How to do a basic front end alignment on a Jeep

clarkstoncracker · November 26th, 2005, 11:08 AM

What You Will Need
. Ratchet
. 13mm, 15mm (deep) Socket & Wrench's
. Tape measure
. Vice Grips or Pipe Wrench
. Floor Jack (optional)*
. One can of sparks (optional)*
. Jack Stands (optional)*
. Wheel Chocks
. Someone to help you measure things

*NOTE: I like to do my toe-in end alignment with my front axle sitting on jack stands. This allows the wheels to move freely making it easer to adjust. This is not a necessary step and some people will argue that you actually need to set your toe-in with your wheels on the ground. For the record, I have not had any problems with my method only and bring this information to your attention so that you can decide which method you would like to use.

Setting Your Toe-In You can't see it, but your front tires are in fact not parallel to each other.... or at least they shouldn't be when pointing straight ahead. This is called the "toe-in" and if it is set correctly, the fronts of your tires should actually be pointing inward just a hair. These simple steps will help you to adjust your toe-in and can all be done in minutes.

1. Park on level ground and then with the help of a friend, measure the width between the front of your front tires and then compare that to the back of your front tires. It is important to use the exact same measuring point front and back (such as the mold seam in the middle of your tires) in order to get an accurate reading.

2. Using a 13mm socket and wrench, loosen sleeves on both ends of the tie-rod.

3. Grab the tie-rod with a pair of vice-grips or pipe wrench and rotate it a little bit at a time taking measurements along the way. Continue this process until the width in the front is about 1/16" (but no more than 1/8") closer together than the back.

4. Once your toe-in has been set, re-tighten the tie-rod sleeves and then move on to re-centering your steering wheel.

Re-Centering Your Steering Wheel

1. With your tires pointing as straight as possible (leave your steering wheel rotated) and your tires on the ground, loosen the bolts on your drag link turnbuckle using a 15mm deep socket or wrench.

2. Grab the turnbuckle with your hand and rotate it a little bit at a time. Check your steering wheel periodically while doing this until it appears to be centered again.

3. Try to make sure that the bolts are pointing away from the track bar (rotate just the bolt sleeve and not the turnbuckle itself if necessary) and then tighten up the turnbuckle bolts.

4. Take your Jeep out for a test ride and determine if you need to make any other adjustments. It may take a few times to get it right but at least it is easy to do.

If you just installed a 2"-3" lift, that should be about all you need to do. However, if your lift is 4" or greater, you should seriously consider purchasing a set of adjustable control arms so that you can properly set your caster.

Saharaboy · November 29th, 2005, 04:00 PM

So when do you want to be the one to help measure on the TJ??

Tonka · November 30th, 2005, 01:15 PM

I just helped nooxie align his last night

I did mine 2 days ago.
also did the comanche.

Easy stuff.

Don't forget the P.B. blaster !

November 26th, 2005, 11:08 AM	#1
clarkstoncracker throw' back Join Date: 11-03-05 Location: OC Michigan Posts: 24,915 iTrader: (19)	How to do a basic front end alignment on a Jeep What You Will Need . Ratchet . 13mm, 15mm (deep) Socket & Wrench's . Tape measure . Vice Grips or Pipe Wrench . Floor Jack (optional)* . One can of sparks (optional)* . Jack Stands (optional)* . Wheel Chocks . Someone to help you measure things *NOTE: I like to do my toe-in end alignment with my front axle sitting on jack stands. This allows the wheels to move freely making it easer to adjust. This is not a necessary step and some people will argue that you actually need to set your toe-in with your wheels on the ground. For the record, I have not had any problems with my method only and bring this information to your attention so that you can decide which method you would like to use. Setting Your Toe-In You can't see it, but your front tires are in fact not parallel to each other.... or at least they shouldn't be when pointing straight ahead. This is called the "toe-in" and if it is set correctly, the fronts of your tires should actually be pointing inward just a hair. These simple steps will help you to adjust your toe-in and can all be done in minutes. 1. Park on level ground and then with the help of a friend, measure the width between the front of your front tires and then compare that to the back of your front tires. It is important to use the exact same measuring point front and back (such as the mold seam in the middle of your tires) in order to get an accurate reading. 2. Using a 13mm socket and wrench, loosen sleeves on both ends of the tie-rod. 3. Grab the tie-rod with a pair of vice-grips or pipe wrench and rotate it a little bit at a time taking measurements along the way. Continue this process until the width in the front is about 1/16" (but no more than 1/8") closer together than the back. 4. Once your toe-in has been set, re-tighten the tie-rod sleeves and then move on to re-centering your steering wheel. Re-Centering Your Steering Wheel 1. With your tires pointing as straight as possible (leave your steering wheel rotated) and your tires on the ground, loosen the bolts on your drag link turnbuckle using a 15mm deep socket or wrench. 2. Grab the turnbuckle with your hand and rotate it a little bit at a time. Check your steering wheel periodically while doing this until it appears to be centered again. 3. Try to make sure that the bolts are pointing away from the track bar (rotate just the bolt sleeve and not the turnbuckle itself if necessary) and then tighten up the turnbuckle bolts. 4. Take your Jeep out for a test ride and determine if you need to make any other adjustments. It may take a few times to get it right but at least it is easy to do. If you just installed a 2"-3" lift, that should be about all you need to do. However, if your lift is 4" or greater, you should seriously consider purchasing a set of adjustable control arms so that you can properly set your caster. __________________ Doing business with "pavementpounder" on GL? See this thread for details.

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November 29th, 2005, 04:00 PM	#2
Saharaboy Donate to Me Join Date: 11-04-05 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 866 iTrader: (0)	So when do you want to be the one to help measure on the TJ??

November 30th, 2005, 01:15 PM	#3
Tonka tire plug kit use #2 Join Date: 11-05-05 Location: Waterford, Mi. Posts: 2,039 iTrader: (7)	I just helped nooxie align his last night I did mine 2 days ago. also did the comanche. Easy stuff. Don't forget the P.B. blaster !