Bilstein .85 to 1.75 Aftermarket UCAs required?

First let me point out that i have searched extensively and i have not seen a clear cut answer.

Being that this would be mild lift( no higher than 1.75) i wanted to see if these would be required to maintain stock alignment specs.

I would be using 17x8.5 wheels with 0 offset on 265/70/17 ko2s.

Thanks

 

While I can't say specifically about your wheels, you should be fine without UCA's.

The uniball UCA's are really only for when you increase the travel (i.e. extended travel ICON coilovers) or go more than maybe 3" of lift.

That said, it can't hurt (aside from your pocket book)... If you're looking to go for a bigger lift at some point, or get nicer coilovers, it's a worthwhile upgrade.

 

Do you think the offset and width of the wheels will have some effect if i decide to lift it 1.75in? Or should i do the .85 lift to be safe?

 

I would search around and look in the wheels/tires sub forum or suspension section and see what other people are running as far as wheels/tires go.

I know there are some offset/widths that work better with bigger tires (move the tire out slightly so they clear the fender well better), but with the 265's (stock size) you've chosen, you should be fine.

 

On my Tacoma (2004) I run my 5100's in the middle, and I have 265/75r16s and they clear just fine. I know 4runners are different, but you have essentially the same as stock size tires, so I'm willing to bet you have a lot of room to play with different offsets (I actually don't know what the stock wheel offset is...)

 

What is the cost if you were to add UCA's? I was spending a few grand on a lift and new wheels. The new UCAs seemed insignificant in terms of cost. I went with Camburg UCAs.

 

Well yeah, if you're spending that much on suspension, you're probably doing extended travel coilovers with reservoirs, etc...

The OP is talking about 5100's. UCA's (even "cheap" ones) would double the cost of the entire setup.

If you have the money, or plan on beefing up the suspension later on, sure get UCA's, but they are hardly necessary for a set of 5100's.

 

UCAs are pointless on a normal, sub 3" lift. No way are they needed on a front level with 5100s.

I had TC UCAs on my BOSS 3" and they were a total waste of money. Not only did they do nothing for me, they require maintenance, which is a real PITA. You can't just grease the zerk, you have to bust knuckles to loosen several bolts to allow the grease to get into the assembly. They squeak constantly.

I would never do UCAs on a normal lift again.

 

Thanks for clearing it up Jbrandt. Its exactly what you stated...the cheaper ucas go around $400 or more for the pair. A cost that if it is absolutely necessary i would have no problem doing. But if i am going to lift it no more than 1.75 inches and ucas are not required to bring the alignment to spec the i dont see any reason to spend the $$$. I would rather use that money on something else for the truck.

 

I'm looking at doing camburg or all-pro uca's but only because I want to do extended travel coilovers.

 

Yeah, I guess you are right. I went with the Ultimate 3" Toytec lift, so not just the 5100's, so the UCA's did not double the cost but would have if just got 5100's.

When I was asking around, trying to learn about this equipment, more people suggested to get the UCAs if it was not going to break the bank. So I did. To each his own but I am glad I got them. The mechanic that did my alignment said it was a good choice to updgrade the UCAs.