The bad news? Your rig is never finished. The good news? Your rig is never finished!
Your lifted vehicle is a constant work in progress, which means the customization possibilities are endless. Although you may be eager to upgrade, taking the time to save up and get the right parts the first time is the most cost-effective and practical approach.
We get it: These days, everyone is looking to save money where they can. In this article, we’ll offer ideas on budget-friendly upgrades for your truck customization, focusing on installing upper control arms (UCAs)—an essential mod for running lifted vehicles or tackling serious off-road obstacles.
By now, you likely have a sense of what your vehicle is capable of, but as you push your rig harder on more demanding trails, you’ll quickly realize that certain upgrades make all the difference. The right upgrades to your ride can:
Everyone’s on a budget, but when it comes to the integrity of your vehicle, you don’t want to pinch pennies. If quality parts are out of your budget, save up for the best you can afford. This way, you only do the work one time—do it once, and do it right.
Perhaps the most important off-roading mod you can make, struts and shocks control the overall ride quality. Don’t cheap out on junk shocks! We recommend high-quality Bilstein 5100 or 6100 shocks (base minimum). Go for the best you can afford. You will enjoy the vehicle ride a lot more with high-quality shocks and struts rather than bouncing around on unreliable mods.
No surprise here: Tires play a huge role in ride quality and handling as the foundation of your off-road performance. Consider what kind of off-road use and abuse your tires will have to absorb. The tire load rating and sidewall will change the ride drastically if it’s oversized for the application. Look for reputable brands that offer durable, aggressive tread patterns at a lower price point. Sometimes, you can even find great deals on secondhand tires if you shop around.
Avoid budget lift kits and spacers at all costs because they can damage your suspension. Although they’ve been around a while, strut spacer lift kits aren’t suitable for all off-road adventures. Puck lift kits, in particular, are a temporary solution at best, and they can negatively impact your rig’s suspension system. Before defaulting to a budget lift kit, consult a professional to ensure compatibility with the intended use and desired lift height.
For a lifted rig, stock control arms aren’t up to the task. UCAs maintain proper suspension geometry, improve handling, and prevent stress on other suspension components. A well-chosen set of aftermarket UCAs can be the difference between a good time and a headache on the trail.
If you’re looking to dial in your suspension on a budget, UCAs are one of the best mods you can make. Upgrading UCAs is critical when lifting your vehicle because they help to:
If you're running larger tires or have a more aggressive suspension setup, UCAs are a must for ensuring your custom off-road vehicle handles its best at highway speeds and can articulate over the obstacles on the trail.
Now that your suspension is sorted consider a few other budget-friendly upgrades to enhance your off-road rig’s performance:
With all these mods in place, regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting, reliable ride. Keep these go-to tips in mind for optimal performance:
Truck customization for off-roading doesn’t require a blank check. With a little research and the right approach, you can make smart upgrades—such as installing upper control arms—that significantly improve your rig’s performance without draining your bank account. Stay focused on the mods that offer the most value, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. After all, the best part of off-roading is the journey, and that includes the process of making a vehicle truly yours.
Only invest in the best parts for your vehicle—see why JBA Offroad upper control arms set the standard for extreme environments.