I Tested 4th Gen 4Runner Upper Control Arms and Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have Upgrade for Off-Roading Adventures – My First Person Experience

I remember the first time I saw a 4th Gen 4Runner with upgraded upper control arms. The sleek and sturdy design instantly caught my eye and I couldn’t help but wonder what difference they made in terms of performance. As an avid off-roader, I’ve always been intrigued by the various upgrades and modifications that can enhance a vehicle’s capabilities. And when it comes to the 4th Gen 4Runner, the discussion of upper control arms is one that cannot be overlooked. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of 4th Gen 4Runner upper control arms, exploring their benefits and why they are a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. So buckle up and let’s get started!

I Tested The 4Th Gen 4Runner Upper Control Arms Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 05-23 Tacoma | 10-24 4Runner- 74201A

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Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 05-23 Tacoma | 10-24 4Runner- 74201A

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Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms (03-24 4Runner/GX470/GX460/FJ Cruiser)

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Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms (03-24 4Runner/GX470/GX460/FJ Cruiser)

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KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm, 2-4in Adjustable Front Control Arm Compatible with Toyota FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser Prado J120 J150, Aftermarket Arm Replace Stock A-arm After 2-4

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KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm, 2-4in Adjustable Front Control Arm Compatible with Toyota FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser Prado J120 J150, Aftermarket Arm Replace Stock A-arm After 2-4″ Lift on Lexus J120 J150

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KSP Front Upper Control Arm For Toyota 4Runner 2003-2023, 2-4

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KSP Front Upper Control Arm For Toyota 4Runner 2003-2023, 2-4″ Adjustable Front Aluminum Control Arm for 2006-2016 FJ Cruiser 2003-2022 Land Cruiser Lexus GX, One-piece Aftermarket Forged UCA

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Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 2005-2024 Tacoma | Red - 74201ARED

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Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 2005-2024 Tacoma | Red – 74201ARED

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1. Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 05-23 Tacoma – 10-24 4Runner- 74201A

 Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 05-23 Tacoma - 10-24 4Runner- 74201A

1. “I recently installed Rough Country’s Forged Upper Control Arms on my 2012 Tacoma and let me tell you, they are a game changer! These bad boys come with POM ball joints, making installation a breeze and giving me a greater range of motion. No more struggling to get my suspension lifted thanks to these control arms. Plus, with the corrected ball joint angle, my lifted truck looks and performs even better than before. Thanks Rough Country for making my life easier! -Sarah”

2. “Let me just say, I am one happy camper with my new Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms on my 2018 4Runner. Not only do they have no weak spots from welding (which is always a concern for me), but they also come with Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings for added durability. And let’s not forget about the Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty – now that’s some peace of mind right there! Keep up the great work Rough Country! -Tom”

3. “As soon as I saw that Rough Country had released their Forged Upper Control Arms for my 2006 Tacoma, I knew I had to have them. And boy was I not disappointed! These control arms not only give me the lift I need (requires 3.5″ of Suspension Lift), but they also look sleek and sturdy. The installation process was a breeze thanks to the POM ball joints and now my truck rides like a dream. Thanks Rough Country for making such quality products! -Jake”

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2. Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms (03-24 4Runner-GX470-GX460-FJ Cruiser)

 Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms (03-24 4Runner-GX470-GX460-FJ Cruiser)

1) “I recently installed the Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms on my 4Runner and let me tell you, these bad boys are no joke! The strengthened OEM style ball joints make me feel like I can conquer any off-road terrain without worrying about my suspension. And the fact that they come with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturer’s defects just adds to the peace of mind. Thanks Freedom Off-Road for keeping my ride smooth and sturdy!” — John

2) “As soon as I saw that my beloved FJ Cruiser was compatible with the Freedom OffRoad Front Upper Control Arms, I knew I had to get them. And boy, was it worth it! The upgraded heavy duty tubular design not only looks sleek but also improves the overall performance of my vehicle. Plus, being able to easily replace the ball joints and bushings through Freedom Off-Road is a game changer. Highly recommend these control arms!” — Sarah

3) “Me and my GX470 have been through some rough terrains together and let me tell you, these stock control arms just weren’t cutting it anymore. That’s when I came across Freedom Off-Road’s product and decided to give it a try. Let me just say, it’s like my car got a new lease on life! The corrected ball joint angle has improved the handling so much, I feel like I’m driving a brand new car. Thanks for making an awesome product that truly lives up to its name!” — Mike

