So you love your 2022 Toyota Tundra but have noticed some wandering or instability at higher speeds or when going over bumps. Don’t worry, you’re not alone and it’s not your driving – it’s actually a common issue with these trucks right from the factory. The problem lies in the stock upper control arms, which are weak points in the Tundra’s suspension and steering geometry. They flex under stress, causing changes to wheel alignment and the truck’s handling.
The good news is there’s an easy fix for this – replacing those spindly stock control arms with a set of beefy aftermarket units. Not only will a set of upgraded forged aluminum or steel upper control arms firm up your Tundra’s handling, they’ll also help correct any alignment issues and provide peace of mind that your truck’s suspension is as tough as the rest of it. If you’re ready to transform how your Tundra steers and handles, stronger upper control arms should be at the top of your mod list.
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Why Upgrade the Upper Control Arms on a 2022 Tundra?
Upgrading the upper control arms on your 2022 Tundra is one of the best modifications you can make. Here are a few reasons why:
Improved Handling and Control
The factory upper control arms can flex under hard cornering or when off-roading, causing your Tundra to feel loose or sloppy. Performance upper control arms are constructed of solid steel or aluminum, eliminating flex for sharper, more precise handling and control.
Increased Durability
If you frequently drive on rough, uneven terrain or tow heavy loads, the stock control arms can prematurely wear out. High-quality aftermarket control arms are built to take punishment without failing. They’ll last much longer than the factory arms, saving you from costly replacement down the road.
Easy Adjustability
Many aftermarket upper control arms allow for easy camber and caster adjustment. This means you can fine-tune your Tundra’s alignment for maximum performance, stability, and tire wear. Adjustable control arms give you flexibility to set up your suspension perfectly for your needs.
Lifetime Warranty
Reputable brands offer a lifetime warranty on their control arms, ensuring you’ll never have to purchase another set. That kind of guarantee shows how much confidence they have in their products.
Upgrading your 2022 Tundra’s upper control arms delivers a huge improvement in handling, control, and durability. For any serious off-roader or performance enthusiast, they’re a must-have modification. Your Tundra will feel like a whole new vehicle, inspiring confidence on any road or trail.
Top Aftermarket Upper Control Arms for 2022 Tundra’s
If you’re serious about upgrading your 2022 Tundra, aftermarket upper control arms should be at the top of your list. The stock control arms can limit articulation and handling, but these top options will transform how your Tundra performs on and off-road.
Total Chaos Fabrication Upper Control Arms
For the ultimate in strength and performance, check out Total Chaos Fabrication’s upper control arms. They’re constructed from 1.5″ DOM steel tubing and CNC machined billet aluminum, so they’re virtually indestructible. They allow for up to 2 inches of additional wheel travel and correct the poor caster and pinion angles of the factory arms. If you do any rock crawling or desert running, these are a must have.
Camburg Upper Control Arms
For a balanced upgrade, Camburg’s upper control arms are a great choice. They’re fabricated from 1.5″ steel tubing for durability but are lighter than the Total Chaos arms. They provide 1.5 inches of extra wheel travel, let you center the axle for less vibration at high speeds, and correct the factory geometry for improved handling and control. For most Tundra owners doing some off-roading, Camburg’s arms hit the sweet spot of performance and value.
Mevotech Supreme Upper Control Arms
If you’re on a budget, Mevotech Supreme upper control arms are very affordable but still substantially improve your Tundra’s suspension performance. They’re made from forged aluminum, so they’re lightweight yet strong. They provide an extra inch of wheel travel, reduce axle tramp at high speeds, and correct the poor factory caster angle for more responsive steering. For basic off-road driving and improved on-road handling, Mevotech Supremes get the job done without breaking the bank.
Installing New Upper Control Arms – Step-by-Step
Installing new upper control arms on your 2022 Tundra is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps to keep in mind.
Gather the necessary tools
You’ll need some basic tools for this installation:
- Socket wrench
- Allen wrenches
- Torque wrench
- Replacement upper control arms (specific to your Tundra model year)
Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires
With the tires still on the ground, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Do not remove them yet.
Jack up the front end and support the frame
Place the floor jack under the front axle and raise the front end off the ground. Place jack stands under the frame rails to support the weight of the vehicle.
Remove the front tires
With the front end raised and secured, remove the lug nuts and take off the front tires.
Remove the upper ball joint nut
Locate the upper control arm ball joint, which connects the upper control arm to the spindle. Remove the nut that secures the ball joint in place. You may need to hold the ball joint stud in place with a wrench to prevent it from spinning.
