UCA Advice + Elka Suspension - Advise Please

I've taken the time to read a multitude of UCA threads on here. Learned a bunch. I still need advice from those who are wiser than I as to which brand UCA to go with. Weekend warrior here. Not interested in heim joints due to salt/water/etc.

My Upcoming Setup:
Elka 2.5DCs (Front and rear) for a 3" lift with 700# springs.

UCA Requirements
Balljoint (not uniball).
Zerks for easy greasing.

Potential Brands
1. Camburg: performance x-joint (balljoint + bushings)
2. Accutune (balljoint + heims) - love that they seal the heims!

What would you choose? Appreciate your help.

 

I used the same SPC UCA when I upgraded my OME suspension to ELKA2.5DC. I ask the shop to re-grease when I go to check the alignment.

 

They will all work. My only advice is that if you're getting coilovers with a reservoir do not get icon billet. They are larger and it's more difficult for the hose to clear the UCA's.

Candidly I'd get total chaos. small tube so it's not in the way and the name looks cool. It's a good brand. Quality stuff. I have Icon Billet UCA's and I intend to replace them.

 

How big are the tires you plan to run? If you want 35s, then the extra adjustment capabilities of SPC UCAs will reduce the amount of cutting needed.

 

Just did SPC on a Tacoma. Worked great.

 

I vote for Dobinsons UCA’s. Ball joint and maintenance free. Nice and beefy without getting in the way and come stock with aluminum caps. Excellent product all around. I’m in love with mine.

 

Was just planning on running 33s. I'm a weekend warrior.

 

Thank you for your suggestion on Dobs.

 

Can I change my answer to this one? Had me at maintenance free.

 

I also went with dobs because they were Mx free and I also got their suspension. Heard mixed reviews on the ones that have the ability to be "super adjusted" - they're great if someone can figure out how to adjust them but unless you go to an offroad shop they may not be able to do it right. Dobs had good reviews, fit my needs (think they have 3 deg built in castor), I'm able to run 285/70 with the lift (probably not necessary for tire size/fitment) with typical fender liner nip/tuck

 

Have y'all watched This video on the technical nature of UCAs?

 

Dobinsons fans - these are gorgeous! Billet UCAs
Love the solid brand, mx free balljoint design, plus the anti-corrosion of billet.
I think we found a winner!
Appreciate your insights in leading me to Dobinsons.

 

@raimieb I’m doing a very similar set up Elka 2.5 DC res 3/2” lift running 285s. I went with the Dobinsons as several people suggested.

 

Thank you so much. That is comforting to hear. I've worked hard, saved, and very careful about doing things right the first time. I hope your Elkas are awesome! Be glad to hear about your set up!

 

All my parts are ordered just waiting on delivery. The Elkas have a big long back order like many coil overs! Should be ready to roll for summer wheeling! I suggest we start and Elka thread to let people know our thoughts. Only a handful of folks are running them!

 

They are nice but seem like overkill for weekend warrior. I have regular Dobinsons UCA’s and no complaints. OME are also good with OEM bushings. I have them also. Both companies been making Toyota suspension components for decades.

 

According to one person who was getting ELKA 2.5DC said to me that R4T here in CO "could have them in just a few days". Not sure what's the deal. Not sure if they have in stock or a shipment is already on the way.

 

Tend to agree with this. I have regular dobs UCA as well, but also was doing "cost/benefit" analysis that steered me clear.

That said, if I were to go all out, Elkas were definitely on my list of "dream shocks" and so were the billet dobs. I ended up with the dobs IMS (non-resi) and regular dobs UCA because I didn't think I'd get good use out of the MRR or billets. If I were sweeping Benjamin's on the bed like a waterfall, those would have been my choices though. Mainly because I like the corrosion resistance of ALU.

 

Much appreciate your insight. Saw your post after ordering. For expensive items I like to go directly to the manufacturer, if possible. This way if or when there is a problem it's easier to get resolved. R4T is fantastic though! I might drive up there one day for a cab mount relocation.

 

Ironman UCA supposed to be good and low-no maintenance as well, similar to Dobinsons from what I hear

 

I see.. I was thinking a different way. When I order stuff eg from Toytec, R4T or any place I was thinking if something goes wrong with install or manufacture fault you deal with it and make it right vs me telling the manufacturer and try to get a warranty claim or something like that. Didn't have to deal with such incident in any of those shops so can't say for sure.

The only product I got directly from manufacture was Ironman FCP which wasn't a happy customer experience. Even though they agreed that they gave me wrong info I still have to pay return shipping + 10% re stocking fee and they will inspect the return item and issue a refund. If it was damaged while shipping will they not issue a full refund? I don't know. So I took the loss and sold it locally. If I did it with a shop I assume I don't have to go through trouble like this. Not sure, just sharing my bad experience.

 

I went with JBA brand ucas, on my street quen,greaseable and look nice.

 

Heard lots of great things on alignment of JBAs. How did they hold up to rust over time? I went with the Billet to try to avoid as much rust as possible.

 

Totally understand your choice. Hope the Dobs are rocking it great for you! The corrosion resistance is a big deal to me and I want them to last as long as possible. Aluminum + powdercoat + boot cover should keep them clean.

 

I've only installed them about 2 months ago. They added the much needed caster,time will tell on the rust. They look pretty sturdy and well constructed.

 

Awesome. Glad they straightened out the ride! A little fluid film or woolwax will probably keep them good as new.

 

Regarding the Dobinsons UCA’s (non-billet): I recently installed a set of these with their c59-302 coil (2.5” front) and I’ve had 3 different alignment shops try to get me to 3º caster…no dice. Best I could get is 2.6º caster out of them…which is not too far off the OEM UCA numbers. Two of the shops were off road/speciality shops with experience in Toyota & aftermarket installs.

I’m happy with the springs/shocks from Dobs, no question about it, but I feel a bit cheated on the UCA. If increasing caster for tire clearance is a goal, I’d re-think the Dobs UCA and look into more adjustable options.

 

Good to know. I think the billets have a larger amount of adjustability based on the threaded bushing parts (not sure what that specific part of the UCA is called). They can thread in and out.

 

For any future UCA buyers, here’s my 3rd alignment sheet for reference. I’ve spent $420 on alignments to try and achieve the numbers Dobinsons advertises. Still no go.

 

Thacrow, how did you solve any sag with the low profile bumper? I've got the C4 lo-pro with steel skids and am a heavy sag with my stock suspension. Hoping the 700# Elka springs help level it out.