Really Ram Plastic....

[2020GraniteBH]

Forgive me if there is a thread on this although I didn't see one when I searched. Thanks to a video a friend showed me I just discovered that we have plastic UCAs. Wtf Ram?! Anyone have a good recommendation for a solid upgrade for this? Thanks in advance.

 

[devildodge]

And if you would have never saw the video you would have never been here asking and would have never known the difference.

Love the internet.

 

[vincentw56]

You mean composite UCAs? Core 4x4 makes upgraded ones.

 

[HandyCruiser]

The problem with the factory UCA's is not the construction material. The control arms are stamped steel overmolded with structural plastic.



The real issue is the limited angle range of the ball joints in them. For my money, I'd go with a name brand aftermarket UCA if I was going to install a lift kit that might require a more extreme angle on the upper ball joint in order to have full travel. But since I'm not planning to install a lift kit, I'm not worried about it.

Forged Upper Control Arms | 3-3.5 Inch Lift | Ram 1500 (19-24)

Forged Upper Control Arms | 3-3.5 Inch Lift | Ram 1500 (19-22)

www.roughcountry.com

Mevotech Offers New Control Arms for Ram 1500

Mevotech has released new front upper control arms engineered for the 2019 and later Ram 1500 (5th gen) platform. The control arms CMS251267 and CMS251268&...

www.moderntiredealer.com

 

[LaxDfns15]

Noting the post above, you can't believe everything you see on the internet. Did you honestly believe the entire UCA was plastic? Did you think that was a feasible option before you posted, or were you just trying to post something sensational to get some views? I've almost bounced the front wheels off the ground. If my UCA's were plastic the whole front end of the truck would have dropped out of the wheel wells.

@HandyCruiser has it right in that it's the travel angle of the ball joints that hinder the OEM UCA's more than anything else.

 

[jedgar81]

I have some BDS ucas that seem well built and have a Moog ball joint.

“Plastic” always sounds bad, but there are some incredible composites now. Very well could be stronger than the metal version. If you are upset about this have you looked at your transmission yet?

 

[Mopar_maxi]

They aren’t plastic. Go stick a magnet on the UCA and report back..

 

[jedgar81]

They aren’t plastic. Go stick a magnet on the UCA and report back..

Metal shell on top of plastic like mentioned already.

 

[21RamBigHornBlk]

Metal shell on top of plastic like mentioned already.

It's actually plastic molded around stamped steel. Not the other way around.

 

[Paulie]

I have a crack in one of mine. I’m glad to hear that there is a metal core.

 

[21RamBigHornBlk]

"A repairer working on a Ram 1500 will also encounter composite materials, which suspend particles or fibers within a polymer resin for a light but tough material.

“The upper front suspension control arms (integrated with a steel structure), and the air dam structure are made from, or combined with, composite materials,” FCA wrote Monday."