Quote:
Fjamming previously said:
Nice write up Thong. Looks like it has improved even more since Springfest. Could you elaborate on how the TC UCA has improved over the factory unit?
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Tony:
My primary reasons for upgrading to the Total Chaos UCAs are improved steering response and durability. The King coilovers are adjusted for a 2-inch net lift with the Fabfours bumper and winch (net gain of 123 lbs on the front axle compared to OEM plastic bumper) so I did not need after market UCAs for correcting caster. I have the King coilovers with the OEM UCAs for almost 7,000 miles and did not observe any unusual tire wear or steering wandering.
The OEM UCAs are steel stampings with an open cross section (the bottom seams are not welded together); the TC UCAs are weldments with a tubular cross section which are structurally stiffer and can handle much higher bending and torsion loads. In addition, the Teflon-lined spherical bearings (uniballs) in the TC UCAs are larger than the OEM ball joints and can handle larger loads and also have more angular travel providing slightly more articulation (less binding). And lastly, the urethane bushings provided with the TC kit are stiffer than the OEM rubber bushings; these stiffer bushings help maintain the front geometry for more precise steering response. IMO, the TC UCAs are more durable since they have higher structural rigidity (chromoly tubing and larger cross-sectional moment of inertia) and better finishes to resist corrosion (stainless steel or zinc-plated hardware and powder coating with clear coat).
One of the small side benefits with the TC UCAs is easier trail repairs. With the OEM ball joints, you'd need a ball joint separator or fork if you need to disassemble the UCA from the spindle. With the TC UCAs the 9/16" spindle bolt can be removed with standard sockets (and a big wrench since the nut is torqued down to 100 ft-lbs).
The downside to after market UCAs such as the Total Chaos is more maintenance. The bushings require regular application of synthetic grease and the uniballs need a few squirts of Tri-Flow now and again.
Thong
edit: added photo of OEM UCA for comparison.
