAD' UCA and having an alignment problem, positive camber.
Q, Can JBA make the alignment back to original? Then i want to switch it.
I would look at if your lower control arm adjusters are seized and try to get your alignment back in spec through those. JBA’s are fantastic though!
Agreed with everything u said ....except u could get free maintenance high quality non adjustable uca ...im big on that ...dobinsons and ironman 4x4 got good free maintenance uca
Yes and no! I’d be interested to see a longevity test between greaseable and non/greaseable. Plus, you can swap out the JBA ball joints in under 5 minutes. I personally prefer having the option to change out the grease to ensure everything is in tip top shape!
@@looseaxles i hear u man ...both of those brands got oem style joints ...the dobinsons come with senkei 555 ball joint and the ironman come with moog ..meaning u can find a replacement in ur local autopart store
I never was fond of SPC. I'm glad I went with something else.
I am glad for you as well. Thanks for stopping by!
there may be something else going wrong if you're going through ball joints and siezed lca's.
As for the upper ball joints, the play is due to a manufacturing issue with SPC.
Sadly, the design of the OEM lower cam bolts on the 4th Gen is a nightmare for corrosion and has them seize sometimes even within a year. That’s why I personally upgrade to bigger hardware.
Camberg and Dirt king are the best for our vehicles the heavy duty jba are nice though
What would you say makes them the best? I have found most UCA’s to be relatively similar. I like the JBA bushings - haven’t seen too many similar designs.
@@looseaxlesthe dirt king and The camburg offer 3 versions of there control arms standred and a Greaseable heim joints and A Aluminum model that have Greaseable heims with adjustable caster and came through the upper and lower control arms they both have Greaseable ball joints and they also offer a Long travel Setup as well I have both brands and I have Jumped 20 plus feet doing rally races hundreds of times and there still both holding up no ball joint play camburg and dirt king are race companies like Total Chaos there built to last I have seen The jba eventually crack on heavy offroad use
Same problem on my spc's..only like 5k miles ..
There isnt a day that goes by that I wish I had invested in JBA to begin with.
Yo. Can I ask a clarity question? So, the SPC’s main benefit would be getting that wheel pushed a bit forward, right? So, JBA claims to be a max caster, which they actually push the wheel back towards the firewall, but did you find you could still get your wheel plenty forward enough to clear the body mount?
Great question! With all upper control arms, higher caster pushes the wheel back towards the firewall. However, increasing the caster on the lower control arm pushes it away from the firewall. With a lift, you often times will need a higher caster UCA to get camber back into spec and help align your vehicle with the increased price height.
Realistically, depending on your need, JBA sells both UCA’s that have added caster and stock caster. With an alignmen, you’ll have no problem clearing anything up to 35s with JBAs.
How are they holding up nylocks look at the welds not very good lots of paint ,boots look cheap no castle nut on ball joint .how they working for ya before iput these bad boys on😊😂
To share my reply from your other comment:
They are holding up really well. Far better than any I’ve ran in the past! Ball joints have been solid and are easy to swap if anything happens.
Installing them, their shim tolerances were really impressive. No play in the bushings at all and the ez-lube style has been great.
The one thing I will say, JBA stands behind their products. ANY issues at all, and they will fix them for you fast. You not only pay for a good product; but also the assurance that a company will stand behind it. The same can’t be said for quite a few others
If you purchase through the link in the description and use code “LOOSEAXLES” at checkout you can score some free merch as well. God speed!
i need these for an 08 4th gen
Well worth it!! If you buy them using the link in the description and use code “LOOSEAXLES” you’ll get a bunch of free merch too!
Spc is notorious for failing there a Alignment Company not a Offroad Company 0:48
Great point! That’s what it really comes down to.
@@looseaxlesyep
I want LOW caster UCAs not high, keep my tire away from my firewall.
For the most part, the higher caster UCA’s help to counteract the new geometry from the lift. It can also be difficult to find aftermarket UCA’s that are heavier duty without additional caster.
Since I also run LCA’s that have positive caster (push tire forward), the additional positive caster helps to decrease the amount of wandering on the road and give a little bit of a heavier feel on the wheel. With a body mount chop, I fit 35’s with no issues with this setup.
JBA all day!
100%! I love my set!
No JBA for Acura TL
If only!
Forums and advertising always push the adjustable UCA's. I'll just say it.......they are junk. Those JBA's are great and so are the likes of Dobinsons non adjustable, but with 3 degrees of correction built in.
100%. They were pushed for adjustability, when in reality too many moving parts means more opportunity for failure. JBA has been a much more reliable choice for myself. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your expertise!
My SPC bushings failed and made the same noise just like yours. They are garbage IMO. The JBA look way better
JBA for life! Glad you are going to be moving on from SPC’s - stay safe!
I was originally on board with the SPC's but after watching your video, I found the Dobinson billet aluminum UCA's which have a well designed, strong adjustment feature once they're dialed in....I see no weak points like you see in the SPC's I'm installing them this weekend and I'll keep you posted but check out this video for more info on Dobinson's adjustable solid billet aluminum UCA's th-cam.com/video/O35JAAkcj18/w-d-xo.html
Im glad I could potentially save you a little heartache with the SPCs! Ive heard really great things about the Dobinsons, and love their suspension components myself. I trust those will be an excellent choice! They look awesome too! Thanks for stopping by!
i feel like i had a play in this haha
The JBA advocate himself!
Your ball joint is bad. It isn't the adjustment that caused this.
Yes, it is bad. It is the style of ball joint.
Great video man, well explained. This reminds me I need to grease my spc’s now 😂 🥲
Haha! That’s grease is the only thing keeping mine together at this point. Thanks for the comment Spencer! Appreciate you.