Jeep TJ Wonders!

jds97Wrangler

jds97Wrangler

Active Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Location
Mccleansville, NC
I put a 4" RC X-Flex lift in my 2000 TJ a couple weeks ago; I had it lined up the day after the install. Even with the Alignment the jeep wonders all over the road and has really twitchy steering.

When I had it aligned I asked about the Caster angle and they told me there was no adjustment but it didn't matter because it was in spec for the jeep. This told me they didn't have a clue what they were talking about since the TJ has cam bolts on the lower control arms, not to mention I installed fully adjustable upper and lower control arms.

What else would cause it to wonder? The lift came with an adjustable front track bar and new bracket to relocate it on the frame. I set the length to 31 I believe which is what Rough Country recommended. Mineke in Burlington aligned it for me but they really did seem like they knew what they were doing.

Does anyone know a shop in Burlington, or Greensboro that can do the alignment properly?
 
It's pretty much a DIY job as is the toe. If you have an angle finder and a tape measure, both can be done in your driveway.
 
When I had mine installed on my 99 TJ they told me it was 33in BFG's that wondered so badly.
After I replaced my ball joints I took mine to Oak Hollow Tire in High Point and they set it up great. 336-273-6748
 
willness33 said:
It's pretty much a DIY job as is the toe. If you have an angle finder and a tape measure, both can be done in your driveway.
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Yep go get you a cheap harbor freight angle finder and a buddy and you can set everything yourself in no time.

Did you change wheels and tires when you did the lift too. If so what width and offset are the wheels? That can make a big difference in how it'll drive. Plus a negative offset wheel will magnify any other problems you may have like bj's or tre's.
 
I have the stock wheels with 1.5" spacers. The DIY sounds great but where do I put he angle finder? What angle is suppose to read? The toe doesn't concern since that was the only thing they did adjust for $69 I paid for the alighnement.

I know it can drive a whole lot better then it does becasue I had the exact same lift and pretty much the same tires on my 97 and it drove great.
 
With stock offset wheels the spacers shouldn't cause you any trouble other than maybe making it follow ruts in the road some.
I usually put the angle finder on top of the upper ball joint.
And I know its a bit cliche but I'd check all the tre's ball joints and wheel bearings for wear. And make sure the bolts in the panhard bar a nice and tight, especially the axle end.
 
MarsFab said:
I usually put the angle finder on top of the upper ball joint.
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Same here.

I think factory spec is 7 degrees, but on a lifted TJ you have to trade in a little caster for a favorable driveshaft angle. You want the least amount of driveshaft to pinion variance, but still have to stay close to spec on the caster. You can be a few degrees off on the pinion angle to achieve a good steering jeep. This is one of those "you just have to play with it" things to get it where you like it.
 
I believe I found my "Wondering" issue. I put a degree finder on the bottom knuckle and the passaenger side read 5 degrees, which is pretty good for 35" tires. But when I went to the drivers side it was 8 1/2 degrees. This gives me a 3 1/2 degree from side to side which I am assuming would cause serious issues with how the jeep drives.

I did find a pretty good website that gives good directions on setting caster:

http://web.mac.com/donpryor/caster_adjustment_on_tj.html
 
Problem solved! I adjusted both sides they are 5.5 degrees an it solved all issues. Drives great now.
 
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