Mid-Tier Lift with Upper Control Arms ($600–$2,000)

At 2.5" of lift and above, the factory upper control arms become a liability. The OEM UCAs were designed for stock ride height — at 2.5"+, the ball joint angle steepens, the CV shaft operates at an angle that accelerates wear, and the factory caster is lost, which creates vague steering and highway wander. Upper control arms solve all three problems simultaneously: they restore caster, raise the outer ball joint to correct CV angle, and provide more droop travel than stock.

Icon's Stage 2 kit bundles everything you need — front coilovers, rear shocks, rear add-a-leaf, and Icon's billet aluminum UCAs. It's the most straightforward path to a complete mid-tier build because the components are spec'd to work together. If you prefer a la carte, Total Chaos UCAs paired with Bilstein 6112 fronts and OME Dakar leafs in the rear delivers comparable geometry at a similar price with arguably better long-travel potential if you upgrade shocks later.

SPC Performance UCAs are the budget UCA option — they're adjustable (camber and caster eccentric bolts) and work well for street-focused builds. For aggressive trail use or frequent off-road cycling, Total Chaos billet units are the more durable choice; the SPC arms use an OEM-style stamped design with aftermarket adjustability rather than a full billet rebuild. Camburg UCAs ($849) sit between the two in both price and construction quality.

Do not skip the alignment after this install. A mid-lift with UCAs will set new caster and camber positions that require a proper alignment to dial in. Most shops familiar with Tacoma builds can hit +3.5° caster and 0° camber, which gives neutral highway feel. Budget the alignment as part of the project cost.

Steps

1. Plan the build: confirm UCA brand, shock/coilover spec, and rear setup before ordering
2. Lift front of vehicle, support on jack stands, remove front wheels
3. Disconnect sway bar end links and brake line brackets
4. Remove front strut assembly (both sides)
5. Remove OEM upper control arm — disconnect ball joint from spindle, remove UCA bolts from frame
6. Install new UCA per manufacturer instructions; torque frame bolts to spec but leave snug, not final torque (set at ride height)
7. Install new coilovers or struts; set height collar to target lift (typically position 3 of 6 on threaded collar)
8. Reconnect ball joint to spindle with new nut; torque to spec (typically 90–100 ft-lb)
9. Reconnect sway bar end links and brake line brackets
10. Reinstall wheels
11. Move to rear: remove wheels, support axle
12. Remove U-bolts and spring plate; install rear shocks if included in kit
13. Install rear add-a-leaf or replace full leaf pack per kit instructions
14. Reassemble rear, torque U-bolts to spec
15. Lower vehicle to ride height
16. Final torque all suspension fasteners with vehicle at ride height
17. Drive to alignment shop within 50 miles; request Tacoma-specific caster/camber specs
18. After alignment, test drive on varied terrain and recheck torque at 500 miles

Why it works

• Corrected caster and CV geometry — the core reason to do this tier over budget lift
• Fits 285/75R16 (33") tires cleanly on most 3rd gen Tacomas; some trimming on 2nd gen
• Significantly improved wheel travel over stock — especially with coilovers at this tier
• Icon Stage 2 kit eliminates component compatibility guesswork
• UCAs extend the life of ball joints and CV shafts at lifted heights
• Adjustable coilover height allows fine-tuning later without buying new springs

Trade-offs

• Requires a professional alignment after install — budget $100–$150 additional
• Substantially more complex than budget lift; ball joint press required for UCA swap
• SPC UCAs are adjustable but not as robust as billet alternatives for heavy trail use
• 3rd gen Tacoma (2016+) has more clearance for 33s; 2nd gen may need minor trimming of front mudflap bracket
• Does not deliver long-travel performance — suspension still cycles through OEM-range bump and droop

Tools required

• floor jack
• jack stands
• torque wrench
• socket set
• spring compressor
• ball joint press
• breaker bar
• pry bar
• alignment tool or shop alignment

Parts

Sources

• Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 Kit Documentation
• Total Chaos Fabrication UCA Install Guide

Related

• Budget Lift Kit — Coilovers and Add-a-Leaf (≤$600)
• Long-Travel Suspension — Expedition and Desert Build ($2,500+)
• All Toyota Tacoma guides & tools
• Browse the full DIY database

Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.