Alignment Readout

[JeepGirl1013]

I did the steering upgrade earlier this year and tried to do my own alignment it could’ve been worse I guess. Finally took it in for a balance and alignment so I could get a readout.

I have a 3” lift. What do I need to do to make my geometry better?

Also they said I have excessive play in my steering box so they couldn’t get the wheel straight. I’ve read that I shouldn’t just try to tighten it. How do I know when it’s time to replace it?

 

[TheBoogieman]

If you have stock control arms you can only adjust the front toe. I keep mine set at 1/8" in.

 

[JeepGirl1013]

If you have stock control arms you can only adjust the front toe. I keep mine set at 1/8" in.

I do have stock control arms. I didn’t think I’d need adjustable with a 3” lift added to the list…

 

[Rickyd]

Looks like you went from 1/8" toe out to 1/8" toe in.

Nothing looks alarming. You could have more caster if the steering feels light and flighty.

 

[LONGJP2]

they said I have excessive play in my steering box so they couldn’t get the wheel straight.

This doesn't make sense.
There would still be a position that's straight with play in both directions.

 

[astjp2]

This is how I do my alignments, it works great but is labor intensive.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I do have stock control arms. I didn’t think I’d need adjustable with a 3” lift added to the list…

You don't. I have 3" lift springs with stock control arms and everything has been fine for 8 years.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I do have stock control arms. I didn’t think I’d need adjustable with a 3” lift added to the list…

What size are your tires? Your caster is below spec but required caster drops with increasing tire size, so you're probably just fine there.

Your thrust angle is just a hair out. Nothing to do with the lift, probably just manufacturing tolerances in the cont4ol arm mount locations. This would require adjustable (rear) arms to fix but it's not out by enough that you'll ever notice or have any problems. I drove my first TJ for 2 years with twice that and never knew until I finally had an alignment done.

 

[Harold&Cat]

So , how much better does it drive now ?

 

[JeepGirl1013]

What size are your tires? Your caster is below spec but required caster drops with increasing tire size, so you're probably just fine there.

Your thrust angle is just a hair out. Nothing to do with the lift, probably just manufacturing tolerances in the cont4ol arm mount locations. This would require adjustable (rear) arms to fix but it's not out by enough that you'll ever notice or have any problems. I drove my first TJ for 2 years with twice that and never knew until I finally had an alignment done.

33”

 

[JeepGirl1013]

So , how much better does it drive now ?

I thought it drive much better when I did my alignment. And now it’s amazing! lol

 

[freedom_in_4low]

33”

ok, wouldn't worry about the caster too much then. Looks good to go.