Couple of questions....

We installed the lift our selves in the drive way ( not 100% level ) the jeep drives quite nice but I think the front adjustable track bar could be better aligned to center the axle 100%.

1. Will an alignment shop adjust the track bar to center the axle 100% ?

2. what else should I make sure they do during an alignment ?

3. HERE IS THE BIG QUESTION ....... Can any one recommend an alignment shop is the Sam Mateo area that knows what they are doing with a vehicle after a fresh lift ?


Much Thanks,
Goblin.

 

Question 1: A GOOD (emphasis on the word good) can adjust the trackbar and recenter the axle if you have an adjustable trackbar installed. They may charge a little extra as this is not part of a normal alignment.

2: Do not let them use cam bolts. They will tell you your caster is out and that is why you have flighty steering (and its true, they are not lying) but you need to spend the money on adjustable lower front control arms before letting them do ireperable damage. If you like the way it steers now then dont worry about it.

 

Congrats firstly! You should be able to get your front track pretty close by measuring from the outside of the framerail on each side to the same point of your tire and see if there is much difference. You can then remove TB at frame end and lengthen/shorten while using ratchet strap or a friend to keep everything centered and re-install. An alignment shop would probably do it for you. I can't recommend any in San Mateo but I would suggest getting a lifetime alignment deal if you plan on keeping the jeep for more than a couple years. I know Firestone offers lifetime for about the price of 2 alignments(last time I checked) I raped them on that deal with my TJ when I had it for over 7 years. I must have had 5-6 alignments during that time.

Castor is one of the big specs to check for them to help with death wobble.




Edit, looks like I didn't type fast enough! Hehe

 

I don't mean to take away from alignment shops, but you would be wasting your money on something you can do yourself. After all you installed the lift yourself.
Center the wheels with the trackbar adjustment, then center your steering wheel.

As a starting point shorten the trackbar up all the way, install and see how the wheels are centered. It should be pretty close I would guess. Drive enough to know whether the steering wheel is centered, then adjust as needed with a 15mm wrench or socket. Done.

 

Got alignment yesterday and it actually rides worse than before. Pulls a bit to the right ( slight but constant) and a bit more vibration when I hit transitions or put holes in the road....joy I am taking it back tomorrow to see if they can correct, wish me luck

 

curious what lift you went with and what model jk do you have?