I removed a 2 inch budget boost and noticed my steering wheel is now slightly off center. Can someone explain the how's and why's please?
You lowered the pitman arm in relation to the knuckle. The drag link is now more flat (more horizontal), which for the same pitman arm position (steering angle), the passenger wheel is now pointing more toward the right, and your steering wheel ends up more to the left to correct.
You need to shorten the drag link using the drag link adjuster sleeve. I usually do this by parking with the Jeep going straight, and then adjust the sleeve until the steering wheel is straight.
You'll also notice that the tie rod is flatter now too, which is going to give you less toe-in, or maybe even toe out.
This is all exactly why it's suggested to do or get an alignment after a lift is installed.
Because you lowered the Pitman arm as described above, you simply need to shorten the drag link it is connected to a tad. Do that by rotating the short adjustment sleeve on the drag link so the front of it moves upward. Do that a tad at a time while taking short test drives up & down your street. No need to tighten its bolts for short street tests. Tighten them after the steering wheel is straight.
Thanks guys I knew it was to be expected but needed someone to spell it out..as usual this forum rocks
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
It's math. Because you shortened a, you need to shorten c.
I recently replaced my front springs, and although the difference was only 3/4 of an inch, I still had to do this.
Jerry wrote a great simple post about this somewhere.
Edit: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/
Edit: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-align-your-jeep-wrangler-tj.85/
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
I have this issue after the shop installed my lift. Wheel is slightly off-center.
I'll have them fix it after I put a few thousand miles on it and have everything retorqued.
Until then, I don't look at the wheel while I drive because it gives me anxiety.
I'll have them fix it after I put a few thousand miles on it and have everything retorqued.
Until then, I don't look at the wheel while I drive because it gives me anxiety.