Upper Control Arms: When Does Your Lift Kit Need Them?

Your upper control arms connect the upper part of the steering knuckle to your truck's frame. Together with the lower control arms, they help keep your wheels positioned correctly as the suspension moves.

They also play a role in alignment, steering feel, and suspension movement.

The key thing to remember is this:

Upper control arms do not lift your truck.

Your lift kit, leveling kit, coilovers, springs, or spacers create the added ride height. Upper control arms help the suspension operate correctly after the height changes.

Not always.

Many mild lift and leveling kits are designed to work with the factory upper control arms. Other setups benefit from aftermarket UCAs because added ride height changes the operating angle of the suspension components.

Your truck might benefit from aftermarket upper control arms if:

• The lift kit instructions call for them
• Your truck will not align correctly after the lift
• The factory ball joint operates at a steep angle
• The upper control arm contacts another suspension component
• You want better use of available suspension travel for off-road driving
• Your factory upper control arms or ball joints are worn

Lift height matters, but there is no single height where every truck needs new upper control arms.

Vehicle design and lift-kit design matter too.

For many trucks, a 2-inch lift or leveling kit works with the factory upper control arms.

Still, check the requirements for your exact lift kit before ordering parts.

Different trucks use different suspension designs, so a setup that works well with factory UCAs on one truck might need additional correction on another.

After installation, your truck should receive a professional alignment. If the front suspension cannot be brought back within the recommended alignment range, application-specific aftermarket upper control arms might help.

On some trucks, aftermarket upper control arms become more beneficial as front lift height increases into the 2.5- to 3-inch range.

This depends heavily on the vehicle and the way the lift creates the added height.

Raising the front suspension farther changes the operating angle of the control arms and ball joints. Depending on the application, aftermarket UCAs help improve ball-joint positioning, alignment range, and clearance.

For trucks that see regular trail use, these angles also matter because off-road driving tends to use more of the suspension's available travel.

Do not choose UCAs based only on the lift height printed on the box. Check your vehicle fitment and the requirements for your specific suspension kit.

Larger suspension lifts often handle geometry differently than leveling kits and smaller suspension lifts.

Some systems use crossmembers, steering knuckles, control arms, brackets, or other components to reposition the suspension at the new ride height.

A complete lift kit might already include the parts needed to keep the suspension working correctly. Other systems might use the factory upper control arms as part of the design.

If you're planning a larger lift, look at the complete suspension system instead of adding individual parts based only on lift height.

Factory upper control arms are designed around your truck's original suspension height.

For stock trucks and many mild lifts, they work well.

Aftermarket upper control arms are designed for specific lifted applications. Depending on the design, they might help with:

• Improved ball-joint operating angles
• Additional alignment correction
• Better caster adjustment
• Additional suspension clearance
• Better use of available suspension travel
• Added durability for off-road use

The right choice depends on how you use your truck.

A daily-driven truck with a mild leveling kit has different suspension needs than a truck running larger tires and spending weekends on rough trails.

On some lifted trucks, yes.

Lifting the front of a truck changes suspension angles and sometimes reduces the amount of factory alignment adjustment available.

Application-specific aftermarket UCAs often provide additional alignment correction or revised geometry to help bring a lifted truck back within the recommended alignment range.

One alignment measurement you might hear about is caster. Caster affects straight-line stability, steering feel, and how well the steering wheel returns toward center after a turn.

Some aftermarket UCAs are designed to provide additional caster correction for lifted applications.

Upper control arms are not a replacement for an alignment.

Any time you change suspension height or replace control arms, schedule a professional alignment afterward.

Proper alignment helps with:

• Steering feel
• Tire wear
• Vehicle tracking
• Handling
• Overall suspension performance

If your truck pulls, wanders, or starts wearing tires unevenly after a lift, have the suspension and alignment inspected.

Rough Country offers upper control arms for a range of lifted truck applications.

Depending on the vehicle, Rough Country upper control arms are designed to improve suspension geometry, ball-joint angles, alignment range, and clearance for lifted setups while maintaining a bolt-on installation.

For example, Rough Country offers forged upper control arms for select Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 applications with one-piece forged aluminum construction and components designed for lifted suspension setups.

Always enter your exact vehicle information on RoughCountry.com before ordering. Fitment, lift-height requirements, and upper control arm designs vary by application.

Will upper control arms lift my truck?

No. Upper control arms do not increase ride height. Your lift kit, leveling kit, coilovers, springs, or spacers raise the truck. UCAs help manage suspension geometry and component angles at the new height.

Do I need an alignment after installing upper control arms?

Yes. Any time you replace upper control arms or change your suspension height, schedule a professional alignment.

Can I install a lift now and add upper control arms later?

Sometimes. If the lift kit is designed to work with the factory upper control arms, you might choose to upgrade later if your setup needs additional alignment correction, clearance, or improved ball-joint angles.

If your lift kit requires aftermarket upper control arms, install them as part of the original suspension setup.

When should I replace my factory upper control arms?

Replace them if the ball joints, bushings, or arms show wear or damage. You might also switch to aftermarket upper control arms when your lifted setup requires additional clearance, alignment correction, or improved ball-joint positioning.