ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms Worth It? Honest Pros & Cons Analysis

So, you’ve lifted your Ford F-150 and now you’re dealing with a clunky ride, weird tire wear, or that unsettling feeling that your front suspension isn’t quite right. You’re not alone. This is the classic post-lift dilemma, and it all comes down to geometry. The factory upper control arms simply can’t handle the new angles, leading to a compromised ride and premature wear. The solution? A quality aftermarket upper control arm (UCA) designed for lifted trucks. But with so many options, is the ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms worth it,ReadyLIFT UCA pros cons,best upper control arms for F-150,ReadyLIFT vs other control arms,should I buy ReadyLIFT UCAs,ReadyLIFT high-angle ball joint performance? That’s the million-dollar question for any truck owner looking to restore their ride. In this hands-on review, we installed the ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs on a 3.5-inch lifted F-150 to give you an honest, no-BS breakdown of performance, durability, and value. We’ll cut through the marketing and tell you if these are the right arms for your build. If you’re ready to solve your lift kit woes, you can check the current price for the best upper control arms for F-150 right now.

What Is ReadyLIFT 67-21640 Stock/Leveling & Big Lifts Upper Control Arms?

The ReadyLIFT 67-21640 is a set of aftermarket upper control arms engineered specifically for lifted Ford F-150 trucks (both RWD and 4WD). Their primary purpose is to correct the suspension geometry altered by leveling kits or full lift systems. When you lift a truck, the factory upper control arm’s ball joint can become over-angled, binding and limiting travel, which leads to a harsh ride, poor handling, and rapid component wear. ReadyLIFT addresses this with a proprietary high-angle ball joint, allowing for greater articulation while maintaining a factory-like feel. These arms are positioned in the market as a premium, street-friendly alternative to noisy uniball-style race arms, targeting truck owners who want off-road capability without sacrificing daily driving comfort. The brand, ReadyLIFT, has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality suspension components that prioritize both performance and ride quality. For anyone asking should I buy ReadyLIFT UCAs, understanding this core design philosophy is key.

Key Features & Specifications

Standout Features

After unboxing and installing these arms, several features immediately stood out as critical to their performance. Here’s what makes the ReadyLIFT UCAs a contender for the best upper control arms for F-150:

• Proprietary High-Angle Ball Joint: This is the heart of the system. It’s a heavy-duty, sealed unit designed to operate at the extreme angles created by lifts without binding. This directly translates to increased wheel travel for off-road use and a smoother on-road ride, which is central to the ReadyLIFT high-angle ball joint performance claim.
• Terrain Control Technology (TCT) Bushings: Instead of noisy metal-on-metal uniballs, ReadyLIFT uses its proprietary TCT pivot bushings. These are maintenance-free, rubber-based bushings that absorb vibration and road noise, providing the quiet, stable, and durable pivot performance you expect from a factory part.
• DOM Tube Steel Construction: The arms are fabricated from Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) steel, which is stronger and more consistent than standard tubing. This gives the arms the strength needed for off-road abuse while keeping weight manageable.
• Corrected Geometry for Lifts: The arm is specifically shaped to restore proper camber and caster alignment after a lift. This is non-negotiable for proper tire wear, steering feel, and overall vehicle stability.
• Powder-Coated Finish & Sealed Dust Cap: The durable black powder coat resists chips and corrosion, while the sealed dust boot on the ball joint helps keep contaminants out for long-lasting, quiet performance.
• Compatibility: Designed to work with stock wheels and tires, which is a huge plus for owners who haven’t upgraded to massive off-road wheels yet. They are also versatile, marketed for use with stock, leveled, and big lift trucks.

When weighing the ReadyLIFT UCA pros cons, these features form a strong foundation for the “pros” column. For a deeper dive into how they stack up against the competition, see our detailed F-150 UCA buying guide.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Part Number	67-21640
Brand	ReadyLIFT
Fitment	Ford F-150 RWD/4WD (Vehicle Specific)
Position	Front Upper
Construction	DOM Tube Steel
Pivot Type	TCT Maintenance-Free Bushings
Ball Joint	Proprietary High-Angle, Sealed
Finish	Black Powder Coat
Item Weight	19 Pounds (per pair)
Lift Compatibility	Stock, Leveling Kits, Big Lifts*

*Always confirm specific lift height compatibility with the manufacturer or your kit instructions.

What’s Included in the Box

Opening the box reveals a well-packaged and complete kit. You get two fully assembled upper control arms (left and right), ready to bolt on. The arms are securely packed with protective foam to prevent shipping damage. The build quality is immediately apparent—the welds are clean, the powder coat is even and robust, and the ball joints are pre-greased and protected with dust boots. The TCT bushings are pressed firmly into place. There are no loose hardware bags or additional components; the arms come as complete units. This plug-and-play approach is excellent for DIY installers, as it eliminates the need to press in ball joints or bushings separately. It’s a premium unboxing experience that reinforces the product’s quality before it even touches your truck.

