Questions about checking toe-in after lift install

[Schu2787]

So..just about done with front half of lift install (2002 Tj Sport, 2 ½" lift, Bilstein shocks). I will post sep thread on that, had to make some concessions to budget but, another story. I bolted it all back together and checked toe. First time, I used 36" of ¼ steel tube and marked at 32", clamped to break rotor and got 56 11/16". Then did rear and got 57 ⅞". So that resulted in a total toe "in" of 1 3/16". Almost fell over. Said "no friggin way, I must have done it wrong". Also took for ride and the thing handles like crap. Vague, crappy steering, etc. But I thought that was trackbar, etc. Did it a couple times, same result. So then I tried other method mentioned here. Use wood screw in tire tread and rotate 180 degreees for rear vs front. This time, front was 64 ⅞" and rear was 66". So again, a total toe of 1 ⅛"! This actually gave me some comfort as it means I wasnt totally out to lunch on the first try. I bought the Jeep with a blow motor so I dont know how it drove before. I did take for test run after the motor install and it drove like crap then too. Question is, does this make sense to you guys? I am about to start setting up to correct the toe and wanted an idiot check before hand. Could it really be off by over an inch?? Again, you guys are the best. This forum is a treasure chest of great info and experiences. Thank you all!!!

 

[bluescapegoat]

If you haven't adjusted it yet and you've got a huge amount of toe in after lift, that sounds right. You increased the hypotenuse from the steering box to the right wheel, pulling in the tie rod to the left wheel. You effectively shortened the distance between the front of the knuckles.

Lengthen your tie rod

 

[Schu2787]

Ok. Just checking to see if it made sense. Not off my rocker.

 

[Goatman]

Might be off your rocker, it sounds like you are measuring right. Use the bar clamped to the rotor method. If you use two tape measure (1 front, 1 back) it is easy to get it right. Aim for 1/8" to 1/16".
First be sure you have the steering wheel centered perfectly before final toe adjustment. It may change a bit as you get the wheels tracking together.

 

[jjvw]

Look closely at your steering and imagine what happens when the frame is moved away from the axle.

 

[Schu2787]

Actually just finished aligning it. I ended up replace the tie rod adj sleeve. It was frozen. After that it was 2 ⅛” out. Ouch. But a couple turns and dialed it in. It’s now 1/16-⅛” total toe in. I have to replace the track bar after the lift (won’t be here for a while) so I’ll do the square tune method again when do that. Steering wheel is pretty close to straight but I’ll finalize that then too. Can’t say enough what an amazing resource you all have been. Thanks again.