Total Chaos Suspension is a well-known name in the off-road industry, particularly for Toyota trucks and SUVs like the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and FJ Cruiser. The company specializes in fabricating high-strength suspension components designed for serious off-road use, from desert racing to rock crawling. If you’re shopping for Total Chaos suspension parts, you’re likely looking to upgrade your vehicle’s off-road capability, increase wheel travel, or improve durability over factory components. This guide covers the main types of parts Total Chaos offers, what they do, and how to choose the right setup for your needs.
Understanding Total Chaos Suspension Parts
Total Chaos manufactures a range of suspension components, but their most popular products are upper control arms (UCAs), lower control arms (LCAs), and long travel kits. They also produce bump stops, limit straps, and shock mounts. The company’s focus is on increasing suspension travel while maintaining proper geometry, which is critical for off-road performance and tire clearance.
Upper Control Arms (UCAs)
Total Chaos UCAs are among their best-selling items. They replace the factory upper control arms with stronger, often tubular steel units that allow for additional caster and camber adjustment. This is important when lifting a truck, as it helps keep the front wheels properly aligned and prevents excessive tire wear. Total Chaos UCAs also feature uniball joints instead of traditional ball joints. Uniballs are spherical bearings that allow a greater range of motion and are more durable in harsh conditions. They are serviceable and can be replaced when worn.
Benefits of Total Chaos UCAs
- Increased strength: Designed to handle the stress of off-road impacts and larger tires.
- Improved articulation: Uniball joints allow more movement, which helps keep tires in contact with the ground over uneven terrain.
- Alignment adjustments: Extra caster and camber range helps correct alignment after lifting.
- Tire clearance: Many UCAs are shaped to provide more clearance for wider or larger tires.
Lower Control Arms (LCAs)
Total Chaos also offers lower control arms, though they are less commonly replaced than UCAs on many trucks. LCAs are often part of a long travel kit, as they need to be redesigned to accommodate longer axles and increased wheel travel. Total Chaos LCAs are typically built from heavy-duty steel tube and use polyurethane bushings or heim joints at the chassis mount. They come with pre-installed ball joints or uniballs at the spindle end, depending on the application.
When to Upgrade LCAs
- If you’re installing a total chaos long travel kit that includes new spindles and axles.
- If the factory LCAs are bent or damaged from off-road use.
- If you want the strongest possible front suspension for heavy off-road use.
Long Travel Kits
Total Chaos is known for their long travel front suspension kits. These kits replace the entire front suspension geometry—including upper and lower control arms, axles, spindles, and sometimes shock hoops—to provide significantly more wheel travel than stock. A typical Total Chaos long travel kit for a Tacoma might offer 12 to 14 inches of travel, compared to 6 to 8 inches from a standard lift. This extra travel allows the vehicle to absorb larger bumps and stay stable at higher speeds.
Types of Long Travel Kits
- Mid-Travel Kits: These offer modest increases in travel (around 2-4 inches more than stock) and are often compatible with factory wheel wells. They are a good option if you want more capability without cutting the body or fenders.
- Full Long Travel Kits: These provide maximum travel and usually require cutting the fenders, moving the radiator, and other modifications. They are intended for serious off-road use, such as desert racing or rock crawling.
Components Included
A typical Total Chaos full long travel kit includes:
- Upper control arms (with uniballs)
- Lower control arms (with heavy-duty bushings)
- Extended axles (CV axles for IFS vehicles)
- Spindles (with increased kingpin angle)
- Shock hoops (for coilover shocks)
- Limit straps and bump stops
Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
Total Chaos also makes shock mounts, such as rear shock relocation kits, and bump stop kits. Bump stops prevent the suspension from bottoming out harshly, and Total Chaos uses hydraulic bump stops that absorb impact better than rubber. They also offer limit straps to prevent over-extension of the suspension, which can damage CV joints or shocks.