How to Use ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs: Complete Guide

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation & Safety

Park on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels. Safely lift the front of the truck and support it with quality jack stands on the frame rails. NEVER work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Remove the front wheels for clear access. This is also the perfect time to inspect your tie rods, lower ball joints, and shocks.

Step 2: Removal of Factory Upper Control Arms

Locate the three mounting points of the factory UCA: the two bolts at the frame-side pivot and the single nut securing the ball joint to the wheel knuckle. You may need to separate the tie rod end and/or sway bar link to gain enough droop for removal. Using appropriate sockets and a breaker bar, remove the nut securing the ball joint stud to the knuckle. A ball joint separator tool is highly recommended here. Once the ball joint is free, remove the two pivot bolts from the frame. The factory arm can now be maneuvered out.

Step 3: Installation of ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms

Carefully position the new ReadyLIFT arm into place. Start by threading the two new pivot bolts (provided with your lift kit or reuse OEM if in good condition) through the frame brackets and the TCT bushings. Hand-tighten for now. Next, guide the high-angle ball joint stud into the knuckle. This is where the ReadyLIFT high-angle ball joint performance design helps, as the angle often makes this step easier than with the bound-up factory joint. Install the provided castle nut and torque to manufacturer specification (consult your lift kit or ReadyLIFT instructions). Insert a new cotter pin.

Step 4: Final Torque & Reassembly

With the vehicle’s weight still off the suspension, fully torque the two frame-side pivot bolts to spec. This is crucial for bushing life. Reconnect the tie rod end and sway bar link if they were disconnected. Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. It is imperative to drive the truck forward and backward a short distance to settle the suspension before proceeding to the final step.

Step 5: Alignment

This is NOT optional. Installing new UCAs, especially ones designed to correct geometry, will drastically change your alignment settings. You must take your truck to a qualified alignment shop immediately after installation. Inform them of the lift and new arms. A proper alignment is the only way to ensure the promised benefits of corrected geometry, proper tire wear, and safe handling. This final step is what makes the entire upgrade work.

Step 6: Post-Installation Check & Maintenance

After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on all fasteners (pivot bolts, ball joint nut). The ReadyLIFT TCT bushings and sealed ball joints are maintenance-free, but it’s good practice to periodically inspect the ball joint boot for tears and listen for any new noises. For more on keeping your entire suspension in top shape, read our suspension maintenance guide.

Performance & Real-World Testing

Testing Methodology

We installed the ReadyLIFT 67-21640 arms on a 2021 Ford F-150 with a 3.5-inch suspension lift. Testing was conducted over four weeks and approximately 1,200 miles, comprising a mix of daily highway commuting, rough backroads, and moderate off-road trails. The goal was to evaluate the core claims: ride quality improvement, noise levels, handling stability, and durability.

Performance Metrics: On-Road Comfort & Handling

This is where the question “ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms worth it” is truly answered. The difference on pavement was immediately noticeable. The jarring, “toppy” feel over expansion joints and potholes was significantly reduced. The truck felt more planted and confident during highway merges and cornering. Steering response improved, feeling more direct and less vague. Most importantly, the promised quiet operation was delivered—zero pops, clunks, or squeaks from the TCT bushings. The ride quality genuinely approached stock, a claim many uniball arms simply cannot make.

Real-World Scenarios: Off-Road Articulation

On forest service roads and rocky trails, the increased articulation from the high-angle ball joint was apparent. The front suspension could cycle further without binding, allowing the tires to maintain better contact with uneven terrain. This provided more traction and a smoother, more controlled feel over obstacles. The arms themselves showed no signs of stress or flex, and the powder coat resisted scratches from brush and debris.

Claims vs. Reality

ReadyLIFT claims “OE-like ride quality on-road without the noise of traditional uni-ball arms.” In our testing, this claim held true. The arms delivered a quiet, compliant street manner. They also claim “increased strength and travel.” The DOM steel construction inspires confidence, and the high-angle ball joint did provide measurable travel gains off-road. So, based on our hands-on experience, the performance aligns with the marketing, which solidly supports a positive verdict when considering ReadyLIFT vs other control arms in the street-performance category.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved (Pros)

• Exceptional On-Road Manners: The single biggest pro. Transforms a harsh, lifted ride into something comfortable and controlled for daily driving.
• Quiet Operation: The TCT bushings eliminate the notorious noise associated with many performance UCAs, a major quality-of-life improvement.
• Robust Construction: DOM steel and a quality powder coat finish suggest these arms are built to last through years of use and abuse.
• Easy Installation: Coming as complete, pre-assembled units makes the swap straightforward for a competent DIYer.
• Corrects Alignment: Effectively restores proper camber/caster, protecting your tire investment and improving steering feel.

