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Post by Scott on Mar 27, 2006 21:05:07 GMT -5
I called the dealer today to make an appointment for next Monday to get the alignment after I install the lift this weekend. I asked the service writer if they had any experience doing an alignment of this type and they (she) didn't sound to confident, she had to put me on hold and ask someone. She said "It shouldn't be a problem".
Should I go somewhere else?
Can't drive to far un-aligned...
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Post by jrcabbral on Mar 27, 2006 21:33:23 GMT -5
Scott,
tie a string to the back bumper and point the front tires 1/16th" in and drive anywhere you wish. Never let someone that you do not have a good feeling about work on your rig, take it to someone that you feel can do the job correct.
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Post by Kevin W. on Mar 27, 2006 22:34:19 GMT -5
Do the alignment youself. It is REALLY easy, but does take some time. I have done it myself at least a dozen times now. At first I didn't trust myself, so I took it to get an alignment. Each time, my toe in was set within 1/32" of being correct. So, it was a waste of 60 bucks each time. Anyway, here are a couple of good links that describe it. www.4x4xplor.com/alignment.htmlLet me know if you need any tips. Its probably a good idea to do this alignment yourself at least, and then still take it in to get the professional alignment. The alignment on a jeep is very simple - they will almost certainly only adjust the toe and then center the wheel. KEV |
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Post by baseshakers on Mar 28, 2006 17:04:09 GMT -5
i just had mine re-aligned, it was way out of whack from the lift and offroading it hard. they said that since it only 2" of suspension lift it wasn't a big deal for them. but i would be curious as to doing it myself, because i have no doubt i will screw it up one of these days...
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Post by Kevin W. on Mar 28, 2006 18:58:39 GMT -5
i just had mine re-aligned, it was way out of whack from the lift and offroading it hard. they said that since it only 2" of suspension lift it wasn't a big deal for them. but i would be curious as to doing it myself, because i have no doubt i will screw it up one of these days... Yes, your alignment does get WAY out of wack after any change in suspension lift. I even noticed the difference just by adding a winch... The only way you can affect the alignment by offroading is by bending something.... alignment doesn't just magically change from bouncing around. You'd have to bend the tie rod or draglink. Or, I guess you could argue that wearing in your springs changes the effective lift height, altering the alignment. KEV |
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Post by jrcabbral on Mar 28, 2006 20:28:09 GMT -5
I agree. I have not taken my jeep back for an alignment since I lifted it.
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Post by ZAEDOCK on Mar 29, 2006 7:02:50 GMT -5
Yes, your alignment does get WAY out of wack after any change in suspension lift. I even noticed the difference just by adding a winch... YJ's don't. ;D Scott, if you have aftermarket control arms with caster adjustment, go get an alignment. You won't be able to do that at home (easily). Being a former ASE certified front end guy, a mechanic would have to be a total retard in not being able to figure out how to align a lifted Jeep. Maybe a caster adjustment and toe. That's it. It should take longer to go and get the vehicle and drive it in.  BTW, I met Lou from Elias4WD back in the early 90's when he serviced Hunter Engineering lifts and alignment racks. Weird huh? I think back and remember a certain dog that was usually with him too...  |
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Post by Kodi on Mar 29, 2006 7:09:18 GMT -5
So....I've been reading, and thinking....I know, tough for a woman.
There is a ton of knowledge in our membership. Any of you "all knowing" types willing to do a tech day? Post it up, get it going....nothing like some great help amongst friends.
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Post by Scott on Mar 29, 2006 18:07:46 GMT -5
Well, Looks like I'm going to have to wait a week to do my lift install anyway. I talked to Lou at Elias today about the wheels and tire's I want to get from him and he talked me into doing the steering system also. SO I need to pick that stuff up and do it all at once so I don't have to get TWO alignment's. This will never end $$$  |
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Post by Kevin W. on Mar 29, 2006 21:12:17 GMT -5
What "Steering System" did he talk you into??  KEV |
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Post by Kodi on Mar 29, 2006 22:03:55 GMT -5
Just
Empty
Every
Pocket....... Duh!
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Post by Scott on Mar 30, 2006 19:27:31 GMT -5
What "Steering System" did he talk you into?? KEV He mentioned several, from extensive to minor. I'm going to stop in there (hopefully) early next week and decide how I want to go. |
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Post by Kevin W. on Mar 30, 2006 20:30:10 GMT -5
If you're gonna spend 350 bucks, get the Currie kit. Its very beefy and won't serve you wrong.
If you want to spend even more money, like 650, the ORO U-Turn setup is pretty slick.
If you want to be a bit more budgety, check out the toys by troy alumiflex tie rod. Its about 125 - Its an aluminum rod that is designed to bend and then flex back. Its kinda gimmicky and I didn't trust it, until I jacked it up at home... worked just as advertized. Then I smashed it up against some rock... bent up, and then bent back down. So, for the price its pretty slick.
KEV
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