Rocky Road vs JBA UCA?

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boebr1

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Is anyone running the RRO UCA's? I noticed they are about $100 cheaper, look slightly different but seem to have the similar specs. Wondering if anyone has had or has heard of problems with them.
 

tommudd

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Yes there has been problems, check out Stumpjumpers problems over on LOST JEEPS
and of course RRO doesn't have the best reputation in customer service.
For the extra 100, I know where my money would go, great customer service and if you have a problem is foxed NOW
 

Ry' N Jen

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We are very happy with our Jeepin' by Al upper control arms.
Yes they cost more money than the RRO version, but they are they original!
Not a less expensive copy.
Never have had any problems with rubbing on the tires or alignment issues.

Remember, you get what you pay for!
 

twack

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is our search function broken? we should put this in a top 100 Frequently Asked Questions thread
 

kj924

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I run the RRO's Insane Arms, have had them installed for about 6,0000 miles now and no problems. They installed with ease and alignment was ok too. The only complaint I have is that 1 of the pass. side bushings is still groaning going over bumps. The driver's side did it at first too, but grease and silicone lube took care of that. For the money they are worth it IMHO.

There is 2 points in which made my decision to get the A-Arms from RRO...

1. They are cheaper by 100 beans. :party36:

2. They have the grease zerks in each of the bushing sleeves.

Having said that...I know there are die hard JBA fans/customers on these forums who have their loyalty to the brand....which is fine and dandy....but I have had no troubles with RRO's or their products.
 

kjweston

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I run the JBA gen 4.5s and love them. I look at it this way. He's made multiple different "gens" of them over the years which shows he is advancing his product to make it better and better. Great customer service. If there is a problem with them. Boom fixed immediately. Plus the cool red powdercoat :)
 

boebr1

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is our search function broken? we should put this in a top 100 Frequently Asked Questions thread
I did do a search, but didn't come up with a comparison of the parts...
The JBA doesn't have greasable bushings but the RRO does? interesting... It does seem like '50's technology to have grease fittings on everything, but then again, the ability to grease moving parts is nice compared to the "run it til it breaks then replace it" parts (ie ungreasable u-joints).
The thing I wonder about the JBA arms is, why does he have to keep upgrading them? As in... what changes between the different generations?
 

kjweston

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The thing I wonder about the JBA arms is, why does he have to keep upgrading them? As in... what changes between the different generations?

I do not know exactly what specific changes have been made throughout the different models. But I'm guessing improvements on areas where customers have had problems with them. And a switch from black to red powdercoat. JBAs website might be able offer more info or contact him.
 

tommudd

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The original arms were somewhat shorter and did not provide for the lifts we are doing now. The 3s were good but a somewhat different design as to how the ball joint was, they pressed in and welded different. He then went to a Gen 5 but those had more arch in the arms which made them hit the top of the hole and made contact when going over bumps. He then went to the Gen 4.5s with the arms of the 3's basically and a bolt in ball joint.
Because something is greaseable does not make it better. Having had the 4.5s now for over 45,000 miles they are the perfect setup for a 2-3.5 inch lift.
For the money go JBA, RRO :Bye::Bye::pp:

If you need a better breakdown of what happened over the years let me know!
 

jdwade1202

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Rocky Road Outfitters

I ordered the RRO UCA and started my install only to find that once the arms are installed you cannot grease the handy zerks installed on the upper control arm bushings. The zerks sit to far into the pocket the arms attatch to. Also the boot on the ball joint does not reach the steering knuckle and i think that any grease injected at the zerk will just "run" out of the boot. I have an email in to customer service and will see how they resolve these issues. I plan on retunring my RRO arms and buying JBA arms. I will post again after dealing with RRO.
 

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tommudd

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Others have done the same thing, bought the RROs and returned them after looking at them
 

yellocoyote

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I ordered the RRO UCA and started my install only to find that once the arms are installed you cannot grease the handy zerks installed on the upper control arm bushings. The zerks sit to far into the pocket the arms attatch to. Also the boot on the ball joint does not reach the steering knuckle and i think that any grease injected at the zerk will just "run" out of the boot. I have an email in to customer service and will see how they resolve these issues. I plan on retunring my RRO arms and buying JBA arms. I will post again after dealing with RRO.

A very sound decision.
 

05kj6spd

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I ordered the RRO UCA and started my install only to find that once the arms are installed you cannot grease the handy zerks installed on the upper control arm bushings. The zerks sit to far into the pocket the arms attatch to. Also the boot on the ball joint does not reach the steering knuckle and i think that any grease injected at the zerk will just "run" out of the boot. I have an email in to customer service and will see how they resolve these issues. I plan on retunring my RRO arms and buying JBA arms. I will post again after dealing with RRO.

I have the RRO insane arms. Had same minor issues, installed 90 degree zerk fittings. As for the ball joint boot, did you install both boots. They ship them with one boot on the joint if I remember correctly and a second set of smaller boots to be installed. This puts pressure on the upper boot. Have had these arms for 30000 miles or more without problems. Maybe I just got lucky. I wasn't impressed with the customer service though.
 

DJSKJ

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How much lift will I need to install the JBA UCAs? I put on on OME suspension last year. Will these fit?

DJ
 

Joepoppa1

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I have the RRO arms and I say dont waste your money... they rubbed bad on the sidewall of the tire the grease zerks are at an angle to where I cant grease em, and they are too wide, and its no where near close to alignable... I called em and they said I had to rent their tool to punch out the hole to allow more adjustability on the LCA, but Id have to re weld the little adjustment collar for the lower cam bolts. RRO customer support was no help at all
 

tjkj2002

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Somewhere between being sane and insane!
I have the RRO arms and I say dont waste your money... they rubbed bad on the sidewall of the tire the grease zerks are at an angle to where I cant grease em, and they are too wide, and its no where near close to alignable... I called em and they said I had to rent their tool to punch out the hole to allow more adjustability on the LCA, but Id have to re weld the little adjustment collar for the lower cam bolts. RRO customer support was no help at all
That is a bunch of horses**t.There is no tool to "punchout" the LCA mounts holes as they are already slotted.The tool they will try and sell you is made for older IFS GM fullsizes and that is to knockout the slots for there UCA's.Funny thing is the UCA's bolts GM uses are M12's and the LCA bolts on a KJ are M16's so that tool would be worthless and way to small.
 

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