Written by Loose Axles, a member of the JBA Trail Team.
We installed JBA Standard High Caster upper control arms on our 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma after giving it a 3-inch lift. While there are tons of options out there on the market, we chose JBA because the arms restore the caster a lift takes away, use a replaceable and greaseable ball joint, have greaseable bushings, and carry a lifetime warranty. We also have run JBA's Heavy Duty Control Arms on our 4th Gen 4Runner for years with no issues - even with heavy 35's!
Our full "budget minded" 2nd gen Tacoma build breakdown.
Quick Facts
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | JBA STD High Caster Upper Control Arms |
| SKU | JBA-7.0.HC.EZ |
| Fits | 2005–2023 Toyota Tacoma (2nd and 3rd gen) |
| Lift range | 1 to 3.5 inches |
| Ball joint | JBA Max 90, replaceable and greaseable |
| Bushings | Patented JBA EZ Lube, greaseable |
| Tubing | American-made 1026 DOM steel, 1.06" OD |
| Install time | 1–3 hours (JBA estimate) |
| Warranty | Lifetime, plus a 365-day return policy |
| Our truck | 2010 Tacoma (2nd gen), 3-inch lift, Bilstein 6112 front and 5100 rear with an add-a-leaf, 285/70R17 (33-inch) tires |
Do you need new upper control arms after lifting a Tacoma?
Yes, for most lifts. With a 3-inch lift, the factory upper arms can't give you full suspension travel or proper alignment. Lifting tilts the upper arms down toward the ball joint, and the more you lift, the more caster you lose.
The factory arms are good parts for a stock truck. They're dependable, and you rarely hear of them failing. They just weren't designed for lifted geometry. JBA's High Caster upper control arms were, and they're built for 2005–2023 Tacomas with 1 to 3.5 inches of lift. As a bonus, their replaceable Max 90 ball joints also allow you to swap ball joints on the fly with minimal hand tools.
Why does restoring caster matter after lifting your Tacoma?
A lifted Tacoma that drifts or wanders at highway speed has usually lost caster. With the factory arms, a lifted truck often can't be aligned back into spec. JBA's High Caster arms have caster correction built in, so your alignment shop can get the truck tracking straight again. JBA even includes target alignment specs in the box you can hand to your alignment tech!
What comes in the JBA upper control arm kit?
The JBA kit arrives pre-assembled and ready to install:
- Left and right upper control arms
- Two JBA Max 90 ball joints, already installed
- Eight EZ Lube bushings and four steel sleeves, already installed
- A bushing washer kit
- An installation and maintenance book with target alignment specs
- A lifetime warranty card and JBA stickers
Ours came packed in pre-formed foam, so nothing shifted in shipping and the red powder coat was flawless and appeared to be glowing when we opened the box haha!
How hard is it to install upper control arms on a 2nd gen Tacoma?
It's a manageable DIY job. We'd rate it about 2.5 out of 5, and JBA estimates 1 to 3 hours for both sides. Because the JBA arms arrive pre-assembled, there's no pressing bushings or ball joints into the arm.
The one challenge on our truck was the factory upper arm bolt. Pulling it out risked damaging the fuel lines, so we cut it and bought a new one from Toyota for $45. If your bolt is stubborn, plan for a replacement instead of forcing it and then install it backwards. Just make sure to use thread locker!
Watch our full JBA upper control arm install on the 2nd gen Tacoma.
Our verdict
The JBA arms are on, and they look great. Our 2010 Tacoma now runs Bilstein 6112s up front, Bilstein 5100s and an add-a-leaf in the rear, and 33-inch Falken Wildpeak AT4W tires. JBA's arms have been excellent on our 4Runner, and we're looking forward to putting these through their paces on the Tacoma! After a few trips to the mountians already, it's safe to say these upper control arms are going to last a LONG time!
Are JBA Offroad upper control arms the best for a 2nd gen Tacoma?
For a 2nd gen Tacoma with 1 to 3.5 inches of lift, after installing the JBA's and running dozens of other UCAs over the years, our pick is JBA's STD High Caster upper control arms. Here are a few reasons why:
1. The ball joint is replaceable. The JBA Max 90 ball joint bolts into the arm with four bolts and has its own grease fitting. If it ever develops play, you swap in a new ball joint instead of replacing the whole arm. JBA sells replacement ball joints and warranties them too.
2. The bushings are greaseable. Each EZ Lube bushing has its own grease fitting. Greasing them at regular service intervals keeps them quiet and extends their life.
3. The build quality is evident. The Standard arms are slimmer than the Heavy Duty set on our 4Runner, but they're still very well built. The welds are clean, and the tubing is American-made steel. Their powdercoat process is also quite extensive!
4. The support is excellent. The arms carry a lifetime warranty, and JBA's customer service has been phenomenal to work with. Not many companies put that kind of effort into their customers anymore.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my Tacoma's upper control arm bushings squeak?
Dry bushings squeak. JBA's patented EZ Lube bushings have grease fittings with a check valve, so you can grease them in place without loosening the mounting bolts. Grease them every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and they stay quiet. JBA also warns not to use red grease!
What happens when an upper ball joint wears out?
On many arms, a worn ball joint means replacing the whole arm. On JBA arms, the Max 90 ball joint bolts in with four bolts, so you replace only the ball joint. JBA sells replacements and warranties them. Not sure if yours is worn? Here are the 7 signs of a bad ball joint.
Which JBA arms fit a 2nd gen Tacoma?
For 1 to 3.5 inches of lift, the JBA STD High Caster arms (JBA-7.0.HC.EZ) fit 2005 to 2023 Tacomas. For 4 to 12 inches of lift with a cradle drop kit, JBA makes separate arms designed for that geometry.
What's the difference between JBA Standard and Heavy Duty arms?
Both have high caster built in. The Heavy Duty arms use beefier, more reinforced tubing. The Standard arms use 1.06-inch American-made DOM tubing and are plenty strong for our Tacoma.
How often should I grease JBA upper control arms, and with what?
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or at every oil change. Grease the ball joint again after any day in mud or water. JBA recommends Mobilgrease XHP 222 Special.
Do I need an alignment after installing upper control arms?
Yes. JBA includes target alignment specs in the box, so take those to your alignment shop.
What tire size fits a Tacoma with JBA arms?
On factory wheels, any tire 32.2 inches in diameter or smaller clears the JBA arms. Bigger tires depend on wheel width and backspacing, and JBA's product page has a full clearance chart. Our 2010 Tacoma runs 285/70R17 (33-inch) Falken Wildpeak AT4Ws with the JBA arms. Going to 33s on a Tacoma usually means a body mount chop too, which we cover in our build breakdown video.
Can I use ball joint spacers with JBA arms?
No. Ball joint spacers void JBA's warranty. Here's why JBA advises against them.