Specialty Products Company Adjustable Upper Control Arms

A suspension lift is one of the first modifications that many 4×4 owners make to their rigs. For most, it’s a functional necessity to accommodate larger diameter tires. Larger tires increase the distance between a rig’s differentials, shock brackets, and other underbody components relative to the ground. When larger diameter tires are combined with a suspension lift, there is also a dramatic, off-road-friendly increase in approach, departure, and ramp-over angles. All these attributes are assets when traveling off-road. However, like many modifications, installing a suspension lift can create a domino effect of issues. One example—and the subject of this story—is the alignment of 4x4s equipped with independent front suspension. This is because a suspension lift can result in unpleasant handling and more. Fortunately, Specialty Products Company offers solutions that eliminate these issues and provide additional benefits.

A suspension lift and larger-diameter tires are great for improving a 4×4’s capability, but the lift can adversely affect the vehicle’s alignment. In fact, SPC notes that many trucks and SUVs may exceed the factory alignment adjustment limits.

About Specialty Products Company

Specialty Products Company (SPC) was founded over 50 years ago as a specialty automotive tool company. The company had humble beginnings, operating from a 300-square-foot warehouse in Denver, Colorado. As word spread and demand for its products increased, SPC quickly outgrew that facility. Several moves and years later, the company is now headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. Today, SPC sells more than 1,500 parts and tools worldwide. The company operates two divisions: Specialty Products, which serves the traditional aftermarket and OE service markets, and SPC Performance, tailored for the off-road, track, and enthusiast markets. The goal of SPC is to provide wheel alignment solutions for every model and year of vehicle.

This illustration highlights some of the features of an SPC forged upper control arm.

The Problem, And The Solution

When a 4×4’s front suspension is lifted or leveled, the alignment angles are dramatically changed. “Alignment angles change because the suspension geometry is altered through the installation of aftermarket coilovers and/or taller springs,” says SPC. “This results in changes to caster (the angle of the steering axis) and camber (the angle of a wheel relative to vertical), in addition to the wheel relocating in the wheel well and potentially causing clearance issues.” In fact, SPC notes that many trucks and SUVs may exceed the factory alignment adjustment limits. Among other things, this can result in road “wander,” which is both annoying and dangerous. SPC Performance has invested a significant amount of time and energy into solving alignment-related issues. For example, the company offers adjustable front upper control arms for popular four-wheel-drive vehicles, including those manufactured by Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Lexus, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, and more

Some common features among these applications include a patented design that adjusts camber and caster to eliminate road wander after installing a lift. Additionally, SPC’s adjustable upper control arms can work in conjunction with adjustments to the OE lower control arms, moving the tires forward and outward in the wheel well by up to one inch. This repositioning of the tires eliminates contact with the vehicle’s fenders or framerails.

Each adjustable upper control arm is equipped with isolated xAxis™ sealed Flex Joint bushings and a bonded rubber sleeve at the chassis mounting points. Why is this important? Well, the replaceable xAxis™ bushings have boots to keep contaminants out and are “free pivoting” to eliminate binding. The bonded rubber sleeve helps minimize irritating NVH, thus providing a more pleasant driving experience. Below is a video detailing the installation and features of SPC’s Toyota-application adjustable upper control arms.

Beefy, Oversized Ball Joints

Another significant benefit of SPC’s adjustable upper control arms is the company’s new ball joints. They’re the result of more than three years of development with the goal of producing the most robust aftermarket ball joint available. Each arm is fitted with SPC’s new oversized, maintenance-free joint, which provides 80 degrees of articulation. SPC claims this is more articulation than any other ball joint. For comparison, the SPC ball joint offers 12 degrees of additional articulation compared to the OE ball joint used in 2005–current Toyota Tacoma 4×4 trucks. This additional articulation translates to more suspension droop when off-roading, meaning the tires are more likely to stay in contact with the ground and provide better traction.

SPC’s new ball joints offer high strength, and 80 degrees of articulation.

Each ball joint is built to be robust and engineered for smooth operation and a long lifespan. The stud cross-section is 25 percent larger than the OE, and it features a forged steel housing, a high-strength forged steel ball, and a one-piece polymer race for smooth operation. Furthermore, there is an E-nickel coating for internal wear protection, a new long-life grease formula, and a sealed boot that keeps contaminants out. The video below provides an overview of SPC’s ball joints.

Applications Include The Popular Ford Bronco And Toyota Tacoma

SPC offers its adjustable upper control arms for many popular 4x4s, including the Ford Bronco and Toyota Tacoma.

These are the newly released SPC adjustable upper control arms with a tubular design for the 2021-2025 Ford Bronco.

The new Ford Bronco is a hot commodity, and many owners are fitting them with suspension lifts and larger-diameter tires to improve off-road performance. SPC’s adjustable upper control arms for 2021-2025 Ford Broncos feature a tubular steel design, making them both strong and durable. They are sold in pairs and have +1.0 degree of caster built in. Due to the arms’ patented ball joint design, each arm provides ±2.0 degrees of caster and ±2.0 degrees of camber, allowing alignment to be returned to OE specifications.

SPC’s adjustable upper control arms for the 2005-2022 Toyota Tacoma are a forged steel design.

When it comes to popular 4×4 pickups, the Toyota Tacoma is near the top. These trucks are being modified for everything from overlanding to weekend warrior trail use. Naturally, a suspension lift is part of the equation. SPC’s adjustable upper control arms for 2005-2022 model year Tacomas feature a forged steel design and improved clearance to navigate around the spring bucket. Each arm has +2.0 degrees of caster built in and allows for 0.0 to +4.0 degrees of caster and ±2.0 degrees of camber.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a way to correct the front-end alignment and increase wheel downtravel on your lifted IFS 4×4, SPC’s adjustable upper control arms are what you need. Visit the company’s website for a complete list of available upper control arms, as well as replacement parts. You can also visit any popular automotive retailer.