Do new UCA’s make a noticeable difference?

[GIjoe]

I’ve been looking at adding new UCA’s to compliment my fox 2” level. I have no clearance issues with my coilovers so I know it’s not really needed but will they make a noticeable effect to the ride? I’ve read guys say that’ll it’ll feel more planted with them and I’m curious now if it’ll help this jittery feeling I’m getting from my front end. Any thoughts?

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[CaliF150]

Daheck is a uca?

Upper Control Arm

 

[Graygoose2021]

They'd look cool...not sure you'd see much improvement though.

 

[Buyer2021]

I know it’s not really needed but will they make a noticeable effect to the ride?

Are you able to get proper alignment / caster / camber with the OE arms + your lift?

If yes, IMO the only benefit of aftermarket arms would be aesthetic, a lighter wallet, and 'placebo effect' on handling / 'planted feel'.

 

[GIjoe]

Are you able to get proper alignment / caster / camber with the OE arms + your lift?

If yes, IMO the only benefit of aftermarket arms would be aesthetic, a lighter wallet, and 'placebo effect' on handling / 'planted feel'.

Yes when I had the coilovers installed I also had them install a camber bolt kit. Not sure if that was needed or not but it aligned just fine

 

[GIjoe]

Would they come with better ball joints?

That alone is worth the upgrade imo.

Also, if they are shaped to return your stock geometry uca angle, then hell yes!

You spent the money on the good coils, why not go all the way?

I had trouble with a truck that was leveled the cheap way when I bought it. I rpped all that crap out of there and replaced everything with Spicer parts.

I understand having a better ball joint and better geometry but is it enough to notice in driving characteristics?

 

[astro_fusion]

Upper control arms can have added caster in them to improve handling and tire wear but you'll only notice this while cornering, not really a ride quality thing. They can correct the upper ball joint angle when lifted to prolong the life of that part, but this also wont really improve ride quality. What you can do is loosen the lower control arm bushings with weight on the vehicle, let the bushings relax, then re tighten. This might have already been done with your alignment and cam bolts installed.

 

[Eighthtry]

I say change them and add a K&N filter housing and you will make another 75 hp.

 

[SALEEN961]

Unless you want to take advantage of the added caster that some brands offer, or the upgraded UCAs fix an issue like binding or being unable to properly align your truck, you won't really notice a difference. The increased caster is only helpful if you plan to go outside of the factory alignment specs or if you can't get your caster/camber in spec with the factory UCAs.

I had Icon Delta Joint UCAs on my 2014 F150 and they were nice, but the polyurethane bushings do need to be removed, cleaned, and greased every 2-3 years if you want them to stay perfectly quiet. The poly bushings did make working on the front suspension a little easier as I could unbolt the upper ball joint and just push the UCA up and out of the way without loosening the mounting bolts at the frame, but most people aren't going to see any benefit from poly bushings. If I were to buy a set of UCAs for my 2021 F150, I would want to stick with factory style rubber bushings.

 

[GIjoe]

Unless you want to take advantage of the added caster that some brands offer, or the upgraded UCAs fix an issue like binding or being unable to properly align your truck, you won't really notice a difference. The increased caster is only helpful if you plan to go outside of the factory alignment specs or if you can't get your caster/camber in spec with the factory UCAs.

I had Icon Delta Joint UCAs on my 2014 F150 and they were nice, but the polyurethane bushings do need to be removed, cleaned, and greased every 2-3 years if you want them to stay perfectly quiet. The poly bushings did make working on the front suspension a little easier as I could unbolt the upper ball joint and just push the UCA up and out of the way without loosening the mounting bolts at the frame, but most people aren't going to see any benefit from poly bushings. If I were to buy a set of UCAs for my 2021 F150, I would want to stick with factory style rubber bushings.

Thanks for the detailed explanation ?

 

[CND Supercrew]

So, it doesn't sound like there is any benefit for the CV axle angle when lifting the front end?

 

[hotrodmex]

So, it doesn't sound like there is any benefit for the CV axle angle when lifting the front end?

The CV angle is tied to wheel position, so nothing affects it other than your ride height relative to the differential., or switching to portals.

 

[amschind]

I bought a set of forged UCAs with my Fox 2.0 and Tremor control arms. They're adjustable and forged steel isn't gonna break, but other than that no real benefit.

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