There goes another one of my ideas... LOL
https://www.tmrcustoms.com/collections/tools/products/diy-toe-alignment-tool
https://www.tmrcustoms.com/collections/tools/products/diy-toe-alignment-tool
New alignment tool
- Thread starter Jeep 541X
- Start date
Nothing new here, they're just jumping in the market. QuickTrick is already on their 4th generation of at home alignment tools. I remember seeing their promotions in Hot Rod mag 5-10 years ago. That's the first name I remember offering these types of products/tools for DIY.
Easy to use DIY Wheel Alignment Kit by QuickTrick | Buy DIY Wheel Alignment Tools Online
QuickTrick offers the best home mechanic tool sets for DIY car alignment. We provide incredible DIY alignment kits – convenient and easy to use. Made in the USA
quicktrickalignment.com
OP
That’s neat. I’ve been out of the automotive scene for a couple of decades until the TJ came along two years ago.
Poly performance has them
https://www.polyperformance.com/synergy-steering-alignment-plates
Here’s the BleepinJeep version
https://bleepinjeep.com/product/bleepinjeep-alignment-tool/
https://www.polyperformance.com/synergy-steering-alignment-plates
Here’s the BleepinJeep version
https://bleepinjeep.com/product/bleepinjeep-alignment-tool/
Am I missing something? Looks like a 2” or larger piece of angle iron with holes drilled in it would do the same thing for way less money.
Yes, that will work. Need two, clamp them to your rotors. But they had better be perfectly straight, we're measuring to within about 1/32". It's surprising how much warp a brand new angle or square tube can have.
OP
I just know that at 75-80MPH, with 33x11.5 Nitto tires, my TJ was driving pretty darn comfortably after I did my 1st alignment job on it a couple of days ago. 😋
Length of tool also determines what measurements are needed (front & rear) to get the proper angle.
Yes, at 24" it's 1/8" difference, but I like 35.75" where 3/16" difference is correct.
Which is precisely why my alignment bars are 36" long with marked centers and two of the same brand and age tape measures that don't get used for anything else.
OK stupid question here.
What actually causes miss alignment to happen? Metal stretch, bolts shifting, bending components or just wear? I can see needing to do an alignment after doing work on the front end components.
What actually causes miss alignment to happen? Metal stretch, bolts shifting, bending components or just wear? I can see needing to do an alignment after doing work on the front end components.
rouxbicon
TJ Enthusiast
That question always intrigues me. I have long considered regular alignments to be one of the most over-rated maintenance practices out there. Yet many shops recommend them annually or some such. Seems to me that a typical vehicle should almost never need an alignment unless something is bent, broken, or excessively worn. Repair or part replacement should nearly always precede an alignment.
With a big caveat of course regarding deliberate changes to suspension and/or steering, such as lifting our TJs.
I bought these. I like that I can measure with tires on sitting on my garage floor.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/lng-79501
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/lng-79501
I am intrigued about using one of these tools (which seems easier than my 36" DIY scrap steel clamped to the rotors), especially the option where I can do it without pulling the wheels!
My only questions is if the toe-in should be different than the standard 1/16- 1/8", which I have been measuring at the tire diameter. These tools seem to all be about 24", so is the toe-in still 1/16- 1/8"?
My only questions is if the toe-in should be different than the standard 1/16- 1/8", which I have been measuring at the tire diameter. These tools seem to all be about 24", so is the toe-in still 1/16- 1/8"?
See post #10 above.
How are you going to use a 24" tool without removing the tires?
It can be done, but you need a set of 36" tools with accurate standoffs from the wheels. I haven't seen any for sale. Making your own would require some pretty good precision.
Some people lay their 36" square tube across the tires, but measuring against air-filled flexy rubber bladders with bumpy surfaces just seems nuts to me. Even measuring to a point on the tread can't be terribly accurate or repeatable.
Some people lay their 36" square tube across the tires, but measuring against air-filled flexy rubber bladders with bumpy surfaces just seems nuts to me. Even measuring to a point on the tread can't be terribly accurate or repeatable.
I agree, I will just keep doing what I have always done as outlined by Jerry's posts!