Upper Control Arms
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Toyota Tacoma 2005-2023
4Runner 2003-2024
FJ Cruisers 2007-2014
Lexus GX470 2003-2009
Lexus GX460 2010-2023
Hilux/Vigo 2005-2015
INTRODUCTION BUILT WITH PURPOSE.
Warranty Information
JBA upper control arms are engineered for specific vehicle applications. Use outside intended specifications voids warranty coverage. Warranty determinations are made at JBA’s discretion. JBA Offroad components should be installed by a qualified technician or experienced installer.
JBA UCA WARRANTY
JBA has a lifetime warranty on the structural integrity of our upper control arms.
JBA has a one-year warranty on ball joints, bushings, and powder coating.
WHAT WILL VOID YOUR JBA WARRANTY?
Adding ball joint spacers to the JBA upper control arms. Adding bump stops that hit the JBA upper control arms.
Adding limiting straps attached to the JBA upper control arms.
Cutting, grinding, welding, or modifying the JBA upper control arms.
Using the JBA arms on a vehicle, and/or a lift kit they were not designed for.
JBA upper control arms are not designed to be used when stacking two lift kits together.
WARRANTY CLAIMS
To submit a claim, please provide: Proof of purchase (including order ID).
Description of the issue.
Scan to begin your claim.
Clear photos of the affected component.
Verifying Your Order
BEFORE INSTALLATION, CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING:
Part number matches your order.
High Caster or Stock geometry version.
Driver or Passenger side (USA driven vehicles).
Matching left and right arms.
If anything is incorrect, contact us before installation and we will
Do not disassemble your vehicle until your parts have been verified.
JBA Build Database
REAL PEOPLE. REAL BUILDS. REAL RESULTS.
Explore our database of customer builds using JBA Upper Control Arms. Filter by vehicle, lift height, tire size, and more.
Owner: @Panahrama
2016 Toyota Tacoma
Tire Size: 315/70/r17
Wheel Offset: -38
Life Height: 3"
Control Arm: HD High Caster
Owner: @LooseAxles
2007 Toyota 4Runner
Tire Size: 35x12.5 R17
Wheel Offset: -38
Life Height: 3.5"
Control Arm: HD High Caster
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
ENGINEERED. NOT IMITATED.
JBA EZ Lube Bushings
EZ LUBE BUSHING OVERVIEW
JBA EZ Lube Bushings are patented, fully serviceable bushings designed for durability and quiet performance.
One way relief valves seal out dirt and water. Advanced synthetic elastomer construction.
Internal lubrication channels for full surface greasing.
Serviceable without loosening control arm mounting bolts.
EZ Lube Bushings are used in all JBA Upper Control Arms.
GREASING & INSPECTION
To Service Bushings:
Do not loosen mounting bolts during greasing.
Attach grease gun to bushing fitting.
Wipe away excess grease.
Service Interval:
Grease every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
11,603,897 • 11,953,070
12,247,631
Pump moly fortified lithium EP grease until fresh grease appears between washers.
After deep mud, water crossings, or heavy off road use.
Inspect For:
Squeaking, binding, and excess movement.
Damaged fittings. U.S. Patents: 11,293,511
For grease specifications, see Maintenance Procedure (page 15) or visit our FAQ.
JBA Ball Joints
BALL JOINT OVERVIEW
JBA joints are fully serviceable and designed for long term durability.
Heavy duty construction for off road use.
Replaceable internal components.
Greaseable design for extended life.
Serviceable without replacing the entire control arm.
90 degrees of articulation.
Ball Joint Retaining Nuts 13 ft. lbs.
Ball Joint Stud Nut 60 ft. lbs.
GREASING & INSPECTION
For long lasting ball joints, ensure you:
Add 3 to 5 pumps of moly fortified EP grease until the boot slightly expands. Old grease may vent out of the boot.
Clean the grease fitting before and after servicing.
Service every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or after mud, water, or heavy off road use.
Inspect for:
Boot cracks or tears.
loose or damaged fittings.
Excess play or noise. Contamination.
How to Check
JBA Ball Joints: Scan to learn more!
For grease specifications, see Maintenance Procedure (page 15) or visit our FAQ.
Powder Coat Process
INDUSTRIAL POWDER COATING
JBA steel upper control arms undergo a 10-stage industrial powder coating process.
Each step prepares the steel, prevents corrosion, and ensures maximum coating adhesion for long term durability.
