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Upper Control Arms

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by 994RUNNER, Oct 3, 2015.

  1. Oct 3, 2015 at 6:35 PM
    #1
    994RUNNER

    #1
    994RUNNER [OP] New Member

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    Luke
    Costa Mesa, CA
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    1999 4Runner SR5
    Stock
    My Upper Ball Joints are toast I was looking to see if there's any better options like aftermarket upper control arms with solid bushing and if so whats a good brand for off road vehicle parts
     
    994RUNNER, Oct 3, 2015
    #1
    YotaDan likes this.
  2. Oct 4, 2015 at 9:15 AM
    #2
    LTDSC

    #2
    LTDSC Soccer Dad Extraordinaire

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    Camburg makes a really nice product If thats too pricey they also have the SPC light racing arms but i personally dont like them.
     
    LTDSC, Oct 4, 2015
    #2
    YotaDan likes this.
  3. Oct 5, 2015 at 10:11 AM
    #3
    RussToy

    #3
    RussToy New Member

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    Russel Lee
    Granville Ohio
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    A Work in Progress
    Can't argue...Camburg makes a good product, but they're not cheap...around $650-$675. There's also Total Chaos...They run around $1000 give or take. The other one I know about is Light Racing....they usually go for around $450.

    I don't know which is the "Best" or the "Worst" of these??? To me...I assisted the type of wheeling I do, the amount of time I actually spend "Off Road", and how much disposal money I had for this upgrade. After evaluating everything...I ended up selecting a set of the Light Racing UCA and have zero regrets. They're not as fancy looking as some of the others, but they do a great job....the biggest, they allow me to complete a front end alinement on my lifted 4Runner.

    After a lot of searching...I found a place called "Fat Bob's". By far best price I've ever found. They don't sell a lot of 4Runner stuff...but they sell these Racing Light UCA's for $380. IMHO...you can't beat them for the price!

    http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota...able-upper-control-arms-1996-2002-p22086.aspx

    Good luck...

    - Russel
     
    RussToy, Oct 5, 2015
    #3
  4. Oct 21, 2015 at 5:31 AM
    #4
    RussToy

    #4
    RussToy New Member

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    Russel Lee
    Granville Ohio
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    A Work in Progress
    @994RUNNER so what did you decided?? Even if you decided not to get new UCR...I wouldn't push your luck to far with your bad ball joints!! Tust me...it can get ugly real quick, fast and in a hurry!! Without warning your front wheel/hub assembly could snap off!! Needless to say...if this happens, you will crash!! Sorry...not trying to be over dramatic...just concern about your safety bro!!

    Wish you good luck Bro

    Russel
     
    RussToy, Oct 21, 2015
    #4
    YotaDan likes this.
  5. Oct 24, 2015 at 6:45 PM
    #5
    indawire

    #5
    indawire New Member

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    Southwest Ct
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    2000 SR5, 4wd, 5sp
    stock
    Ok so here's my dumb question - how do I know if my UCA's on my 2000 Runner w/ 198k on it are shot and need to be replaced?
     
    indawire, Oct 24, 2015
    #5
  6. Oct 25, 2015 at 6:15 AM
    #6
    RussToy

    #6
    RussToy New Member

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    Russel Lee
    Granville Ohio
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    A Work in Progress
    The only way your UCA's would be deemed shot...garbage/trash..would be if they were bent and/or broken. So Im guessing the first and easiest way would be to physically look at them. If they look like a pretzel....and/or have torn or ripped metal! The other way that I can think of, would be upon performing a front end aliment...due to it being out of spec, they trouble-shoot and determine your UCA is bent.

    Normally either of the two examples up above...you would with out a doubt replace your UCA. However, if this is a hunting rig or your full time 4Wheeling machine...it's very possible to sometime massage the control arm back to a "close enough" position. I highly recommend again this!!

    I hope this anwsers your question?? But I have a feeling your asking about UCA bushings and/or ball joints that are attached to the UCA's. These items wear out with time and mileage...and are designed to be easy replace.

    - Russel
     
    RussToy, Oct 25, 2015
    #6
  7. Oct 25, 2015 at 9:02 AM
    #7
    indawire

    #7
    indawire New Member

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    Thanks Russel, I think that's exactly the info I'm looking for. I know the arms are fine, the truck is dead stock, never hit or even off pavement.
     
    indawire, Oct 25, 2015
    #7
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