Pretty sure I know the answer to this, but.... I have a new drag link and track bar, as well as a stock pitman arm to put on. If I leave my wheels/tires on, and my Jeep under weight, do I need to realign it when I’m done?
Do I Need to Realign after Replacing my Track Bar & Drag Link?
- Thread starter Breto31
- Start date
You will need to check at a minimum a few measurements.
First is to check that the axle is centered at ride height. Different lengths of track bar will create different center positions. If your new track bar is not adjustable, just check that the off-center is not excessive.
Second is to check total toe in. Assuming you’re replacing the drag link entirely from pitman arm to knuckle, this needs to be checked and potentially adjusted, because variations in the lower part may alter toe.
Third is to check steering wheel center. Variations in drag link and track bar length will change this.
Caster, camber, and kingpin axis inclination are not affected and do not need to be checked because of the new parts. Caster is primarily altered by control arms. Camber and kingpin axis inclination are fixed, and if these are off, chances are you bent an axle or an inner C, or have bad or incorrectly selected ball joints.
Fortunately, all three of the needed measurements and adjustments can be done at home.
First is to check that the axle is centered at ride height. Different lengths of track bar will create different center positions. If your new track bar is not adjustable, just check that the off-center is not excessive.
Second is to check total toe in. Assuming you’re replacing the drag link entirely from pitman arm to knuckle, this needs to be checked and potentially adjusted, because variations in the lower part may alter toe.
Third is to check steering wheel center. Variations in drag link and track bar length will change this.
Caster, camber, and kingpin axis inclination are not affected and do not need to be checked because of the new parts. Caster is primarily altered by control arms. Camber and kingpin axis inclination are fixed, and if these are off, chances are you bent an axle or an inner C, or have bad or incorrectly selected ball joints.
Fortunately, all three of the needed measurements and adjustments can be done at home.
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