This multi stage system protects against rust, chipping, peeling, and premature coating failure.
FINAL QUALITY INSPECTION
Every JBA upper control arm undergoes a final visual inspection to verify coating consistency, full coverage, and finish quality before leaving our facility.
WHAT POWDER COAT DO YOU USE?
The upper control arms are finished with Tiger Drylac Bengal Red powder coating and oven cured at 400°F to achieve a fully cured, durable, and long-lasting finish.
LOOKING FOR TOUCH UP PAINT?
Minor chips or shop accidents can happen. We offer factory matched touch up paint. Scan the code for ordering details.
INSTALLATION
DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.
Upper Control Arm Removal
Removal Procedure
1.Prior to installation, verify the part number matches your order. Confirm Driver and Passenger side arms are correctly identified and oriented prior to removal (stamped near the ball joint).
2.Raise the vehicle and support it securely with jack stands placed under the frame rail behind the front wheel. Remove the wheel. Never work under an unsupported vehicle.
3.Loosen the nut from the ball joint stud and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. If striking the steering knuckle beside the stud does not loosen the press fit, a puller tool may be required.
4.Use a jack stand to support the loose spindle. Make sure the brake lines are not being stretched and remove the ABS wire from the top of the UCA.
5.Remove splash guards from wheel well and remove the nut/washer on the end of the long shear bolt. (You may have to unbolt the brake line bracket from the frame).
6.Start removing the shear bolt. On the passenger side, the AC line may block the bolt from sliding out. If needed, unclip the AC line from its holder and remove the bolt securing the AC line bracket so the line can move slightly out of the way. This will allow the shear bolt to slide out completely. Do not remove the nuts on the AC line, as this will release refrigerant. The driver’s side is not obstructed, so the shear bolt can be removed normally. You may need to gently bend the inner wheel well sheet metal to allow the shear bolt to slide past.
Upper Control Arm Installation
Installation Procedure
1.Apply a light coat of grease to the outer surface of the EZ Lube bushings prior to installation.
2.Position the UCA in place and insert the long shear bolt from the front of the vehicle toward the rear. You may need to install one side of the arm first, then angle the thin washer on the opposite side to guide the bushing into position.
Proper Orientation:
Shear bolt head → 0.156" thick washer → black bushing → red bushing sleeve → black bushing → 0.074" thin washer → UCA tube mounted to chassis → 0.074" thin washer → black bushing → red bushing sleeve → black bushing → 0.156" thick washer → nut. Apply thread locker (Loctite) to the bolt and nut threads.
3.If needed, unbolt the brake hard line bracket and move the line slightly out of the way to allow a torque wrench to fit. Torque the shear bolt nut to 85 ft-lbs.
4.Insert the ball joint stud into the spindle. Install the nut finger tight, then torque to 60 ft-lbs. If the stud spins, use a 3/8" hex wrench to hold it while tightening.
5.Torque the ball joint retaining nuts to 13 ft-lbs.
6.Reattach the ABS wire to the top of the UCA and reattach the brake line bracket to the frame.
Installation continued on next page.
Ball Joint Stud Nut 60 ft. lbs.
Ball Joint Retaining Nuts 13 ft. lbs.
Upper Control Arm Installation
Installation Procedure Continued
7.Reinstall splash guards and clips.
8.Reinstall the wheel and torque lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
9.Grease the ball joint with 3–5 pumps of lithium complex EP Moly grease until the ball joint boot just begins to swell.
10.Grease the bushings with lithium moly fortified EP grease until fresh grease is visibly pushing out from the EZ Lube ports.
11.Repeat the procedure on the opposite side.
12.Re-check all mounting hardware torque specifications after the first 100–300 miles.
DO YOU PREFER VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS?
Scan to view the full installation video. The video follows the same steps outlined in this manual.
Front End Alignment
OPTIMIZED ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Too much negative or positive camber can cause uneven tire wear.
Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. More positive caster improves straight-line stability and steering wheel return to center.
Toe is the direction the tires point relative to each other when viewed from above. Incorrect toe is the fastest way to destroy tires.
Lifting an independent front suspension reduces positive caster, which can cause light steering and reduced highway stability. JBA upper control arms restore lost caster to improve tracking, steering return, and overall stability.
Maintenance Procedure
BALL JOINTS
Pump grease into the ball joint zerk fitting until the rubber boot just starts to swell, at least 3-4 pumps.
