Upper control arm life span.

[Jordan@Apollo-Optics]

I've had mine for about 5-7k miles and I bought them used from a friend who had them for probably close to 30-35k miles. I haven't had any issues with them, there is zero play in the bearing, and they don't grind or squeak. Once a week I make sure they are clean, spray with WD-40, and also use a little liquid graphite so mud and dirt don't stick.

They still look brand new and the mechanic I bring my truck to for any and all work says there isn't any cause for concern at this point and to keep doing what I'm doing with them.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

^^
You live in Texas. Wonder their life span in the northern states?

 

[Jordan@Apollo-Optics]

^^
You live in Texas. Wonder their life span in the northern states?

Yes. Fortunately I don't have to deal with the salt like the rust belt. Sand will do incredible damage to heim joints though. The method I posted should help tremendously even for guys that have to deal with salt and ice. WD-40 is a good, low cost protectant that will help keep water out and the graphite lube (or even white lithium grease would work) will help keep them squeak free up north. Going with heim joints means you no longer have a park it and forget about it truck. It takes constant preventative maintenance to maintain them and get the most life out of them. This is one of the many reasons OEM's don't put heims on consumer vehicles. I would imagine you could easily get 20K miles out of them if you are diligent. I also can see somebody only getting one "season" out of them if they just drive it and don't do any PM on them.

 

[ntm]

Long story short, you're better off replacing with stock uca. Aftermarket upper control arms are more of a fluff piece by themselves. The spindle bends before the uca breaks usually. If you want stronger upper control arm, best to go the limit and get a matching spindle and lower control arm with all double shear mounting.
Then at least the shorter lifespan and increased maintenance due to the Heims is worth it.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

^^
So go big or go home is what you are saying. So to really take advantage of a UCA setup is spend $8k+ and just replace it all (UCA,Knuckle,LCA,Tierod,3.0's, etc) or just have planned to take smaller steps to get there eventually

 

[Chris's FX4]

What do you guys recommend for using as lube? Something like this?

Tri-Flow Heim & Uniball Lube

 

[Deleted member 12951]

What do you guys recommend for using as lube? Something like this?

Tri-Flow Heim & Uniball Lube

Gonna get me some, thanks! And according to their description it has another use....

"Lubricant is a superior, light viscosity lube that allows for deep penetration"

 

[Jordan@Apollo-Optics]

Amazon.com: B'laster - 16-SL - Silicone Lube - 11-Ounces: Automotive

or

Amazon.com: B'laster - 8-GS - Graphite Spray - 5.5-Ounces: Automotive

Is what I use. PB Blaster makes great products. I'd also recommend picking up a can of their Penetrating Catalyst. That stuff works wonders on bolts that are stuck or corroded.

 

[Rookie]

What do you guys recommend for using as lube? Something like this?

Tri-Flow Heim & Uniball Lube

Jergens.

Oh sorry. Wrong thread.

 

[ntm]

^^
So go big or go home is what you are saying. So to really take advantage of a UCA setup is spend $8k+ and just replace it all (UCA,Knuckle,LCA,Tierod,3.0's, etc) or just have planned to take smaller steps to get there eventually

Yes and no.
I'm saying the money spent on aftermarket uca's is usually a waste. The weakest part of the uca is the single shear mounting of the spindle. People usually buy them as a "feel good" type of mod, they do not add appreciable reliability or performance.
Spend the money on bumps, 3.0's, deavers, etc.
If you've done that already, then yes, you are much better off going with something like rogue's stage 4, rpg's bolt on mid travel, etc.
Theses are much stronger than the stock style single shear mounting used by the bolt on piecemeal "upgrades", and offer more travel as well.
I'm just saying, bang for the buck wise, the aftermarket uca's are of dubious value.