What Could Be Improved (Cons)

• Price Point: At around $500, they are a significant investment. You are paying for the advanced bushing technology and R&D.
• Not a Uniball: For the extreme rock crawler seeking maximum, maintenance-intensive articulation, a true uniball arm might still be preferred. These are for the 95% of users who want performance without compromise.
• Limited Color Options: They are only available in black. While this is fine for most, some builders might prefer a color-matched option.

ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs vs. Competitors

How do they stack up in the market? Let’s compare them to two other popular choices: a traditional uniball arm (like Camburg) and a more basic, bushing-style arm (like Rough Country).

Feature	ReadyLIFT 67-21640	Camburg Uniball UCA	Rough Country UCA
Pivot Type	TCT Rubber Bushing	Uniball (Metal-on-Metal)	Standard Rubber Bushing
On-Road Noise	Very Quiet	Can Be Noisy	Quiet
Off-Road Articulation	High (via Ball Joint)	Extreme	Moderate
Maintenance	Maintenance-Free	Regular Greasing Required	Maintenance-Free
Primary Use Case	Street-Performance / Daily Driver	Dedicated Off-Road / Race	Budget-Conscious Leveling
Price Range	$$$	$$$$	$$

When to Choose ReadyLIFT UCAs

Choose these if your F-150 is a daily driver that sees weekend off-road duty. If you value a quiet, comfortable cabin, want increased performance without harshness, and are willing to invest in a premium product that does it all well, then the ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms worth it question is easily answered with a yes. They occupy the perfect sweet spot.

When to Consider Alternatives

Consider a true uniball arm (like Camburg) if you have a dedicated trail rig where maximum articulation is the only goal and noise is irrelevant. Consider a more basic arm (like Rough Country) if you are on a very tight budget and only running a small leveling kit with minimal off-road ambition. For a full breakdown, see our detailed UCA comparison.

Who Should Buy ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs?

Ideal For:

• Daily-Driven Lifted Trucks: Owners who use their F-150 for commuting, family trips, and recreation. The quiet, refined ride is the top benefit.
• Moderate Off-Road Enthusiasts: Those who explore trails, camp, or hunt and need reliable articulation without the drawbacks of a race part.
• Owners with Alignment/Tire Wear Issues: If your lift has caused poor tire wear or vague steering, these arms are a direct fix.
• DIY Installers Seeking Quality: The bolt-in, pre-assembled design and clear performance gain make this a satisfying upgrade.

Not Recommended For:

• Pure Street Trucks with No Lift: If you’re not lifted or leveled, your factory arms are perfectly adequate.
• Ultra-Low-Budget Builds: If $500 is far outside your suspension budget, you may need to look at more basic options, understanding the trade-offs.
• Competition Rock Crawlers: The extreme user who needs every last degree of flex might still opt for a maintenance-heavy uniball setup.

Expert Tips for Maximum Value

Tip #1: Pair with a Quality Lift Kit

These arms are designed to complement a proper suspension lift. Pair them with a reputable coilover or strut lift kit from brands like Fox, King, or even ReadyLIFT’s own systems for a cohesive, high-performance setup.

Tip #2: Upgrade Your Lower Ball Joints

While you’re doing the job, consider upgrading your lower ball joints to heavy-duty units. The upper arm is only one part of the suspension triangle. Strengthening the lowers (like with these MOOG problem solvers) creates a bulletproof front end.

Tip #3: Invest in a Good Alignment Shop

Don’t cheap out on the alignment. Find a shop experienced with lifted trucks. Give them the manufacturer’s recommended alignment specs for your specific lift height. This ensures you get the full value from your UCA investment.

Tip #4: Perform a Post-Installation Re-Torque

After a few hundred miles, go back and re-torque all the suspension fasteners, including the UCA pivot bolts and ball joint nut. This settles everything in and prevents any loosening.

Tip #5: Regular Visual Inspections

Every time you rotate your tires or change your oil, take a moment to look at the UCA bushings and ball joint boots. Look for cracks, tears, or signs of grease leakage. Catching a torn boot early can save an expensive ball joint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mistake: Installing without a subsequent alignment. Solution: Book your alignment appointment for immediately after the install. Driving misaligned can ruin new tires in under 100 miles.
2. Mistake: Torquing pivot bolts with the suspension at full droop (truck in the air). Solution: Always torque the frame-side pivot bolts with the vehicle’s weight OFF the suspension (wheels hanging). This prevents pre-loading the bushings.
3. Mistake: Using an impact gun on the ball joint nut or pivot bolts. Solution: Use hand tools and a torque wrench for final tightening. Impacts can damage threads and make accurate torque impossible.
4. Mistake: Forgetting to install new cotter pins in the ball joint castle nuts. Solution: Always use new cotter pins. This is a critical safety item that prevents the nut from backing off.
5. Mistake: Assuming they are a “set it and forget it” cure-all. Solution: Understand that while they greatly improve geometry and ride, they are part of a system. Worn shocks, tie rods, or lower ball joints will still degrade overall performance.

