Hey everyone,

First things first, ’02 SE/SC with a SLR shackle PML, Rancho steering stabilizer, running on 32” Toyo Open Country AT’s.

I am in the process of planning out my 3” lift, and I want some advice.

My plan is to go with the 3” kit from AC, with the Rancho RS9000 shocks and the AAL. I already have SLR shackles, and the rear leaves are sagging on my truck, so I’m going that route to rejuvenate things in the rear.

To beef up the steering, I’m planning on going all out and getting the TC set up. I like the set up, and the Heim joints look indestructible, so that’s the plan.

Ok, here’s where things get a little interesting.

Right now, my upper control arm bushings on the passenger side are shot, and I need an alignment. The last time I went in to get an alignment, the tech told me that it would be tough to get it to align because the bushings are shot. I wasn’t too sure about that, but I took his word for it, and decided against getting the alignment at the time. My front tires already need to be replaced, so I wasn’t too worried about making them any worse then they already are.

My dilemma right now is that I only have enough saved up to get the lift kit, not the steering upgrade. I should have enough for the steering upgrade, but it might take 6 months to get there.

Winter is coming, and I want to replace the front tires on my truck before the snow hits. To do this, I need to either replace the bushings in the UCA, or do my lift.

Because I already have enough $$ for the lift kit, I don’t want to have to do the work twice by replacing the bushings for the stock arm, and then later re-doing the work when I do the lift with the new UCA’s and bushings.

My question: How long will the stock CL and steering system be able to hand the lift before it’s utterly destroyed? Right now there is no play at all, but the steering box has a very minor leak. I’ve been keeping my eye on it, and although it has been wet from steering fluid in the past, it hasn’t been leaking recently, and my fluids haven’t needed topping up at all.

Thoughts?

I just did the SLR lift myself... you'll want new camber bolts washers and nuts cause i'm sure you'll have to cut them off as most people will advise... i'd also suggest getting the Bilstein...
I think you'll be fine with the stabalizer and the UCA's for now. I think there are a few, including myself only doing that.

I ran a suspension lift for a while before upgrading my steering without issues. But then I wasn't doing any hardcore wheeling during that time. You should be fine if you take it easy. Also, consider looking for a used UCA here, complete with bushings, as I'm sure there is somebody who has their's left over after upgrading them.

I've been on stock steering with full 3" lift and 32s with no problems for a year but i got the steering here just lazy

What size tires do you want to get? If you want to stay at 32's, you should be fine until you upgrade the steering. If you want to try and stuff 33's in there, it could get interesting.

I've seen the TC steering and it truly is outstanding. I have the SLR steering and felt the difference immediately, so I'm sure you'll be especially pleased when you do get it.

Either way, as long as you're not doing any serious wheeling before the steering is replaced, you should be in good enough shape.

Finally, on the camber bolts: I totally agree. I replaced the bolts, nuts and washers across the board and it was worth it. The OE equipment was showing its age and a couple of the washers were on the edge of stripping out so getting the new hardware made things better at the first alignment.

Well, I don't plan on doing any wheeling until I can upgrade the steering, just the everyday commute to work and back.

I can probably squeeze in a normal steering kit right now with the cash that I have, but I'm trying to leave some room for incidentals, because I know that there will be some. And I really want the TC kit, so if I can wait, I will do so.

And I'm already running 32's for everyday use, and my steering hasn't shown any signs of wear aside from the steering box sweating a bit.

I have plans to go up to 33's when I get new off road tires, but for now I will stick with my 31's. They do the trick!

Thanks for the tips about the camber bolts and washers, I will get a new set for when I do the lift so that I don't have to worry about it.