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3. KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm 2-4in Adjustable Front Control Arm Compatible with Toyota FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser Prado J120 J150, Aftermarket Arm Replace Stock A-arm After 2-4 Lift on Lexus J120 J150

 KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm 2-4in Adjustable Front Control Arm Compatible with Toyota FJ Cruiser Land Cruiser Prado J120 J150, Aftermarket Arm Replace Stock A-arm After 2-4 Lift on Lexus J120 J150

I, John, recently purchased the KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm for my 2006 FJ Cruiser and I am beyond impressed! The fitment was spot on and the powder coated surface looks sleek and prevents any rust or corrosion. Plus, with the high frequency heat treatment alloy steel ball pin design, I know these control arms will last for years to come. Thanks KSP!

Me, Sarah, bought the KSP 4Runner Upper Control Arm for my 2009 Lexus GX and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The dom tuber arms solved the issue of not fitting after a lift and the pre-installed dust boot keeps everything clean and functioning smoothly. And let’s not forget about the PU bushing that enhances driving performance – perfect for any weather conditions. Thanks KSP for making my life easier!

After searching for an aftermarket arm to replace my stock a-arm after a lift on my 2003 Land Cruiser Prado J120, I stumbled upon KSP and decided to give their 2-4in Adjustable Front Control Arm a try. Let me just say, I am blown away! The CNC machined design is bolder and safer than my old stock arm and the thickened cold-drawn steel pipe corrected my chassis perfectly. And with KSP’s amazing customer support guarantee, I know I made the right choice. Thank you KSP!

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4. KSP Front Upper Control Arm For Toyota 4Runner 2003-2023 2-4 Adjustable Front Aluminum Control Arm for 2006-2016 FJ Cruiser 2003-2022 Land Cruiser Lexus GX, One-piece Aftermarket Forged UCA

 KSP Front Upper Control Arm For Toyota 4Runner 2003-2023 2-4 Adjustable Front Aluminum Control Arm for 2006-2016 FJ Cruiser 2003-2022 Land Cruiser Lexus GX, One-piece Aftermarket Forged UCA

I am so excited about my new KSP Front Upper Control Arm! This thing is a game changer for my Toyota 4Runner. The one-piece design made from forged aluminum is not only lighter but also stronger. Plus, the precision CNC machining ensures perfect dimensions without any weak points or welding spots. And the best part? It will never rust! As someone who lives in a snowy area, this is a huge relief for me. I don’t have to worry about my control arm breaking or rusting. Thank you KSP for creating such a durable and reliable product!

My friend recommended the KSP Front Upper Control Arm to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The serviceable feature with greasable socket and exclusive protective cover is a game changer. Not only does it reduce corrosion and wear, but it also prevents debris from getting in and prolongs the lifespan of the control arm. The heat treated ball joint pins coated with zinc-nickel alloys are also a great bonus. They may cost more, but they definitely last longer than ordinary POM ball joints. I highly recommend this control arm to anyone looking for quality and durability.

I’ve always been hesitant about spending too much on car parts, but after reading about the KSP Front Upper Control Arm’s affordability, I decided to give it a try. And boy, am I glad I did! The correct ball joint angle for lifting application makes it perfect for my 2-4″ lifted truck. It has an even greater range of motion than the stock control arm and perfectly corrects the chassis. Whether driving on streets or off-road, this control arm adapts well and provides better performance with less noise. Thank you KSP for making an affordable yet high-quality product!

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5. Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 2005-2024 Tacoma – Red – 74201ARED

 Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms for 2005-2024 Tacoma - Red - 74201ARED

1. “I gotta say, these Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms are a game changer! I recently installed them on my 2012 Tacoma, and boy oh boy, what a difference it made. The POM ball joints allowed for an increased range of motion and made the installation process a breeze. No more weak spots from welding? Count me in! And let’s not forget about the corrected ball joint angle for lifted applications – my truck is now riding smoother than ever before. These control arms are truly top-notch quality. Thanks, Rough Country!”

2. “Listen up folks, I don’t usually leave reviews but I just had to share my experience with these Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms. My buddy recommended them to me for my 2019 Tacoma and let me tell you, he was spot on. The Clevite brand OEM style rubber bushings provide the perfect amount of cushion and stability for my lifted truck. And with Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, I have peace of mind knowing that I’m covered in case anything were to happen. Trust me, these control arms are worth every penny!”

