How do you know if your caliper is dragging?
A telltale sign of a severely sticking caliper piston is the vehicle pulling to one side when driving. If you constantly have to hold the steering wheel in place, it may not have anything to do with steering or wheel alignment. This can also stress the transmission of the vehicle.
Should you replace control arm with ball joint?
Both the lower and upper control arms have a ball joint, although the upper ball joint is often smaller. There are several reasons why a control arm needs to be replaced. The most common reason is when a ball joint wears out, and it cannot be replaced separately. Often a ball joint comes with a control arm as one unit.
Should I replace ball joint or whole control arm?
If it is loose, then replace control arm. If it fits tight then you will need to remove the ball joint from control arm and see if a new ball joint will fit tight in the control arm or control arm still will need to be replaced. This is why you were advised to replace the whole control arm.
Do upper or lower ball joints wear out first?
Because the ball joint can move in two different directions at once, the suspension can, too. Depending on the type of vehicle and suspension in question, there may possibly be an upper and a lower ball joint. The lower ball joint usually takes the biggest hits and wears out first.
Is it better to lift or leveling your truck?
A leveling kit essentially levels the front of the vehicle to match the stock height of the back, with a maximum lift of about two inches in the front. A lift kit lifts the truck much higher into the air, but requires far more time and energy to add in what is basically a new suspension system.
Do you need new UCA for 2 lift?
Rule of thumb is getting above 2 or 2.5 inches puts you to needing new UCA’s for a proper alignment. With that said some people have gotten lucky and been able to stay with stock UCA’s and still get a decent alignment.
Does 2.5 inch lift need UCA?
If you’re running 2.5-3+” of lift then I’d recommend considering upgrading the UCA. When lifting a vehicle with stock UCA’s you are reducing the caster which can cause wandering or darting of the vehicle.