EZ-LUBE BUSHINGS
Pump grease into the bushing zerk fitting until fresh grease exits the EZ-Lube ports.
SERVICE INTERVAL
Pump fresh grease into the ball joints and EzLube Bushings every 3000-5000 miles or after deep mud, water crossings, or heavy off road use.
WHAT GREASE SHOULD I USE?
Use only lithium moly fortified EP grease. Using the wrong grease can lead to premature wear and failure.
APPROVED GREASE EXAMPLES:
Mobilgrease XHP 222 Special Grease
Chevron EP Moly
Valvoline Multi Vehicle Moly Fortified
REPEATEVERY3-5K MILES
Pennzoil EP with Moly
John Deere HD Moly
Motomaster Moly Extreme Pressure
Shell Rotella SD Moly
Phillips 66 Megaplex XD5
Liqui Moly LM 47 Grease Plus MoS2
OUR #1 PICK:
MOBIL GREASE XHP 222 SPECIAL GREASE
Bushing Replacement
BUSHING KIT
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE - PART 1
Part Number: #JBA-TC-69000-EZ-XX
1.Press the inner bushings into the control arm first.
2.Open the supplied grease packet. Apply grease evenly to the inside surface of each bushing bore (¾" inner diameter).
3.Apply a thin, even coat of grease to the steel sleeves.
4.Apply additional grease between the inner bushing faces to ensure the cavity between the bushings is fully lubricated.
5.Press the outer bushings into the control arm housing until fully seated.
Bushing Replacement
BUSHING KIT
REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE - PART 2
Part Number: #JBA-TC-69000-EZ-XX
6.Install the steel sleeves through the bushings until flush and fully seated.
Spread any excess grease evenly around the outer faces of the
8.Continue installation per the Upper Control Arm Installation Procedure.
Owner Record
INSTALL RECORD
Installation Date:______________________________
Vehicle Mileage: _______________________________
Installation Notes:
RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS
Measure from center of wheel hub to bottom edge of fender flare.
FRONT REAR
Driver Side
Before:________________________
After:__________________________
Passenger Side
Before:________________________
After:__________________________
MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Every 3 months or 3,000-5,000 miles.
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Driver Side
Before:________________________ After:__________________________
Passenger Side Before:________________________
After:__________________________
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Mileage: Date:
Retain your alignment printout with this record for future service reference.
ABOUT US WHY JBA EXISTS.
Our Story
WHERE IT BEGAN
JBA started in 2004 when Al Handy lifted his Jeep Liberty and the factory upper control arms failed prematurely. As an engineer, he refused to accept that compromise was normal. He designed a better upper control arm, modeled after oval track race car geometry, and installed the first generation on his own vehicle. One solution become a mission.
HOW IT GREW
Through multiple generations of refinement and expanded platforms, that original design evolved. In 2007, Marlin Gehman’s ownership carried the vision forward, improving serviceability, introducing bolt-in ball joints, and ultimately focusing exclusively on building the best upper control arms possible. Growth didn’t mean chasing everything. It meant sharpening our focus.
BUILT WITH CONVICTION
We are a family-run company, and we strive to treat people the way we would want our own family treated. That applies to our customers, our team, and our partners.
Our Christian faith guides how we do business. For us, that means honesty, humility, fairness, and keeping our word. It means taking responsibility when we fall short and working to make it right. We believe the opportunity to build and serve others is something we’re entrusted with, and we take that seriously. Business, to us, is stewardship — using our skills and resources in a way that reflects integrity and respect.
Customer Service
WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
If you have questions about your parts, installation, maintenance, or fitment, we’re glad to help. You can reach us by phone or email during regular business hours.
CONTACT INFORMATION: BUSINESS HOURS:
Phone: (215) 660-3770
Email: sales@jbaoffroad.com
Mailing Address:
704 Forman Road
Souderton, PA 18964
CONNECT WITH US
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on holidays
We strive to respond promptly and respectfully to every inquiry.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube for product updates, installs, customer builds, and opportunities to be featured: @jbaoffroad
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Our FAQ (Frequency Asked Questions) page on our website may have the answers you are looking for - scan the QR code to check!
Team Gear
OFFICIAL JBA OFFROAD APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
REPRESENT THE BRAND
Official apparel and accessories. Built for the shop, the trail, and everyday wear.
Scan to shop the full collection.
