Tacoma Control Arms

[CowboyTaco]

Title is suspiciously lacking the words Upper and Lower. That's cause I want to talk about both!



Since UCA is one that people will wildly vary on recommendations, let's start with LCAs

I'm using Olathe parts site for part numbers only. Currently, McGeorge has the best prices that I have found.

Front Suspension for 2011 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota Parts Center

parts.olathetoyota.com

2nd gen Tacoma has 2 part numbers listed for the LCAs. Ok, 4, but I'm going to ignore the whole left/right aspect, which I believe is denoted in the first set of numbers in the part number. 48068 indicates the right side and 48069 indicates the left side. So that leaves us with the 04040 and 04030.

In the description 48068/9-04030 states: "Tacoma. Without prerunner. Incl.Ball Joint & Bushings."
In the description for 48068/9-04040 states: "Tacoma. 4 wheel drive."

When you go into the page for each part and check the Vehicle Fitment page, both of them list the Base, Pre Runner, X Runner along with 2.7L and 4.0L gas.

So what's the difference? If ordering new, I'd go with the 04040 because it specifically states 4wd. It's also more expensive. I've got a line on a guy locally who is willing to give me his OEM LCAs from his 2005 2wd.

At the current prices, it'll cost me about $310 to replace the bushings and LBJ. That's compared to $545 for whole new arms. On one hand, I could save ~$235 by rebuilding his. On the other hand, I don't know the history on them and am considering just ordering new so that I know they are the "correct" (if there is a difference) arms and have not been abused or have any chance of stress or fractures.

 

[tex]

I replaced both LCA and outer tie rods for my 4runner from McGeorge and I want to say it was about $500 total with shipping.


Edit*** Found my order email from them.

Shipment Details​

Part Number	Part Name	Price	Quantity	Total
48068-60040	Lower Control Arm, RIGHT	$275.80	1	0
48069-60040	Lower Control Arm, LEFT	$275.80	1	0
45046-69245	Outer Tie Rod, LEFT	$38.93	2	0

Subtotal:	$629.46
Shipping (FedEx Ground Home Delivery):	$50.59
Total:	$680.05

 

[CowboyTaco]

And onto UCAs. This has been on my list of things to upgrade for quite a while. I just can never bring myself to spend $500+ on the aftermarket options when I have other expenses to take into account. The OEM ones have worked for my purposes.

I found someone with OEM UCAs from a 3rd gen that I think I can get for free. Part numbers are different and the vehicle fitment listed on the website does not include my model. I believe the 3rd gens are a little higher than the 2nd gens, so I'm thinking it could be possible that OEM UCAs from a 3rd gen might be a good fit on a lifted 2nd gen.

Thoughts?

Part of me thinks I should put them on for the time being and try them out. The other part of me says to just wait and put money aside for aftermarket UCAs. Putting them on would at least get me fresh UBJs, but I don't want to do that if the arm is significantly different.

The reason for these posts is that I'm thinking it is time for me to do a refresh up front. I'm going on 11 years on mostly all OEM rubber and bushings. The stuff that I've replaced that has been obtained from AutoZone is clearly inferior to the OEM stuff. So I'm kind of wanting to get back to OEM or better.

 

[CowboyTaco]

I replaced both LCA and outer tie rods for my 4runner from McGeorge and I want to say it was about $500 total with shipping.


Edit*** Found my order email from them.

​

Shipment Details​

​

Part Number	Part Name	Price	Quantity	Total
48068-60040	Lower Control Arm, RIGHT	$275.80	1	0
48069-60040	Lower Control Arm, LEFT	$275.80	1	0
45046-69245	Outer Tie Rod, LEFT	$38.93	2	0

​

Subtotal:	$629.46
Shipping (FedEx Ground Home Delivery):	$50.59
Total:	$680.05

Is this to be interpreted as a vote for get new?

I am also planning to replace the outer tie rods.

 

[tex]

I wanted to get the arms and tie rods replaced since the LBJ and tie rod boots were not in good shape. I was also trying to get it done before a trip to Colorado so I did all new OEM since aftermarket parts gets mixed reviews. Stock lasted almost 90k miles so spending a little extra for knowing the parts will last was worth it. I still have my stock arms and RSG can rebuild them with new bushings and ball joints for about $500.

