M35A2
TJ Enthusiast
I just used two 4' carpenter levels clamped to the hubs and marked at the proper distance to simulate the tire diameter.
How to align your Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Thread starter Jerry Bransford
- Start date
Kenneth G Zinis
TJ Enthusiast
I screwed down lugs to secure rotors then clamped straight edge to each rotor to align
M35A2
TJ Enthusiast
Yep, that. Just put the lug nuts on. May have to use a few washers if they bottom out.
M35A2
TJ Enthusiast
But I actually took the rotors off and clamped directly to the hubs.
Just did this, too. I think that aluminum square tube is probably better than the steel material I was using. Seems like the aluminum has sharper edges vs the steel is more rounded.
Glad I found this thread. Was looking for a shop near me to get mine set. But after reading this thread on doing it yourself. Went to the basement, picked up the 3/4" sq tubing 4ft long. found the center then size of tires. Marked all this, then clamped it to pair of extra wheels I have. Got 2 tapes, found mine was set at 1/2". After the second check I had it at 1/16th".
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
After an hour ride. All I can say is WOW, drives so much better now. Before it was not bad at all. Now turn the wheel loose and it does not move.
Again Thanks for the info on how to get this done at home. Also nice riding around with the doors off. Enjoying the 70 degree evening.
Pete
Again Thanks for the info on how to get this done at home. Also nice riding around with the doors off. Enjoying the 70 degree evening.
Pete
Thanks for this thread! What an easy job. Putting tape on the steering wheel so you can see it from the front of the car is a great time saver for straightening the steering wheel.
I used a short cut on setting the steering wheel. Just used one of my spring clamps on the center of the wheel. No tape and easy to see.
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Carve
TJ Enthusiast
No need to make special marks for different tire size- the angle will be the same, and a longer bar will make the precision of the measurement less critical. Since the precision is less critical, we can measure from the tires rather than the rotors and still get a "close enough" result. We're measuring on the order of 1/4" rather than in sixteenths of an inch.
Just go to Harbor Freight and get two aluminum 4' levels for $14 each. Don't use plastic/composite- too much flex. Inflate tires to identical pressure, and bungee cord the levels to the front wheels. Get them low enough to the ground so the tape can get to the other side unimpeded. Make sure they're the same height off the ground...doesn't have to be perfect...within 1/2" of each other shouldn't make much difference. Put the bubbles even with the hubs and make sure they're level. Adjust until the front of the levels are 1/4" closer together than the rear. Putting a piece of cardboard under the tires will make the adjuster easier to turn.
1/4" isn't a WAG number- here's the math....
.15* toe angle times two tires = .3* combined toe-in angle
Sin(.3) = .00523
.00523 * 48" = 1/4"
Just go to Harbor Freight and get two aluminum 4' levels for $14 each. Don't use plastic/composite- too much flex. Inflate tires to identical pressure, and bungee cord the levels to the front wheels. Get them low enough to the ground so the tape can get to the other side unimpeded. Make sure they're the same height off the ground...doesn't have to be perfect...within 1/2" of each other shouldn't make much difference. Put the bubbles even with the hubs and make sure they're level. Adjust until the front of the levels are 1/4" closer together than the rear. Putting a piece of cardboard under the tires will make the adjuster easier to turn.
1/4" isn't a WAG number- here's the math....
.15* toe angle times two tires = .3* combined toe-in angle
Sin(.3) = .00523
.00523 * 48" = 1/4"
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It seems that irregularities in the side wall might come into play here? The point is to make sure the straight edge plane is parallel to your hub/ rotor surface?
Carve
TJ Enthusiast
Can anyone explain to a complete beginner what is the importance of toe?
What do we accomplish by having the correct toe in?
What will happen if we have toe out? or too much toe in? or maybe ZERO toe?
What do we accomplish by having the correct toe in?
What will happen if we have toe out? or too much toe in? or maybe ZERO toe?
Since the TJ is rear wheel drive it pushes the front axle, and due to friction of the front tires on the road the wheels slightly straighten out.
If you weren’t toe’ed in (or toed out) the force would change the angle to where they’re pointed slightly more outward.
Conversely in a FWD car they typically toe out, since they pull the vehicle the force pulls them more centered.
So, what would be the result if I have more Toe in ?
Let's say for example, 3/4" instead of 1/8".
What would it feel like? What would the disadvantages be?
You could be the first! Test it for us
Excessive tire wear, poor steering, probably unsafe overall.