Alignment question

[Blue Patriot]

Hi guys, just got my 01 TJ back from an alignment at 4 wheel parts. I have a 4” suspension lift, 33” tires and adjustable control arms upper/lower, front and rear.

I was told that all of the control arms would be loosened and adjusted to spec, after getting the Jeep back I noticed that none of the control arms had been adjusted and a couple items were out of spec. Front Caster is 5.1 degrees when normally 6 is preferred. Also the rear thrust angle is -.39 degrees, the left rear is -.2 degrees toed out and the right rear is .58 degrees toed in.

When I do the math, if thrust angle was zero, both the left rear and right rear toe would be equal at .19 degree toe in. This tells me the rear end isn’t bent it’s just not square (most likely to rear control arms needing adjustment?)

My takeaway from this is that at least in my opinion both the front caster as well as rear thrust angle could have been corrected simply by adjusting the control arms. I have limited knowledge on all this but it’s what makes sense to me.

Do I need to take it back to 4 wheel parts and ask about this or is there something I’m missing/incorrect on?

Thanks. Appreciate it.

 

[hosejockey61]

Taking it to 4 wheel parts was your first mistake.

 

[Blue Patriot]

Taking it to 4 wheel parts was your first mistake.

Didn’t really have a lot of options

 

[pagrey]

Doesn't sound like you are too far off spec as much as I don't like 4wp. I kinda think there's no point in focusing allot on the numbers, how does it drive? The numbers can help you zero in on an issue but they don't always need to be dead on.

 

[Blue Patriot]

Doesn't sound like you are too far off spec as much as I don't like 4wp. I kinda think there's no point in focusing allot on the numbers, how does it drive? The numbers can help you zero in on an issue but they don't always need to be dead on.

Actually drives pretty good, straight etc… only thing I really notice is that when I’m coming to a stop it seems like sometimes I have to slightly turn the wheel right before I come to a complete stop and the same thing when accelerating. Tracks straight, drives well on the highway, I thought possibly the rear end not being square could be the reason for this?

Just seems like they should have adjusted this if possible. Seems like it would be pretty easy to square up the rear end with control arm adjustment.

 

[pagrey]

Personally I'd watch the tires and enjoy it. All that thrust angle and left vs right camber is just too much information. As long as it's not several degrees I wouldn't worry about it. Keep the tires rotated frequently and it should be fine.

Edit: if you want to dive in and start tweaking it yourself to get it just right then go for it but for a shop, if it drives nice I'd leave it at that or they are going to start doing mean things to your Jeep

 

[1Salty Dawg]

Actually drives pretty good, straight etc… only thing I really notice is that when I’m coming to a stop it seems like sometimes I have to slightly turn the wheel right before I come to a complete stop and the same thing when accelerating. Tracks straight, drives well on the highway, I thought possibly the rear end not being square could be the reason for this?

Just seems like they should have adjusted this if possible. Seems like it would be pretty easy to square up the rear end with control arm adjustment.

That almost sounds like a sticking brake caliper. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Blue Patriot]

That almost sounds like a sticking brake caliper. Just my 2 cents.

Hadn’t thought about that. I’ll take a look. Thanks, appreciate it

 

[Kid Mechanic]

Do I need to take it back to 4 wheel parts and ask about this or is there something I’m missing/incorrect on?

I don’t think the brakes are at fault for the pulling, if as you say it’s only slight.

I would take it back and explain your reasoning. They shouldn’t hesitate to check the numbers for a more thorough alignment.

 

[pagrey]

I don’t think the brakes are at fault for the pulling, if as you say it’s only slight.

It's easy to check, I'd test just so I knew for sure. It's often easy to over think things, when it's an easy test there's no reason not to just do it. Nobody is suggesting an engine rebuild.