2023 Tremor - Squeaky UCA Replacement - Will aftermarket UCAs rub with stock wheels

wintrskibum · 2026-08-24T10:38:32-0500

Hey everyone,

I'm dealing with a squeaky upper control arm on my 2023 F-150 Tremor and I’m looking to replace it. I'm hoping to get some advice on my current setup and whether going with an aftermarket UCA will cause issues.

Here is what I'm currently running:

Truck: 2023 Ford F-150 Tremor
Suspension: Fox snap rings set at the second-highest notch
Wheels: Stock Tremor wheels (18x7.5, +34 offset)
Tires: Toyo Open Country LT285/75R18 (roughly 34.8x11.2)

I was looking into something like the Freedom Offroad Front Upper Control Arms (for 2 to 4-inch lifts) as a replacement.

My main concern is clearance. In my research, it looks like most aftermarket UCAs use larger tubing than stock. Because of that, and the high positive offset of the factory Tremor wheels, it seems like the tire might sit too far inboard and rub the new UCA.

I’m trying to avoid buying new wheels right now. Has anyone run something similar and had luck?

What’s the best way forward here? Are there specific aftermarket UCAs that are known to clear stock wheels with an 11.2" wide tire, or am I going to be forced to run wheel spacers (which I'd like to avoid if possible) to make an aftermarket UCA work?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

CAMDENN · 2026-08-24T10:52:20-0500

I could be wrong but it sounds like your suspension modifications might have decreased the life of the ball joints on your UCA’s.

With that being said, just spend the cash on a pair of SPC control arms.

To save a little cash, check out Super Pro UCA’s.

wintrskibum · 2026-08-24T11:00:11-0500

CAMDENN said:
I could be wrong but it sounds like your suspension modifications might have decreased the life of the ball joints on your UCA’s.

With that being said, just spend the cash on a pair of SPC control arms.

To save a little cash, check out Super Pro UCA’s.

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure that's what happened. Do I need a UCA that is made for a lift so it helps correct the angle so it doesn't happen again? Will the aftermarket UCA rub on my tire since they have larger tubing? Sorry, I'm a noob and don't want to buy something that doesn't fit and getting lost of mixed feedback when researching.