When it comes to upgrading the suspension on your vehicle, one of the key components you’ll want to consider are the upper control arms (UCAs). These are the arms that connect the steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle, and they play a critical role in determining the handling and performance of your ride.

There are two main types of UCAs on the market: billet and tubular. Billet UCAs are typically made from a solid piece of aluminum, while tubular UCAs are made from a hollow tube of steel or aluminum. Both types have their own set of pros and cons, and the best option for your vehicle will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

One of the key advantages of billet UCAs is their strength and durability. Because they are made from a solid piece of material, they are less likely to bend or break under heavy loads or in the event of an accident. They are also typically more precise and have a higher level of adjustability, which can be a big plus for those looking to fine-tune their suspension setup.

Tubular UCAs, on the other hand, are generally considered to be more lightweight and offer improved suspension travel. The hollow design of the tube makes them less stiff than billet UCAs, which can help to improve the ride quality of your vehicle. They are also generally less expensive than billet UCAs, making them a more budget-friendly option.

When it comes to ICON Billet UCAs vs Tubular UCAs, ICON Billet UCAs are a high-end option that provides greater strength and durability. They are also more precise and have a higher level of adjustability which makes them a perfect option for those looking to fine-tune their suspension setup. On the other hand, Tubular UCAs are a more budget-friendly option that offers improved suspension travel and a lighter weight.

Ultimately, the choice between billet and tubular UCAs will come down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for maximum strength and durability, then billet UCAs are probably the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that offers improved suspension travel and a lighter weight, then tubular UCAs are worth considering.

Sometimes we get asked about bump stops in conjunction with rear lift shocks.

1-3” lift shocks compress and extend more than factory, by getting extended bump stops the life time of the shock will increase since at full flex/compression the internals of the shock get damage little by little.
The bump stop will stop the axle before the shock hits its internal bump stop without damaging valves and seals.
Look at this picture and you can see the Timbren bump stop pretty much stopping the axle from over compressing before the shock touches itsinternal bump stop and valves and on the opposite side is protecting the shock from over extending.

As the manufacturer has informed us,

Shock number 985-24-117 should have hardware bag number 803-02-033 which has a bushing and sleeve when installed on the rear of the 2005-2018 Tacoma, 6-lug trucks. The bushing has an inside diameter of .625″ / 15.875 millimeter which houses the sleeve with a .478″ / 12.7 millimeter inside diameter. For six lug (4X4 or 2X4 Pre-Runner) 2005-2018 Tacoma trucks, the lower rear shock mount bolt has been .50″ / 12 millimeter and the sleeve and bushing in shock number 985-24-117 is designed to accommodate the factory mounting bolt. If the bolt is .375″ (3/8″) / 9.52 millimeter, the hardware included in the shock box will not accommodate the smaller bolt as it was designed to work with the .50″ / 12 millimeter bolt the 2005-2018, 6 lug trucks were equipped with.