Aftermarket Coils And Uca

[rsfoster]

Ignoring the price component what is the benefit of replacing the stock strut and coil with aftermarket coilovers like those from CST or Icon Vehicle Dynamics.

 

Also, I have noticed several manufactures (Camburg, Total Choas, Icon) offering replacement uniball UCAs, does the uniball configuration really compensate for the increased angles a level kit places on the stock ball joints and do they have any other benefits?

 

Again, this is all ignoring the price aspect, which is substantial, I am just curious has to how these components interact with the front suspension.

[mhenshaw]

The benefits to upgrading to Icon coilovers are:

1.) 2.5" shock body which keeps the shock from fading when the suspension is cycled fast. A strut would become useless once it becomes hot.

2) Quick adjustment of vehicle’s lift and suspension preload. If the truck bottoms out or it bounces too much you can adjust. But on the street you would have to get an alignment every time you change it.

3.) More preload on the spring which reduces body roll in the corners. This can be done with stiffer coil springs or longer coil springs. Also it can be done with Bilstein leveling struts. But it creates a harsher ride when you add preload.

4.) Coilovers can increase down travel 1” when paired with UCA. I would run limit straps if you decide you want more down travel.

 

The benefits to upgrading to Uniball UCA are:

1.) Big 1” ball joints that handle more punishment than factory ball joints

2.) More down travel

3.) Fixes alignment issues. Also the new UCA places the ball joint in less of a bind since they are designed for lifted trucks.

The Uniball are open to the elements and get mud and sand in them. They need to be lube often and will squeak on you.