UCA replace and knuckle question

[Colo_Ranger]

Alright, we’re in the weeds. Sorry to take this off topic.

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[Jhbryaniv]

we’ve called him the lady killer because the nurses in the NICU loved him. This was written on his board.

it is good that he takes after his mom in that department. LOL

 

[Egg69]

The easiest way to find out is to get a magnet and see it it sticks to the steering knuckle. If it doesn't then it is the early aluminum. If it does stick that. You have the late steel knuckle

Which is better?

 

[Frenchy]

Which is better?

Won't matter as it depends on what it was equipped with

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Won't matter as it depends on what it was equipped with

It was a year and trim package thing?

I thought it was like tremors got one everyone else got another. Maybe not that specific...

I read about it on here at some point... I think. ?

 

[Frenchy]

It was a year and trim package thing?

I thought it was like tremors got one everyone else got another. Maybe not that specific...

I read about it on here at some point... I think. ?

It was a change during production. I want to say the change started for 2020 model year trucks

 

[Jhbryaniv]

It was a change during production. I want to say the change started for 2020 model year trucks

I just googled it. Lol

Looks like that was the year of change over. Stage motorsports has uca's for 2019-2021 and 2020-2022 listed differently...

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/9...el-knuckle-icon-tubular-delta-joint-ucas.html

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/98510dj-19-21-ranger-icon-tubular-delta-joint-ucas.html

 

[Beach]

wow, pricey!

 

[Ranger_Rocks]

I just googled it. Lol

Looks like that was the year of change over. Stage motorsports has uca's for 2019-2021 and 2020-2022 listed differently...

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/9...el-knuckle-icon-tubular-delta-joint-ucas.html

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/98510dj-19-21-ranger-icon-tubular-delta-joint-ucas.html

Perhaps cast is post covid plant shutdown. Mine are cast and was built 6/20 shortly after restart.

The easiest way to find out is to look at the color.
Cast=black (+rust), Aluminum=unpainted.

 

[BlacknYellow]

Just gonna piggy back on this. For my 2023 ranger I've upgraded my tires to 285 75 16s and plan on throwing on some 2" leveling strut spacers in a few weeks, in the mean time untill I can afford a proper suspension lift down the road.

I just bought a pair of after market UCAs (2-4" lift) and was wondering if it would be necessary or have any benefits applying an extended ball joint to the UCAs?

 

[pismo1]

Perhaps cast is post covid plant shutdown. Mine are cast and was built 6/20 shortly after restart.

The easiest way to find out is to look at the color.
Cast=black (+rust), Aluminum=unpainted.

Mine was built 03/11/2020 believe it or not(google that date).Mine are aluminum.

 

[Todd Chapin]

Just gonna piggy back on this. For my 2023 ranger I've upgraded my tires to 285 75 16s and plan on throwing on some 2" leveling strut spacers in a few weeks, in the mean time untill I can afford a proper suspension lift down the road.

I just bought a pair of after market UCAs (2-4" lift) and was wondering if it would be necessary or have any benefits applying an extended ball joint to the UCAs?

Short answer is yes. It will articulate, align and IMHO ride better. You will also be able utilize more travel using extended struts such as the Eibach Pro 2.0 I run with my Icon UCA.

 

[BlacknYellow]

Short answer is yes. It will articulate, align and IMHO ride better. You will also be able utilize more travel using extended struts such as the Eibach Pro 2.0 I run with my Icon UCA.

Thanks for your input Todd! I really want to have that leveled look. I know there will be risks to just using strut spacers to level the front. I've read many threads and it seems to be 50/50 in regard to pros and cons. My aim is to avoid as much wear and tear to the other components i.e. cv axles etc. by replacing the ball joint that came with the aftermarket UCA if it would aid any in lessening the potential damage caused by just going with the strut spacer level route.

 

[Todd Chapin]

Thanks for your input Todd! I really want to have that leveled look. I know there will be risks to just using strut spacers to level the front. I've read many threads and it seems to be 50/50 in regard to pros and cons. My aim is to avoid as much wear and tear to the other components i.e. cv axles etc. by replacing the ball joint that came with the aftermarket UCA if it would aid any in lessening the potential damage caused by just going with the strut spacer level route.

Spacers wont cause any harm. I have used them before but glad I did not on my Ranger.

Upgrading your struts with Fox, Bilstien or Eibach will give the lift and a much better control and ride You desire.

Considering it is not a easy task to install the lift or coilovers, particularly on a 4x4 why not bite the bullet and put in the improved suspension you want? You can add UCA later if you still desire or need them.

I did first coilovers, then UCA then tires. I had not really planned on getting Icon UCA until there was a group by on the forum. They do make a diference.

 

[ICE 27]

Jeff, I’ve had a 2-1/2” level kit and currently have Fox Performance coil overs set at 2”. With both of these setups, there were no issues getting the truck aligned to spec. That seems to be the case with others on the forum as well.

@Colo_Ranger makes a good point about wheel travel when off-roading but keep in mind, he wheels the pants off his rig on a regular basis. So, if this is the kind of driving you have in mind……

….upgrading your UCAs just might be in order.

Love your truck!

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