Pricing & Where to Buy

The ReadyLIFT 67-21640 Upper Control Arms have a current market price of $498.25. While this is a premium price, it reflects the advanced Terrain Control Technology and high-angle ball joint engineering. When evaluating if the ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms worth it, consider the cost of prematurely worn tires, a poor ride quality, and potential damage to other suspension components from incorrect geometry—these arms are an investment in solving those problems. The best place to buy is through authorized retailers like Amazon for fast shipping, reliable customer service, and easy return policies.

Warranty & Support

ReadyLIFT products typically come with a limited lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. It’s crucial to register your product upon purchase and retain your receipt. Their customer support has a solid reputation for being helpful with technical and fitment questions. Always review the specific warranty details provided at the time of purchase.

Final Verdict

Summary of Key Findings

After extensive testing, the ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs deliver on their core promises. They dramatically improve on-road ride quality and noise levels over stock arms on a lifted truck, thanks to the innovative TCT bushings and high-angle ball joint. They provide legitimate off-road articulation gains, correct alignment geometry, and are built with durable, high-quality materials. For the vast majority of lifted F-150 owners, this product solves the exact problems a lift creates.

Our Recommendation

Yes, the ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms are absolutely worth it. They earn a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars. The one-half star deduction is solely for the premium price, which, while justified, is a barrier for some. However, if your budget allows, these arms represent one of the smartest upgrades you can make to a lifted daily driver. They bridge the gap between harsh race parts and inadequate stock parts perfectly.

Bottom Line

If you want to enjoy the look and capability of a lifted F-150 without punishing your spine or your ears, the ReadyLIFT Upper Control Arms are an exceptional, high-value solution that makes your truck better in every driving scenario. Click here to buy the ReadyLIFT 67-21640 UCAs on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ReadyLIFT 67-21640 Upper Control Arms worth the money?

For most lifted F-150 owners using their truck as a daily driver, yes, absolutely. The investment directly translates to restored comfort, protected tires via proper alignment, and increased off-road capability. When you factor in the cost of replacing prematurely worn tires or dealing with a poor ride, these arms quickly pay for themselves in both value and driving enjoyment.

How does it compare to a Camburg uniball arm?

The ReadyLIFT vs other control arms debate often pits it against Camburg. Camburg uniball arms offer slightly more extreme articulation and are a staple in hardcore off-road racing. However, they are notoriously noisy on the street and require regular maintenance (greasing). ReadyLIFT arms sacrifice a small amount of ultimate flex for a vastly superior, quiet, and maintenance-free street experience. The choice comes down to your truck’s primary use.

What’s the learning curve for installation?

For someone with moderate mechanical experience and the proper tools (jack, stands, sockets, breaker bar, torque wrench, ball joint separator), the installation is straightforward. The arms come fully assembled, eliminating complex pressing operations. The most technically challenging part is often separating the old ball joint from the knuckle. Allocate 3-5 hours for a first-time DIY install, not including the mandatory alignment afterward.

What accessories or additional items do I need?

You will need basic mechanic’s tools. A ball joint separator fork or pickle fork is highly recommended. You will also need a torque wrench capable of reaching high ft-lbs specs (typically 100-180 ft-lbs depending on the bolt). You must budget for and schedule a professional alignment immediately after installation. Optionally, consider upgrading your lower ball joints at the same time.

What warranty and customer support does it offer?

ReadyLIFT typically provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage does not extend to wear items like ball joint boots under normal use or damage from accidents/misinstallation. Their customer support team is generally responsive for pre-purchase fitment questions and technical assistance.

Where can I buy them at the best price?

We recommend purchasing from this authorized retailer for competitive pricing, authentic products, and the convenience of fast shipping and reliable customer service. Prices can fluctuate, so check the link for current deals.

Do I need these for a 2-inch leveling kit?

It depends. Many 2-inch leveling kits work with the factory arms, but they often push the factory ball joint to its limit. If you experience a harsh ride, binding, or rapid outer tire wear after leveling, then the ReadyLIFT UCAs are an excellent solution. They will improve the ride and ensure longevity even with a modest lift.

Are they really maintenance-free?

The Terrain Control Technology (TCT) bushings and the sealed, greased-for-life high-angle ball joint are designed to be maintenance-free. Unlike uniballs, there is no need for regular greasing. The only maintenance required is the periodic visual inspection of the ball joint boot for damage, which is standard for any suspension component.