Tacoma Lower Control Arms: Add Protection and Increase Offroad Capability

Tacoma lower control arms are vital as they ensure stability and handling. In this article, learn about their functions, why upgrading them matters, and see our top recommendations.

Understanding Tacoma Lower Control Arms

Lower control arms are the unsung heroes of your Tacoma’s suspension system. They connect the chassis to the wheels, playing a pivotal role in controlling wheel movement and maintaining alignment across various terrains. Without these critical components, your wheels would wobble and your ride would be far less comfortable and stable.

The primary function of lower control arms is to stabilize the wheels, manage camber and caster angles, and absorb impacts from the road and trail. This not only enhances your Tacoma’s handling and comfort but also prolongs the life of your tires by ensuring even wear. When you’re navigating through rough offroad paths or even cruising on a highway, lower control arms ensure that your truck remains responsive and smooth.

Recognizing the significance of these components highlights the value of investing in high-quality lower control arms. Upgrading your lower control arms can significantly enhance your driving experience, whether you’re an offroad enthusiast or someone who enjoys a smooth ride.

Aftermarket vs Stock Tacoma Lower Control Arms

You might think all is well with your stock lower control arms, but for anyone who finds themselves on challenging terrain will quickly understand how beneficial it is to invest in aftermarket lower control arms. Stock control arms are designed to meet the basic needs of everyday driving, but they often fall short when it comes to offroad performance. This is where aftermarket control arms shine.

Aftermarket control arms are frequently crafted from superior materials like boxed steel, which provide enhanced durability and resistance to impact compared to stock arms. This makes them an ideal choice for those who regularly venture offroad. Additionally, many aftermarket options offer adjustability for camber and caster angles, allowing for customization that accommodates lift kits and larger tires—a feature often missing in stock arms. Aftermarket control arms also often feature better pivot points allowing the suspension to cycle more fluidly. Lastly, on some models an integrated skid plate on the underside of the LCA provides protection and prevents impacts from damaging the control arms. 

While aftermarket control arms might come with a higher price tag, their longevity and performance benefits make them a worthwhile investment for serious offroad enthusiasts. With better articulation and strength, aftermarket control arms ensure that your Tacoma remains stable and responsive, no matter how challenging the terrain.

Top Tacoma Lower Control Arms

In the world of offroading, not all lower control arms are created equal. Some stand out due to their exceptional build quality and performance. Brands like Dirt King, ICON, and Total Chaos have built a reputation for producing top-tier lower control arms that cater to the demanding needs of offroad enthusiasts.

These brands are known for their use of high-quality materials and innovative designs that enhance articulation and increase wheel travel in vehicles, which have been inspected as part of a quality assurance kit that considers weight.

Here are the details that make each of these brands a top choice for your Tacoma.

Dirt King Tacoma Performance Lower Control Arms

Dirt King Fabrication lower control arms are engineered to withstand the toughest offroad conditions while still delivering on-road performance. These control arms are designed to replace the most susceptible suspension parts in Tacomas, ensuring that your vehicle remains durable and reliable in any scenario.

One of the standout features of Dirt King lower control arms is their increased ground clearance, thanks to the 1/8” aluminum skid plates included. These skid plates not only enhance durability but also protect the arms from harsh impacts. The heavy-duty Moog ball joints, known for their low maintenance, further add to the reliability. Additionally, the inner pivots use Delrin bushings, chosen for their superior performance compared to rubber, poly, or uniball alternatives.

The design also includes recessed shock mounting with a drain hole, making these arms compatible with various shocks and struts. Installation is a breeze, as they come as a direct bolt-on solution with all necessary hardware provided. With a durable black powder coat finish and replaceable wear components, these lower control arms are built for long-term use.

ICON Tacoma Lower Control Arms

ICON’s lower control arms are another excellent option for those looking to upgrade their Tacoma. These arms are designed to be a superior replacement for stock-width control arms, offering enhanced performance and durability. Constructed from welded boxed steel with internal ribbing, they surpass the strength of stock arms, making them a robust choice for offroad adventures.

One of the key features of ICON lower control arms is their high ground clearance and angled plates, which allow for smooth navigation over larger obstacles. The precision-machined ball joint housings offer optimal ground clearance and protect the CV boots in 4WD models, ensuring a longer lifespan for these critical components.

Additionally, the ball joints are greaseable and made from metal-on-metal, designed to withstand the rigors of offroad conditions. The bonded polyurethane bushings enhance handling and allow for full range suspension movement while reducing deflection.

Total Chaos Tacoma Lower Control Arms

Total Chaos is another top contender in the lower control arm market, known for their durability and performance in offroad conditions. These control arms are specifically engineered to improve wheel alignment and suspension travel, which translates to better handling and stability on rugged terrain. The lca enhances the overall performance of the vehicle.

Made from high-strength 4130 material, Total Chaos lower control arms provide increased resistance to bending and breakage, making them ideal for extreme offroading. They feature larger polyurethane bushings and inner sleeves, boosting clamping force on the frame and maintaining alignment during offroad conditions. The use of uniball joints further enhances strength, especially under harsh conditions.

Total Chaos also ensures that their lower control arms maintain factory steering geometry, avoiding the issues that can arise from using spacers in various models. With easy maintenance and a lifespan of 30,000 to 45,000 miles with proper care, these control arms are a reliable choice for serious offroad enthusiasts.

Installing Tacoma Lower Control Arms

Installing new lower control arms on your Tacoma might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a task you can accomplish in your garage. Start by gathering necessary tools such as a socket set, jack stands, and a torque wrench, and ensure your Tacoma is on a stable, level surface.

Begin by using a floor jack to raise the Tacoma and securely place it on jack stands, providing sufficient access to the lower control arms. Carefully disconnect components attached to the lower control arms, including sway bar links, shocks, and ball joints, before unbolting the control arm itself.

Align the new control arm with the mounting points, secure the bolts, and reattach compatible shocks and sway bar links. Make sure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Once the installation is complete, take your Tacoma for a professional alignment to ensure proper handling. Follow up with a test drive to verify smooth operation and correct steering response. With these steps, you’ll have your new lower control arms installed and ready for any adventure.

Protection Options for Stock Lower Control Arms

While most aftermarket control arms are robust enough to withstand harsh conditions without additional protection, stock lower control arms can benefit from some added defenses. One effective method is to use lower control arm skid plates, which bolt directly to the stock arms and provide a shield against impacts.

Some aftermarket control arms, such as those from Dirt King, come with replaceable protective skids. These skids protect the lower control arms from damage and can be replaced if they get damaged. This ensures that the actual lower control arms remain intact, prolonging their lifespan and maintaining their performance.

Summary

Upgrading your Tacoma with high-quality lower control arms can significantly enhance its offroad capability and protection. From understanding their critical role in the suspension system to choosing between stock and aftermarket options, and learning about top products from brands like Dirt King, ICON, and Total Chaos, this journey equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Investing in durable, well-designed lower control arms ensures that your Tacoma remains stable, responsive, and ready for any adventure. As you consider your next upgrade, remember that the right lower control arms can transform your offroading experience, providing the confidence and control you need to tackle any terrain.