Gen 2 Truxxx or Spacer lift - Upper control arm problems - Working on fix

[Todd Z]

Hey all,

Im currently working on a fix for the tough angle created by the Truxxx or other spacer lift kit for the Gen2. This will work on v6 and v8, 2wd and 4wd. It will also work on 07-10 Regular 4 Door explorer too !!

I started off with spacing ball joints but the spacers don't fit the arms like I want. SOOO I started working with 1.5" longer upper ball joints. I found the OEM ones are welded or pressed into the arms. So I bought a set of aftermarket arms, Special ball joints and started fabricating..... So far so good.

I got the OEM ones apart, new ball joints in.

NOW I just have to test fit the taper in the spindle... The OEM is smaller BUT they make special tools to ream the taper. This is common on old cars and lifted trucks with Jeep parts ECT. SO its a safe mod to do.

This will also get rid of the need to buy the $700 BTF uni ball upper control arms and leave the suspension working the way it should. The BCA arms are nice and well made but the uniball is not good for street use and will fail quickly and need to replaced at about $100 every few years.

Ill keep you posted on fitment as I'm lifting Black soon and I want to get it right the first time !!!

Feel free to ask any questions or leave comments. Thanks !!

Todd Z

 

[Todd Z]

Updated with more work complete and almost ready to go !!!!

 

[Todd Z]

Ready for paint !!!

 

[EddieS'04]

Todd, will this way keep the alighnment specs as OEM?

 

[Todd Z]

Todd, will this way keep the alighnment specs as OEM?

These will not change the alignment, BUT the spacers do and the spacer lift kit comes with new specs.

 

[gavin T]

could you post the spacer lift kit specs for alignment please

 

[Todd Z]

could you post the spacer lift kit specs for alignment please

I’m not home but I Believe if you go to truxxx website you can view it from their installation instructions. But again those specs are just a guide. you really need to find an alignment shop that knows how to do alignments and can give you a preferred alignment not just red yellow and green lights.


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[Nick Mann]

Any updates on how this went? I have a Truxxx set waiting to install in my 2010. I don't want too install them yet, do to upper ball joint concerns.

 

[Todd Z]

Nick,

Its in and been driving on my old tires for 6K miles now...... New 33" this week..... So far soo good...

 

[Nick Mann]

Nick,

Its in and been driving on my old tires for 6K miles now...... New 33" this week..... So far soo good...

Would you have a part number/ list of what you used?
I have a bone stock 2010 Limited 4.6. I have the Truxxx kit waiting to install. But I don't what any issues with the ball joints.
How are the C/V angles looking?

Thanks
Nick

 

[Todd Z]

if you just use the truxxx kit, your good to go.... the uppers may be a problem if you off road or do some heavy movement.... if straight road driving it should be fine...
I put things together that were not meant to be, I wanted to be a little higher and change some things for my own sanity.... lol

 

[Nick Mann]

if you just use the truxxx kit, your good to go.... the uppers may be a problem if you off road or do some heavy movement.... if straight road driving it should be fine...
I put things together that were not meant to be, I wanted to be a little higher and change some things for my own sanity.... lol

I do plan on doing some overlanding with the truck. So I am thinking a longer ball joint would help with alignment and longevity . I may wind up with only lifting it an inch to avoid any long-term problems.
I like that you used an OEM type ball joint. The longer uppers that I see look amazing . But not for everyday use, IMO only.

 

[Todd Z]

Thanks. They do require you to drill the spindle rendering the spindle non oem any more. That drill bit is about $80 if you dont have it. the arms require overseas parts purchases.

 

[tnjim]

Todd,
I have a 2007 2WD that I had a local shop put a 3" lift on the front. Because I am new to the sport trac world, I was ignorant of the problem it creates with the OEM upper control arm being too short making it unable to be aligned. I have read several posts about the BTF upper control and it sounds like it will solve the camber problem. It seems like you know a good bit about this issue with lifts and I would very much appreciate your thoughts/advice before I drop $700. Thanks!
Jim

 

[JerryRigour]

I actually got the BTF UCA and it still has a camber issue. Can’t get a perfect alignment, two different shops have confirmed this. It’s very close though, and obviously a beefier component that with withstand much more than OEM. I emailed BTF about it and they were going to “look into it” and I’ve heard nothing. Haven’t cared enough to follow up with them yet. I’d do it again despite this minor issue though, granted I’ve only had them for ~4,000 miles.

 

[tnjim]

I actually got the BTF UCA and it still has a camber issue. Can’t get a perfect alignment, two different shops have confirmed this. It’s very close though, and obviously a beefier component that with withstand much more than OEM. I emailed BTF about it and they were going to “look into it” and I’ve heard nothing. Haven’t cared enough to follow up with them yet. I’d do it again despite this minor issue though, granted I’ve only had them for ~4,000 miles.

It helps a ton coming from someone that has actually done it. I can live with very close as long as it doesnt eat up the inside of the tires at a crazy rate. I know you're only 4K miles into it but, can you tell if it is wearing the tires unevenly yet? Also, you can see that mine is obviously leaned in a lot. Did it straighten yours up enough that the tires weren't obviously leaning in when looking at them?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Todd Z]

I would never go 3”. And what struts did you use or re use??
That makes a huge difference. The only UCA is BTF. That’s the only way to fix. Sucks.

 

[tnjim]

Kept factory struts. I don't like it, but am fine getting the BTF uppers if it will fix the problem. At this point I'm trying to decide how best to unscrew myself. The options I'm thinking are:

1. Order the BTF uppers and if it fixes the problem, I'm good.
2. Remove the whole lift and go back with the factory wheels/tires. I'll have to figure out what to do with the very expensive set of wheels and tires that I bought.
3. Go with a lower lift. Not sure if the wheels/tires I bought will work with a lower lift.

Of course, I'm sure there are other options that I just don't see right now and I'm open to ideas. Yes, totally sucks that I got myself into this shape. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[Todd Z]

I think all of your options are viable. What I would do is email BTF tell them that you went 3 inches using the factory struts so you are true 3 inch lift and see if they make anything with a little bit longer of an arm because I believe they change their style to a different design most recently.

Also did you torque all of the bolts with the truck on the ground or at loaded ride height because that will cause the truck to sit higher also if you did not.

 

[tnjim]

I had a local off road shop install everything so I'm now sure if it was on the lift or ground when they tightened bolts. I'll ask them tomorrow and call BTF with your suggestion and see what they say. I really appreciate the help.