UCA Help

JON BAILEY · March 11, 2021

I have a 2014 GMC Sierra Z71 SLT. I put Bilstein 6112 up front and 5100 in the rear. I also gave the girl some new new shoes. Nothing crazy just some Copper Discovery AT4s and I went from 275 55 20 to 275 60 20. My question is... I need some new UCA's. Mine are going and I am having a heck of time figuring out what will fit with my set-up.

I am 80% highway and 20% offroad. When I am off road I am in the backcountry in the mountains of CO. I need some articulation to go from point A to point B, but I am not going wheeling as a pastime. I worry that the stock UCA's might be an issue with the level even though it is only 1.8", but I can not fit any of the quality aftermarket ones that will fit my set up. I don't need new wheels, or any of that. It is not a cosmetic thing for me. Just wanted a better suspension and more clearance.

Any Suggestions???? I thought for sure the Cognito UCA's would work, but they say they won't clear because I increase the tire size.

Also.. sorry for my ignorance on this subject. I am no the guy that will spend all my time doing mods to my truck. I just want it to get me where I need to go and would like some advice on how to make that happen.

JonnyB

3tspapat · March 11, 2021

At 1.8" you will be fine with the stock UCAs, but if you want a piece of mind, Camburg UCAs works for 1-3" of lift and are of very good quality. I know many UCAs say it's only for X.XX lift, but there is min and max range that the UCAs would fit. 1.8" should fall well with them.

The well known aftermarket UCAs will rub on the tire if you run factory 20" wheels. I just installed readylift with UCAs and with stock tire size (275-55-20) it did not rub on the driver side but slightly on the passenger side. After swapping to to 275-60-20s, it rubs on both sides. Just enough to smudge some paint. The factory wheels have too much positive offset (+27 I think) for the UCAs. you can run wheel spacers (0.5" is all you need) or go with a 0 offset wheel. I'm iffy on using wheel spacers so I just keep the stock wheels and try not to go full lock on my turns.

If you do the install yourself, make sure you get/rent a pickle fork/ball joint separator tool.

JON BAILEY · March 12, 2021

Thanks for the info. I have a little time to think on it... I have no interest in spacers, and there is nothing wrong with my wheels so need to replace.

MikeBMW · March 12, 2021

My reply on a topic of this same nature from another thread:
" I had a 2" front level and I was running 33x12.5x18s with the stock UCAs and getting the rubbing on the UCA,
Stock wheels.
I had a Motofab UCA installed with a 3" front level (and a 1.5" body lift), the rubbing was almost non-existent - maybe a bit on total full lock.
I, now, have 35x12.5x18s and same - no rubbing except on total full lock.
Still with stock wheels.
YMMV, I suppose? "

Edited March 12, 2021 by MikeBMW
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JON BAILEY · March 14, 2021

OK.. Another question for all of you that undoubtedly no more than I do. Looks like finding a beefier UCA that does not rub with my set-up could be like finding a unicorn... What about Mevotech UCA. They seem to be closer to the stock ones, but a bit more durable. Any thoughts, opr experience with these??

JonnyB