Remove the upper control arm bolts
Remove the bolts that attach the upper control arm to the frame. There will be one at the front and one at the rear of the control arm. Remove both bolts.
Install the new upper control arms
Position the new upper control arms and hand-tighten the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the torque specified in your Tundra’s service manual. Reinstall the ball joint nut and torque to specification.
Reinstall the front tires
Put the front tires back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the Tundra to the ground, then torque the lug nuts to the correct specification.
Take your Tundra for an alignment to ensure proper wheel positioning, and you’re ready to go! New upper control arms will help tighten up your steering and handling, as well as improve ride quality.
Adjusting Alignment After New Control Arms
Once you’ve installed your new 2022 Tundra upper control arms, it’s important to get the alignment checked and adjusted. The alignment refers to the angle of your wheels and how they sit in relation to each other and the road. Installing new control arms can alter the alignment, so an adjustment is typically needed.
Why Adjust Alignment?
There are a few reasons why adjusting your alignment after new control arms is crucial:
- It will improve handling, steering, and cornering. If the alignment is off, your Tundra won’t drive straight or turn properly.
- It reduces uneven tire wear. Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. Proper alignment helps tires last their full lifespan.
- It’s better for safety. With an improper alignment, your Tundra may pull to one side, which can be dangerous. Alignment also helps with emergency braking and handling.
- It prevents damage to other components. An incorrect alignment can stress other suspension parts like ball joints, bearings, and bushings.
How to Get an Alignment
The only way to adjust your Tundra’s alignment is to take it to a certified mechanic shop. They have special equipment to properly align the front and rear axles to the correct specifications. The technician will:
- Place your Tundra on an alignment rack and remove the wheels.
- Check the current alignment angles of camber, caster, and toe-in using lasers and sensors.
- Make adjustments to the control arms and tie rods to correct the alignment to factory settings.
- Put the wheels back on and test drive to ensure proper alignment before releasing your Tundra.
Getting a wheel alignment after installing new 2022 Tundra control arms is a key step to restore safe handling, maximize tire life, and prevent damage. It’s well worth the investment for solid performance and reliability from your truck. An alignment check once a year or every 20,000 miles is also a good rule of thumb.
FAQ – Common Questions About 2022 Tundra Upper Control Arms
So you’ve got a brand new 2022 Tundra and want to upgrade the handling and ride quality. Installing aftermarket upper control arms is one of the best ways to improve your Tundra’s suspension. Here are some common questions about upgrading the upper control arms.
Will new upper control arms affect my warranty?
Replacing the factory upper control arms will not void your Tundra’s warranty. Aftermarket parts are not covered under the factory warranty, but they will not void it for the rest of the vehicle. The warranty specifically covers defects in materials and workmanship of Toyota parts. As long as the aftermarket parts themselves do not cause damage, your warranty remains intact.
Do I need a lift kit to install upper control arms?
No, you do not need a lift kit to install upper control arms on your 2022 Tundra. Upper control arms are designed to work with the factory suspension. They simply replace the stock control arms to improve handling, not increase ride height. If you do have a lift kit installed, you may need extended upper control arms to properly re-center your axle, but for a stock height Tundra, standard length control arms will work great.
How difficult is the installation?
Replacing your 2022 Tundra’s upper control arms is a moderately difficult job for a DIYer with some mechanical experience. It requires removing parts of the front suspension, so you’ll need a good set of tools and several hours to complete. If you’re not comfortable doing suspension work yourself, it’s best left to a professional. Many shops charge between $300 to $500 to install a set of upper control arms, depending on your location.
What performance benefits will I notice?
Upgrading to aftermarket upper control arms provides several benefits:
-Improved handling, cornering, and steering response
-Reduced body roll in turns
-Better wheel alignment and centering
-Longer control arm lifespan (most aftermarket arms have grease fittings and are built stronger than factory arms)
-Adjustability for fine-tuning camber and caster (on some control arms)
Overall, you’ll enjoy a more responsive, confident feel behind the wheel of your Tundra. Combined with other mods like shocks, sway bars or coilover shocks, the performance benefits can be even greater.
Conclusion
After reading about all the benefits of upgrading your upper control arms, you’re probably ready to place an order to get these installed on your Tundra. With improved handling, steering, and alignment, as well as greater durability and strength, upper control arms are a no-brainer for any serious Tundra owner. The small upfront investment will pay off hugely down the road with a truck that performs better and lasts longer. So don’t delay – get those factory upper control arms swapped out for a performance aftermarket set. Your Tundra will thank you for it, and you’ll feel the difference every time you get behind the wheel. The road ahead is calling – make sure your Tundra is ready to answer with a smooth, stable ride.
