Axle swap, full suspension re-work, TT, & SYE: When to do an alignment?

[Logan97]

Hey guys,

As the title says, I'm currently working through a front and rear axle swap, full suspension rework, tummy tuck, and SYE kit with DC driveshafts. I've already knocked out the front end and am about halfway through the rear axle swap and suspension. I want to do a moderate tummy tuck (UCF extra clearance) and install a JB Conversions SYE kit with new DC driveshafts. I've done as good of a job as I can getting everything aligned as I go, but I don't trust my ability to do a great job with only a tape measure and a digital level, so I'd like to take it to a local shop for a full alignment. My question is: when is the best time to take it in for an alignment; before or after the TT & SYE?

Unless I'm overlooking something, it seems like I'm going to have to estimate one of two things:
1. I bring it in for an alignment before the TT and SYE and I'll have to estimate what the pinion angle will need to be, and tell them to match that angle even if it makes a sucky driveshaft angle right now with the stock shaft
2. I do the TT and SYE before I bring it in, but I have to estimate my new driveshaft lengths because I haven't done an accurate alignment yet and I don't know how it'll shift both axles

Not sure if this info is relevant, but maybe it is:
4" Currie suspension lift (with adjustable CA's)
1.25" body lift
1"MML
Currie HP44 front
Currie LP44 rear
Currently sitting on 33's but after the drivetrain is taken care of, I'm bumping up to 35's

 

[mudmaster]

I'd finish everything and then bring it in.

 

[macleanflood]

Depends on how much time between finishing the project and driving the Jeep.

If it's going to take a while to finish and it's your daily driver then I'd be busting out the tape measure.

-Mac

 

[97TJNM]

If it's not your daily driver, go ahead and do the tummy tuck and SYE, cycle your axles, set the pinion as best you can, and measure and order drive shafts from Tom Wood's. They will have them to you in 3 or 4 days. They really are that quick.

Then get the drive shafts in, fine tune your pinion angle, and do a tape measure alignment. It really is that simple. That's what I did when I lifted/regeared my TJ. No issues.

I've done alignments on my TJ and XJ. Never brought them to a shop for an alignment, and they can cruise at 75-80 with no issues, and I have no weird tire wear.

The TJ/XJ platform is stupid easy to align.

Oh, and welcome from a New Mexican formerly from Natchitoches!

 

[The4bangertj]

When I lived in Idaho just a few hours north of Tom woods I had a shaft to me in 2 days. Made it then shipped the next day. Absolutely amazing work too.
Doing an alignment is also super easy and have done them almost every 6 months bc of slight bends in the tierod from hitting it in the rocks. Takes me about an hour to set toe then center the wheel. Most of that time Is setting the axle on stands. I’d never pay a shop after knowing how to do it my self but if I was paying someone it would be the last thing I do.

 

[Logan97]

Thanks for the responses! It's not my daily, so I'm not pressed to get it done in a hurry. I'll read up on how to get the pinion angles and control arm lengths dialed in so I can get a good alignment. I knew it wasn't that hard to do at home, but I haven't tackled anything this extensive on my Jeep before, so it's more to get a second set of eyes on everything since there's not going to be much under the Jeep that's still stock.