Now you are probably thinking... another UCA for Toyota suspensions. Well rest assured that this UCA is far from ordinary. Aside from the precision machining to insure the highest quality there are a number of differences that set the Rokmen UCA apart from the crowd. From the top of the line stainless steel uniball to the precise fit heim boot covers every detail has carefully thought through to be able to provide Toyota owners with one of the best UCAs in the market in 2016. Being able to fine tune this arm is why Rokmen incorporated into the design stainless steel spacers that can be aligned in different configurations to achieve even better alignment results. But there is even more to touch on as we install a set on our 2007 2nd Gen Tacoma in this article.
Installation:
Our install truck already has a 3 lift and uses OEM lower control arms. The current UCA has already been removed and we are ready to install the Rokmen UCAs. We begin by opening the Rokmen UCA kit and find that this kit goes to extreme lengths to include everything you need for a smooth install. Some notable items included in this kit are:
- Rod End alignment tool
- Fully enclosed rod end weather boots
- Boot installation tool
- 2oz. bottle of Tri-Flow dry lubricant with PTFE
We start by setting up the arms for installation. The FK Stainless Uni-Ball w/PTFE liners comes already pressed into the arm. So we move on to installing the rod ends into the arm. These arms are built in house to insure quality production at every step. The tubing is 3/8 thick and the rod end threads are machined directly into the tube. This insures a perfect thread match between the tube and the rod end. We coat the rod ends with silver anti-seize to help protect threads from the elements that the arms will see. The rod ends are threaded all the way in. For the average install Rokmen suggests you back the rod ends out 1.5 turns. For this particular truck we actually backed the rod ends out 2.5 turns.
One of the hardest parts of setting up a UCA with heim ends is getting both ends lined up perfectly. Rokmen includes in the kit a rod end alignment tool that allows you to set up the ends perfectly and tighten the jam nuts down tight so the ends cannot come loose. Without this tool getting both ends lined up can be a chore and require multiple tries to get it right.
Next up we need to get the rod end boots installed on the ends. Before you install them make sure to put some Tri-Flow on the joints. You can use the UCA bolt to move the ball from side to side and work the Tri-Flow in to the joint. It should be noted that only a small amount of Tri-Flow is needed. Make sure to wipe off excess Tri-Flow. The weather boots are designed to be very tight fitting so as to keep moisture and dirt out of the joint. So Rokmen includes a special tool designed to allow you to expand the boot for ease of installation on the end.
Once the boots are on you need to set up 17-4 Stainless Steel spacers. Rokmen includes an Alignment and Adjustments guide in the instructions to help guide you on the best way to set up your arms. The spacers allow to change the amount of top end caster based on your needs. In the stock location set up the arms have approximately 4 degrees of castor when installed on a vehicle with 2.5 to 3 of lift. Our install truck is running larger sized 315 tires on it so we ended up adjusting the arms forward to increase the top end castor and get the tires further away from the inner fender wall. When you have determined your best spacer set up you need to insert the spacer inside the boots. Using the tool included you just need to open up the boot ends and install the spacers. Make sure to inspect the rubber boot after this is done so that it is not twisted or kinked. The boot can easily be worked by hand to get it to lay evenly and flat.
Last thing we needed to do before installing the arms on the vehicle was to add Tri-Flow to the uni-ball. Again use the UCA bolt to work the Tri-Flow into the uni-ball by moving the ball back and forth. Make sure to get the top and the bottom. Once you are done with this its time to get them on the vehicle. These arms are installed the same as any UCA. Once you have the arm on the frame end you need to line up the uni-ball so that it seats fully into the Spindle. Rokmen has machined 17-4 Stainless Steel inserts for each Toyota model that is currently building these arms for. Through extensive R&D Rokmen discovered that the spindle taper is different across different Toyota models. There is a common misconception that the spindles are the same which is not the case. So to insure the most precise fitment a different insert was created for each model.
Once you have insured fitment is correct, its time to tighten everything up. Make sure to follow the torque specs that are included in the instructions. The signature Rokmen aluminum uni-ball dust cap gets installed next. The cap includes a rubber O ring to seal it and is secured with stainless bolts. Dont forget to reinstall the ABS bracket onto the arm with the stainless bolt that comes with the kit.
Once install was completed we took the truck right over to get it aligned.Post alignment the truck drives great. I myself am enjoying the solid feel that comes with having heim ends on the UCA vs a bushing. At the time of writing this article the install was only 3 days old. So we have not had an opportunity to get them off road yet but we know that they will not let us down and will perform at the level in which they were manufactured. Hence the name Pro-Series. Were looking forward to putting them to the test in the coming weeks and months as the adventure season begins. There is a lot to be said for the peace of mind that comes from having quality performance parts on your truck when you are hundreds of miles away from civilization.
Rokmen Pro – Series UCAs are available for:
- 2003+ 4Runner
- 2007+ FJ Cruiser
- 2005+ Tacoma
For more information on Rokmen UCAs and other Toyota product they offer visit: www.rokmen.com Also check out/follow their Facebook page for upcoming product releases and news.
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