I'm going to ACE Engineering to get a few upgrades including a Rock Krawler 2.5" spring lift. Can I drive 4 hours home to get an alignment or should I get it done right away in Michigan?

 

Presuming it still has the stock control arms, all that's necessary is to adjust is the steering centering. And that's just adjusting the length of the rod from the steering gear to the tie rod so that the steering wheel is straight while driving on a level road.


Edit: They should be able to do this quickly before you leave, or you can search the forum for a diagram or write-up -- It's very simple.

 

When you get a chance, go up to the Write-Ups area. At the top is an index. In the steering section you will find a link to a DIY Alignment write-up. Notice that you won't be able to adjust Caster or Camber without adding components. Toe-In is adjustable, but probably won't be needed. Centering the steering wheel will definitely be needed, but the shop will take care of that before they let you drive away. (and if they don't, walk back inside and smack the tech upside his head, he should know better!)

And then when you get back, rather than automatically running out and paying for an alignment, find someplace that will do a free/cheap alignment 'check' and look at the numbers on the printout. Since they can't do anything with the caster or camber, you likely just saved yourself enough to buy something new for the JK.

 

You will def be fine driving home without an alinement. Then you can get it checked or done if you feel nessicary. Worst that would happen would be tire wearing bad, but that would happen over many many miles not a 4 hour trip home.

 

As mentioned, the shop doing the lift should recenter the steering wheel. It takes all of five minutes. And toe in should not change. If the shop is also including any adjustable control arms (usually front lower) or adjustable trackbars (usually front), these will also require adjustment. I would be surprised if a shop would install those, then not align them. One thing is for certain: A CAR alignment shop probably won't know how to properly align your Jeep. They will want to use factory specs, and a modified Jeep requires a few changes. They may also want to install camber bolts--a definite no-no on any Jeep driven off-road because they come loose to easily. On top of that, there's nothing that can't be done by a shadetree mechanic. Here are the procedures, for future reference (since I'll assume your shop will do a full, proper install and alignment) ...

wayalife.com/showthread.php?3861-Basic-Do-it-Yourself-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Front-End-Alignment

 

Thanks for some info, I put a spacer kit on and my steering wheel is crooked, I was about to go pay $130 for unlimited alignments for the year. I'll look into that write up.

 

Yeah def don't pay that! Lol only thing you can do is recenter the wheel. All it takes is 15 mm wrench I believe

 

Lol ok cool!

 

Hey, you see a yellow two door "Freak in a Jeep" running around the Clearwater beaches, tell Melanie that Mark in OKC says hi. ;-)


(She's changed her windshield banner from the one in the image).

 

Lol I don't know her, but I have seen her at the local Wal-Mart, and I chatted with her briefly on Facebook. She is on JK Freaks I think.

If I see her I'll let her know!