BayAreaLex

Just for reference, Oriellys has the MOOG UCAs cheaper than anyone else:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...430&vi=1387100

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...430&vi=1387100

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

It says currently unavailable

Here is a nice video about moog parts

2jS160

iTrader: (6)

After doing a lot of research I decided to go with Raysbestos Performance grade UCA. It comes backed with a 24 months 24k warranty and is a very reasonable price.

I got it for $95.69 + taxes and free shipping on with my Amazon Prime account compared to $130.79 before taxes and shipping on Rock Auto.

UCA front right:
UCA front left:

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...507&cc=1187445

Please note that I purchased the one for the 1st gen GS3 because I have a 03 Sport Design which has beefier UCA than the non SD 98-05. It is however compatible with all 2nd gens.

repugnante

^ Are you certain that the aftermarket will be the same though? I know the first gen UCA's are much sturdier and beefier than the 2nd gens, but that's with Lexus/Toyota. I fear that the aftermarket ones maybe the same size as all of them

2jS160

iTrader: (6)

^ I'll take a picture side by side once I swap them.

Honestly I'm not too concerned since I got the professional grade and saved a ton compared to OEM and many other aftermarket UCA.

repugnante

Yes, please snap a pic of them next to each other....
If the aftermarket ones are still beefier than the ones provided on the 98-05's then I'll go the route you're going.

Thanks!

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

Anyone else able to chime in with first hand experience with moog ucas?

BayAreaLex

I'm curious why some of you guys replaced your UCAs?

Did you identify a driing symptom that was traced to the UCA? Did you have a broken bushing or a joint with play? Or was it high mileage prevntative maintanence?

I've replaced nearly everything in my front end except for the UCAs. The car feels fine, but the front end is definitely nowhere near as smooth as the 2003 540i we have in the family. I wonder how a fresh set of UCAs would improve the front end feel?

bee0818

iTrader: (4)

I'm replacing as preventative maintenance. My drivers side tie rod is squeaking so decided to just change it all out since the car has 95k on it and is on coilovers. Doing UCAs, inner and outter tie rods, LCA #1 and #2 bushings, steering rack and sway bar bushings and lower ball joints in one shot. Also adding front and rear RCA's. Other than the tie rod, I've been pretty lucky to not have any real issues most gs owners have been plagued with but hopefully will notice a difference. If anything it'll give me piece of mind for a while.

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

Only reason I changed my UCAs was, I needed adjustability since I'm lowered (l-tuned springs).

repugnante

I'm looking for firmer handling upfront. My suspension is fine as well but I'm looking for a little more. I'm set to purchase the 93-97 GS UCA's as those are the EXACT ones that are used on the SportDesign. As explained previously, they are a stronger unit than our 98-05's....

BayAreaLex

Just curious, what problem were you encountering that lead you to conclude that you needed adjustability?

I ask because I am lower than the L-springs with my coilovers and never noticed a need for any adjustability. The car aligns fine from what I can see.

Blanco

iTrader: (8)

Could never camber in spec with stock UCAs on the l-tuned springs. Could another worn part been contributing to the camber wear? Possibly, but the adjustability of the SPCs gave me more room for correction, and get the alignment back in spec.

BayAreaLex

Thanks for the update Blanco.

I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to get my car to align with the coilovers, but fortunately I didn't have any problems and it got to within spec somehow. I should dig up the alignment specs and verify the numbers.

baddis es

iTrader: (3)

hmm...didn't know this, good info!!!

curious, are the bushings the same for all the UCA's or do the 1GS/SD UCA's use different ones?