Do I need an alignment?
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
From my recent reading. "Tow" can still greatly affect tire ware. I'm still not totally convinced that I can trust a $15 tape measure to protect my $1000 tires. The folowing is a quote from "Wiki". Does anybody know if any of these angles apply to our rigs?
Wiki
Secondary angles
The secondary angles include numerous other adjustments, such as:
SAI (left & right)
Included angle (left & right)
Toe out on turns (left & right)
Maximum Turns (left & right)
Toe curve change (left & right)
Track width difference
Wheelbase difference
Front ride height (left & right)
Rear ride height (left & right)
Frame angle
Setback (front & rear) is often referred as a wheel alignment angle. However setback simply exists because of the measuring system and does not have any specification from car manufacturers.
Secondary angles
The secondary angles include numerous other adjustments, such as:
SAI (left & right)
Included angle (left & right)
Toe out on turns (left & right)
Maximum Turns (left & right)
Toe curve change (left & right)
Track width difference
Wheelbase difference
Front ride height (left & right)
Rear ride height (left & right)
Frame angle
Setback (front & rear) is often referred as a wheel alignment angle. However setback simply exists because of the measuring system and does not have any specification from car manufacturers.
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 8
From: Cabot, Ar.
You will probably get charged for the more expensive alignement anyway. Like I mentioned before. A $15 tape measure isn't going to be as accurate as the alignement machine. When the alignment technician spots the adjustment out of spec, he will probably advise you of the situation. And tell you the higher price alignment is required.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, Ohio
Guys I appreciate all of the replies. My background is technical not mechanical so I think I will take it in and have it checked. Cost isn't really a factor since I can get the unlimited three year alignment package from Tire Discounters for $125.00. I have been told that The tire Discounters in my area has a performance center that can recenter axels and adjust camber and this is included in the unlimited package. I will confirm and reply back if anyone is interested.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 11,054
Likes: 85
From: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Originally Posted by nthinuf
That write-up is a good place to start.
Unless you swap to adjustable trackbars and adjustable control arms and adjustable balljoints, the only things an alignment shop will be able to do is re-center the steering wheel and check the toe-in/out. They can NOT adjust the caster. And they can NOT adjust the camber and they can NOT center the axles.
Use the write-up and check the toe and centering yourself before you throw away $80, or whatever your shop charges.
Unless you swap to adjustable trackbars and adjustable control arms and adjustable balljoints, the only things an alignment shop will be able to do is re-center the steering wheel and check the toe-in/out. They can NOT adjust the caster. And they can NOT adjust the camber and they can NOT center the axles.
Use the write-up and check the toe and centering yourself before you throw away $80, or whatever your shop charges.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 425
Likes: 2
From: NEPA
An alignment shop can adjust camber and caster. There are aftermarket ball joints that will allow caster and camber adjustments.....there are adjustable cam bolts also. Can't is a very strong wotd..What they cant do is make simple adjustments...
Raybestos ball joints 6154000 thru 6154004 all have different degrees of camber change built in...
Raybestos ball joints 6154000 thru 6154004 all have different degrees of camber change built in...
Last edited by OverlandJKU; Jan 14, 2012 at 08:19 AM.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 425
Likes: 2
From: NEPA
Originally Posted by nthinuf
They adjusted the Toe setting. They couldn't adjust the caster or camber.
How do they adjust caster and camber with 'stock' components? They don't!!
Your new ball joints to adjust camber are a $600 'fix'. Your cams are cheap, but have some drawbacks that people need to be aware of before installing. And new arms to adjust the caster will be several hundred dollars.
As noted in the OP's printouts, his caster was low before he paid for the alignment, and it was low after he paid for the alignment. The camber numbers are also the same before and after. Why? Because they can't adjust caster or camber with stock components...
Last edited by OverlandJKU; Jan 14, 2012 at 12:24 PM.