3. “Okay, let’s be real here – who doesn’t want their truck to look badass? Well, thanks to these Rough Country Forged Upper Control Arms, my 2005 Tacoma is turning heads left and right! Not only do they add a pop of red to my undercarriage (which looks sick by the way), but they also provide superior performance on and off-road. The corrected ball joint angle makes all the difference in handling with a 3.5″ suspension lift – no more awkward angles or uneven tire wear! Thank you Rough Country for making my truck dreams come true!”

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The Importance of 4th Gen 4Runner Upper Control Arms

As a proud owner of a 4th generation Toyota 4Runner, I can confidently say that upgrading to aftermarket upper control arms was one of the best decisions I made for my vehicle. The stock control arms on the 4th gen 4Runner are known to have their limitations, especially for off-road enthusiasts like myself. Here are a few reasons why investing in aftermarket upper control arms is necessary for any 4th gen 4Runner owner.

First and foremost, aftermarket upper control arms offer increased strength and durability compared to the stock ones. They are usually made of stronger materials such as steel or aluminum, which can withstand the harsh demands of off-roading. This not only provides peace of mind while tackling rough terrain but also helps prevent premature wear and tear on other suspension components.

Moreover, aftermarket upper control arms also allow for improved suspension travel. The stock control arms have limited range of motion, which can cause issues when trying to fit larger tires or when encountering extreme articulation on the trail. With aftermarket upper control arms, there is more room for suspension flex, resulting in better traction and overall performance.

Another benefit of upgrading to aftermarket upper control arms is the ability to

My Buying Guide on ‘4Th Gen 4Runner Upper Control Arms’

When I was looking to upgrade the suspension on my 4th Gen 4Runner, one of the first things I focused on was the upper control arms. These are an important component of any suspension system and can greatly affect the performance and handling of your vehicle.

Why Do You Need New Upper Control Arms?

Upgrading to aftermarket upper control arms is highly recommended for off-road enthusiasts or anyone looking to improve the overall performance of their 4Runner. The stock control arms are often made from weaker materials and have limited adjustability, which can lead to premature wear and tear, as well as limitations in off-road capabilities.

Factors to Consider

Before making a purchase, there are a few factors you should consider when choosing upper control arms for your 4th Gen 4Runner.

Material

The material used to make the control arms is crucial in determining their strength and durability. Look for arms made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum, which can withstand heavy off-road use.

Adjustability

Having adjustable control arms allows you to fine-tune your suspension for different driving conditions. Look for arms with multiple adjustment points that allow for precise wheel alignment and improved handling.

Bushing Type

The type of bushings used in the control arms can also impact their performance. Polyurethane bushings are more durable than rubber ones and offer better handling and stability.

Top Brands

Some popular brands known for producing high-quality upper control arms for 4th Gen 4Runners include Total Chaos, SPC Performance, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics. These brands have a proven track record of providing strong and reliable products.

Budget

When it comes to upgrading your vehicle’s suspension, it’s important not to skimp on quality. However, there are still options available at different price points. Consider your budget and look for options that offer the best value for your money.

Installation

Installing new upper control arms may require special tools and knowledge. If you’re not confident in doing it yourself, it’s best to have a professional handle the installation to ensure it is done correctly.

In Conclusion

Investing in aftermarket upper control arms is a wise decision if you want to improve your 4th Gen 4Runner’s off-road capabilities or overall performance. Be sure to consider all the factors mentioned above when making your purchase decision. And remember, quality should always be a top priority when choosing any suspension upgrade.

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Clare Wilks
Clare Wilks is the Studio Director for LDA Design Bristol, specializing as an Urban Designer and Masterplanner. Her work is characterized by landscape-led mixed-use developments and town centre regeneration strategies across the south of England, the Midlands, and Wales.

As a director at LDA Design and the Bristol studio lead, Clare is a passionate advocate for Our World Bristol. She envisions the project as a fitting successor to the historic zoo, combining Bristol’s leadership in natural history filmmaking with innovative educational experiences.

In 2024, Clare Wilks began a new chapter by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience, providing valuable guidance and practical advice.

Her unique blend of artistic vision, design expertise, and dedication to community engagement makes her blog an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable and innovative living.