Includes
*stock art. These UCAs are no longer greasable.*
Overview:
Improve droop travel, drivability and tire wear as well as adjusting tire position in your wheel well with SPC’s adjustable front upper control arms. Featuring a new maintenance free ball joint and SpecRide™ bushings, this arm is designed to correct alignment angles while maintaining factory ride quality. SPC's integrated tubular and cast steel designs provide the strength and durability needed for the most demanding environments. These remove and replace arms are sold in pairs.
Benefits:
Details
Common Questions/Answers about Upper Control Arms
1. What do upper control arms do?
They connect the vehicle’s chassis to the upper part of the steering knuckle.
Control camber, caster, and wheel travel—crucial for suspension geometry.
2. Do I need upper control arms with a lift kit?
Yes, if you're lifting more than 2 inches (especially in trucks/SUVs with independent front suspension).
Stock UCAs often limit down travel or cause alignment issues.
3. What are the symptoms of a bad upper control arm?
Clunking or popping noise over bumps
Uneven tire wear
Steering wandering or pulling
Excessive vibration
Visual play or movement in the ball joint/bushings
4. How long do upper control arms last?
OEM UCAs often last 100,000+ miles, but off-road use or poor roads can wear them faster.
Aftermarket performance UCAs may need periodic inspection.
5. Can I drive with a bad upper control arm?
Technically yes—but it's not safe.
It can compromise steering, handling, and tire wear, and can fail suddenly if the ball joint gives out.
6. What's the difference between upper and lower control arms?
Upper control arm: Mounted above the wheel hub; primarily used in double wishbone/multi-link setups.
Lower control arm: Always present in all suspension types; connects the frame to the bottom of the knuckle and supports most of the load.
7. Are aftermarket upper control arms worth it?
Yes, if you're lifting/lowering your vehicle, need better alignment control, or want stronger components for off-road/performance use.
Otherwise, stock UCAs are usually fine for daily driving.
8. How much does it cost to replace upper control arms?
Parts: $100–$900 per pair (more for performance arms)
Labor: $200–$400
Total: $300–$1,000 depending on vehicle, brand, and shop
9. Do upper control arms affect alignment?
Absolutely. They play a major role in camber and caster angles.
Misaligned or aftermarket UCAs can throw off alignment if not adjusted correctly.
10. Can you replace upper control arms yourself?
Yes, with moderate mechanical skills and basic tools.
An alignment is required after installation.
- 2 Upper Control Arms
- 2 Ball Joints
- Necessary Hardware
*stock art. These UCAs are no longer greasable.*
Overview:
Improve droop travel, drivability and tire wear as well as adjusting tire position in your wheel well with SPC’s adjustable front upper control arms. Featuring a new maintenance free ball joint and SpecRide™ bushings, this arm is designed to correct alignment angles while maintaining factory ride quality. SPC's integrated tubular and cast steel designs provide the strength and durability needed for the most demanding environments. These remove and replace arms are sold in pairs.
Benefits:
- Get more droop travel: SPC’s arm has improved clearance to get around the spring bucket. With 80° of articulation in the upgraded ball joint and free pivoting bushings, SPC's arm gives you maximum droop travel.
- Get your drivability and tracking back: When you lift your truck you affect caster and camber. SPC’s arms have +1° of caster built into them. Using its patented ball joint design the arm will get you 0° to +4° of caster and ±2° of camber, so you can put your alignmnet angles back to specification.
- Get your tire where you want it in the wheel well: Use adjustment in the control arm and on the OE lower cams to maximize alignment angles and move oversized tires forward in the wheel well to minimize or avoid fender trimming.
Details
- Camber:±2.00°
- Caster: 0.0° to +4.00°
- Installation time: . ~1 hr/side
Common Questions/Answers about Upper Control Arms
1. What do upper control arms do?
They connect the vehicle’s chassis to the upper part of the steering knuckle.
Control camber, caster, and wheel travel—crucial for suspension geometry.
2. Do I need upper control arms with a lift kit?
Yes, if you're lifting more than 2 inches (especially in trucks/SUVs with independent front suspension).
Stock UCAs often limit down travel or cause alignment issues.
3. What are the symptoms of a bad upper control arm?
Clunking or popping noise over bumps
Uneven tire wear
Steering wandering or pulling
Excessive vibration
Visual play or movement in the ball joint/bushings
4. How long do upper control arms last?
OEM UCAs often last 100,000+ miles, but off-road use or poor roads can wear them faster.
Aftermarket performance UCAs may need periodic inspection.
5. Can I drive with a bad upper control arm?
Technically yes—but it's not safe.
It can compromise steering, handling, and tire wear, and can fail suddenly if the ball joint gives out.
6. What's the difference between upper and lower control arms?
Upper control arm: Mounted above the wheel hub; primarily used in double wishbone/multi-link setups.
Lower control arm: Always present in all suspension types; connects the frame to the bottom of the knuckle and supports most of the load.
7. Are aftermarket upper control arms worth it?
Yes, if you're lifting/lowering your vehicle, need better alignment control, or want stronger components for off-road/performance use.
Otherwise, stock UCAs are usually fine for daily driving.
8. How much does it cost to replace upper control arms?
Parts: $100–$900 per pair (more for performance arms)
Labor: $200–$400
Total: $300–$1,000 depending on vehicle, brand, and shop
9. Do upper control arms affect alignment?
Absolutely. They play a major role in camber and caster angles.
Misaligned or aftermarket UCAs can throw off alignment if not adjusted correctly.
10. Can you replace upper control arms yourself?
Yes, with moderate mechanical skills and basic tools.
An alignment is required after installation.
