Upgrading your 4Runner’s suspension can positively impact your driving experience, whether conquering rough backcountry paths or daily commuting. However, a critical component that’s often overlooked are Upper Control Arms (UCAs). These help with proper alignment, travel, and getting the most out of those shiny new shocks.
The ones I’m covering from Freedom Off-Road are designed specifically for 5th Gen 4Runners with 2-4″ suspension lifts. They feature gussets for extra strength and mounts for the factory lines. The bushings are made of hardened rubber, reducing deflection, and require minimal upkeep. The OEM-style ball joints come pre-greased, so you can get straight to wrenching immediately without worrying about lubrication. The ball joints are also fully replaceable, so you won’t have to swap the entire control arm when worn.
These do more than make tires last longer and improve a vehicle’s handling on the road; they inspire confidence off-road. I got my set from Mudify. They’ve usually got great stock on products and they ship fast and free.
Table Of Contents
What Are Upper Control Arms?
Think of your front suspension as a network of connections and turning points. The UCA is one of the crucial links connecting your car’s frame to the front wheel knuckle (or spindle). Together with the lower control arms (LCAs), they control alignment angles like camber and caster for overall driving stability and guide suspension cycling. Proper alignment will also greatly affect tire wear and drivability.
When You Need Them
A lift kit raises your vehicle, giving it a bolder look. However, when you add that extra height, the factory UCAs can’t maintain the proper angles and, ultimately, the appropriate suspension geometry. A quality set of aftermarket UCAs helps fix these angles and restores proper alignment.
If you’re at or under 2″ of lift, you might be okay without a set. But it is generally still recommended to upgrade to complete your setup. And most lift kits are usually 2-3″, which certainly require them.
Installation
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown covering removing your arms and installing the ones from Freedom. I had a different aftermarket set beforehand, but the general process is always the same.
Basic Tools & Equipment
- Socket and wrench set (10mm, 19mm, 21mm)
- Ratchet and breaker bar or impact wrench
- Torque wrench capable of reading up to ~150 ft-lbs.
- Floor jack and jack stands (rated for your 4Runner’s weight)
- Wheel chocks to secure the rear tires
Specialty Items & Supplies
- Penetrating oil (e.g., WD-40 or PB Blaster)
- Pry bar, ball joint separator (pickle fork), or sledgehammer
- Anti-seize or thread lubricant (highly recommended for suspension hardware)
- Zip ties or bungee cords
- Gloves and safety glasses
- A second set of hands – especially for removing and installing the UCA bolt
Step 1. Prep 4Runner
Before lifting your truck, pop the hood and familiarize yourself with the A/C line routing on the passenger side. You’ll need to maneuver the A/C line during the installation, and taking time to figure out how to do so while the truck is on all four tires will make the installation smoother.
You can complete this job with basic floor jacks. With your truck on the ground, use a breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts. Next, slide the floor jack under the frame rail behind the front wheel and slowly elevate your rig. Once the tires are off the ground, secure with a jack stand.
Finally, remove the front wheel using a 21 mm socket.
Step 2. Disconnect Lines & Wires
With the tire off, you’ll see the UCA attaches to the steering knuckle (spindle) via a ball joint. First, unbolt any small brackets (ABS/wheel speed sensor lines) with a 10mm socket. Carefully move these aside so you don’t damage delicate wires.
Step 3. Loosen UCA Bolt
Next, loosen the UCA bolt using a 19 mm socket or wrench. You might need a breaker bar if it’s been a while since these bolts were moved.
After cracking it loose, don’t fully remove the bolt yet.
Step 4. Disconnect Ball Joint From Spindle
Turn your attention to the ball joint, which connects the UCA to the top of the spindle. Loosen the castle nut (commonly 19 mm), but keep it threaded by a few turns.
Push the ball joint out of the spindle’s grip using a pry bar or a ball joint separator. There’s a flat spot on the spindle that you can tap with a sledgehammer, as seen in the photo above.
Once you feel it pop, remove the nut entirely.
Pivot the spindle outward and secure it with a zip tie or bungee cord to avoid straining brake lines.
Step 5. Remove UCA Bolt
Return to the UCA bolt and slide it towards the front of the truck. Have a second set of hands hold the UCA while you remove the bolt so it doesn’t fall.
You’ll likely notice that the factory UCA is far less robust than your new Freedom Off-Road piece—it lacks gusseting and thick 1.5″ tubing and is clearly not made for the demands of a lifted setup.
Note: Because the A/C line is nearby, extracting the pivot on the passenger side might be awkward. If needed, gently unclip the line from its plastic retainer (but avoid loosening any metal fittings).
Step 6. Install New UCA
Remember that UCAs are sold in pairs, so make sure you have the correct one for the side you’re working on. Gently guide it into position, watching for nearby hoses and wiring. If you’re working on the passenger’s side, the A/C line.
Once the arm and factory washers are aligned, slide the UCA bolt back through the frame mounting holes and loosely thread on the nut. Keeping it hand-tight gives you some room to seat the ball joint in the spindle.
Having a friend around to help guide the bolt from the engine bay during this step is tremendously helpful.
Step 7. Reconnect Ball Joint
Next, align the new UCA’s ball joint with the hole on top of the spindle and push it through.
Thread the castle nut onto the ball joint and use a torque wrench to tighten it to 47 ft-lbs. Add an extra turn to align the cotter pinhole.
Finally, torque the UCA bolt to 85 ft-lbs.
Finishing Touches
With the new control arm secured, double-check that the spindle is properly aligned, the speed sensor bracket is back in place, and the A/C line is clipped safely (passenger side only). Then, bolt the wheel on, lower the 4Runner, and torque the lug nuts to 85 ft-lbs in a star pattern.
At this point, a short, gentle test drive around the block is wise. Listen for any rattles or unusual noises. After, you must take your truck in for a professional alignment to finalize caster and camber settings ASAP.
Final Thoughts
After I installed these and got my alignment, everything felt tight and planted. I tried out this set since my previous one needed some maintenance. I was also interested in how something at this budget would perform. Time will tell how they hold up over the longer term. I have seen some older reviews online that complained about clearance and rubbing. Happy to say that I have not experienced anything like that or needed to grind down any metal.
Aftermarket UCAs are an investment. A quality set will let your suspension easily handle bigger tires, rougher trails, and everyday driving. The Freedom Off-Road UCAs’ pre-greased, fully replaceable ball joints and hardened rubber bushings reduce maintenance headaches, while the 1.5″ tubing and gusseted design promise long-term reliability.
I tried to look deeper in the manufacturing for this product. It seems that they don’t list where they make it, so I would assume it is made overseas. I’m not immediately discounting it for that reason, but most people like to know. I think you get what you pay for, and these certainly give you the option to stretch your budget.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling rocky fire roads or a daily driver wanting a stable, modest lift, these seem to balance enough reliability and performance at an essentially unbeatable price.
Solid review. Been looking at these for a while. My runner has 125k miles on it with with a mild lift. 5100s all around (1.75” 1 rear) and 275s, would these be a good/similar to oem replacement? Mostly do light off roading and camping. The truck seems to wander especially on the highway even after having an alignment.