 

[Taco Loco]

I replaced both LCA and outer tie rods for my 4runner from McGeorge and I want to say it was about $500 total with shipping.


Edit*** Found my order email from them.

Shipment Details​

Part Number	Part Name	Price	Quantity	Total
48068-60040	Lower Control Arm, RIGHT	$275.80	1	0
48069-60040	Lower Control Arm, LEFT	$275.80	1	0
45046-69245	Outer Tie Rod, LEFT	$38.93	2	0

Subtotal:	$629.46
Shipping (FedEx Ground Home Delivery):	$50.59
Total:	$680.05

Why not just change the ball joints? Was it a downtime/timing issue?

 

[Taco Loco]

I'm running a set of FJ LCA's, probably been on for 100k miles, iirc they are built better than tacoma ones, don't know.

@TacoXpo explain/experience ?

 

[Taco Loco]

All mine are probably due for rebuilding, might have to wait till Fall to cool off to tear into the whole front suspension.

 

[Taco Loco]

And onto UCAs. This has been on my list of things to upgrade for quite a while. I just can never bring myself to spend $500+ on the aftermarket options when I have other expenses to take into account. The OEM ones have worked for my purposes.

I found someone with OEM UCAs from a 3rd gen that I think I can get for free. Part numbers are different and the vehicle fitment listed on the website does not include my model. I believe the 3rd gens are a little higher than the 2nd gens, so I'm thinking it could be possible that OEM UCAs from a 3rd gen might be a good fit on a lifted 2nd gen.

Thoughts?

Part of me thinks I should put them on for the time being and try them out. The other part of me says to just wait and put money aside for aftermarket UCAs. Putting them on would at least get me fresh UBJs, but I don't want to do that if the arm is significantly different.

The reason for these posts is that I'm thinking it is time for me to do a refresh up front. I'm going on 11 years on mostly all OEM rubber and bushings. The stuff that I've replaced that has been obtained from AutoZone is clearly inferior to the OEM stuff. So I'm kind of wanting to get back to OEM or better.

After market UCA help with more articulation, alignment, caster for lifted trucks, some UCA provide additional droop in the suspension. Providing a little extra travel, and then the added strength vs running oem. Having proper alignment with a lifted truck and running aftermarket UCA's will provide an uniform wear on ALL the various parts and much better as for tire wear.

 

[tex]

Why not just change the ball joints? Was it a downtime/timing issue?

Timing and downtime is exactly right. I will rebuild my original ones for next time and just rotate them out.

 

[CowboyTaco]

After market UCA help with more articulation, alignment, caster for lifted trucks, some UCA provide additional droop in the suspension. Providing a little extra travel, and then the added strength vs running oem. Having proper alignment with a lifted truck and running aftermarket UCA's will provide an uniform wear on ALL the various parts and much better as for tire wear.

but wondering if the ones I can get for free would be a worthwhile intermediate option.

 

[CowboyTaco]

Timing and downtime is exactly right. I will rebuild my original ones for next time and just rotate them out.

could probably rebuild and sell for profit. I have seen some of the first gen guys who have developed stress fractures on their LCAs from wheeling. I doubt your have that, but those guys could be prime candidates to purchase a rebuilt OEM LCA...

 

[TacoXpo]

I'm running a set of FJ LCA's, probably been on for 100k miles, iirc they are built better than tacoma ones, don't know.

@TacoXpo explain/experience ?

Well, they may be but I do not know. I know the Toyota guys always talk about the Landcruiser Quality Spec which tacos are NOT built by but 4Runner (and maybe FJCs) ARE made to LC QC spec.

 

[PSU Taco85]

If you need lowers I have a set with under 10k on them from a guy up here who SASd his 2nd gen, I'll let go for pretty cheap. The only difference between lowers for the 2nd gen is that the prerunner/4x4 are one part and the 5 lug 4x2 are a separate totally different part.

 

[Boomtacoma01]

Yep that is what I was going to chime in with.