Choosing the Right Total Chaos Parts
Selecting the right Total Chaos suspension parts depends on your vehicle, budget, and intended use. Here are key factors to consider:
Vehicle Compatibility
Total Chaos parts are model-specific. They have kits for Toyota Tacoma (2005-2015, 2016-2023), Tundra (2007-2021), 4Runner (2003-2009, 2010-2023), FJ Cruiser, and others. Always check the part number and compatibility before purchasing. Using parts not designed for your exact vehicle model and year can lead to poor fitment or safety issues.
Intended Use
- Daily driver with light off-road: A set of Total Chaos UCAs (with uniball) and a small lift (2-3 inches) may be sufficient. This improves strength and alignment without making the ride too harsh.
- Off-road weekend warrior: Consider a mid-travel kit (e.g., Total Chaos “+” series) that adds 2-4 inches of travel without major modifications. This will improve capability while still being comfortable on pavement.
- Dedicated off-road or race vehicle: Go for a full long travel kit. This requires cutting and welding but offers maximum performance. Be prepared for a firmer ride on the street due to stiffer bushings and longer travel.
Budget
Total Chaos parts are premium aftermarket components, and prices reflect that. A pair of UCAs can cost $600-$900, while a full long travel kit may run $3,000-$6,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and options. Installation costs are additional, and you may need to upgrade shocks, springs, and tires as well. Plan your budget accordingly.
Installation Considerations
Installing Total Chaos suspension parts often requires mechanical skills, specialized tools, and sometimes welding. UCAs and basic components can be installed at home if you have a jack, stands, and wrenches. Long travel kits are more complex and usually best left to a professional shop. Some kits require cutting the frame, relocating the radiator, or fabricating new mounts. If you’re not comfortable with this, budget for professional installation.
Alignment After Installation
Any change to the control arms will affect alignment. After installing Total Chaos parts, you must get a professional alignment. The extra adjustment range of their UCAs helps align the truck, but you need a shop that understands modified suspensions. Expect to pay $100-$200 for a custom alignment.
Suspension Tuning
With long travel kits, you’ll need to tune the shocks and springs to match the vehicle’s weight and intended use. Total Chaos builds kits for specific shock brands like Fox, King, or Icon. Make sure to match the shocks to the kit. Valve settings, spring rates, and preload all affect ride quality. A good shop can help with initial setup.
Practical Buying Guidance
When shopping for Total Chaos suspension parts, keep these points in mind:
- Buy from authorized dealers: Total Chaos has a network of dealers who can provide correct parts and technical support. Avoid counterfeit or used parts that may be worn or damaged.
- Consider complete kits: If you need multiple components, buying a kit is often cheaper than individual parts. For example, the Total Chaos “+” series kit for Tacoma includes UCAs, LCAs, spindles, and axles at a package price.
- Plan for additional parts: Long travel kits often require aftermarket wheels with different offset, larger tires, and upgraded shocks. Factor these into your budget.
- Understand the ride quality trade-off: Uniballs and spherical bearings transmit more noise and vibration into the cab. Polyurethane bushings are quieter but less durable in mud and sand. Total Chaos uses uniballs on their UCAs, which are durable but may require occasional greasing and replacement.
- Check local regulations: Some states have laws about lift heights, fender flares, and tire coverage. Ensure your setup complies with local laws to avoid tickets.
Final Recommendation
For most off-road enthusiasts who want to upgrade their Toyota’s front suspension, starting with Total Chaos upper control arms is a solid choice. They provide a meaningful improvement in strength, alignment adjustability, and tire clearance. If you plan to get more serious, consider a mid-travel kit like the Total Chaos “+” series. It gives you extra travel without the extensive modifications of a full long travel kit. If you’re building a dedicated off-road rig, a full long travel kit will transform your vehicle’s capability, but be prepared for the cost and complexity.
Always prioritize compatibility and professional installation for critical suspension components. With the right setup, Total Chaos parts can help your truck handle tough terrain with confidence, while still being manageable on the highway.