Alignment Education

[moab_cj5]

I took my Jeep in to get the alignment checked to see if that is why every rock in the road caused a lane change, and they told me the castor was out 5 degrees. I am not an alignment specialist by any stretch of the imagination. Is 5 degrees excessive? Should I notice much better handling now that it is corrected? I haven't picked the Jeep up yet, but I am optomistic that my bump steer is resolved.

Thoughts from more experienced folks than me?

 

[TJDukit]

What are the build specs for your rig? Axles, tires, suspension and steering upgrades? Knowing that info will help answer your questions

 

[Gravy]

5-7* is common for lifted Jeeps and it's set like that to combat death wobble.

It is less castor than stock, so it won't have as much return to center as stock: which will make it will feel more twitchy, but aligning it won't fix bump steer.

Bump steer is a function of feedback from the suspension and steering not being in sync.

Generally on a Jeep it means your trackbar and draglink length and angle are dissimilar.

Now your issue could be that it's aligned toe out which will cause it to wander (different than twitchy).

Without knowing your exact setup it's hard to steer you in a clear direction but this should give you a starting point.

 

[moab_cj5]

I have the 5" fabtech Crawler lift, with their coilover conversion on the front and their dual steering stabilizer kit. I have 37x13.50r18 Toyo open country tires. It has the stock dana 44’s with the teraflex sleeve and gusset kit on the front. Everything was already installed when I bought the Jeep except the sleeve and gusset kit that I had installed by Fat Bobs in Layton. I am not sure if the trackbar is aftermarket or stock, but it is adjustable. Looking at the fabtech installation instructions online, the kit includes a new trackbar bracket, and it certainly appears it was installed on my Jeep. I am also not sure if the drag link and tie rod are stock or aftermarket. I haven’t looked at too many stock JK’s to compare yet.

I am picking it up from Fat Bobs at 5:30 tonight. Hopefully I can tell a difference for the better.

Here is a crappy cell phone pic I took last month when I bought the Jeep, and one when I rotated the tires.

 

[Gravy]

Everything looks to be in decent shape from your pictures.
Well put together and well thought out. I'm sure you got a great deal even if stuff is worn out. That is a VERY expensive kit.. and so is the labor to install it.

But pictures don't tell you if ball joints, tre's, control arm bushings, trackbar bushings, trackbar relocation brackets, steering box/ and mount are loose, worn or bolt holes wobbled out.

There are so many other factors that could cause your issues, but make sure you're realistic with your handling expectations:
1.) That is a HEAVY wheel and tire combo for a street driven rig. Big heavy wheels and tires wear stuff out faster.
2.) It has dual steering stabilizers, Multiple steering stabilizers are often used to calm/ mask poor handling.
3.) All these factors can contribute to handling quirks.

If I were doing the Alignment and ball parked it that's about where I'd set the castor (5-7*) I'd check all the wear items and go from there.

 

[TurboMinivan]

Without knowing your exact setup it's hard to steer you in a clear direction but this should give you a starting point.

 

[sixstringsteve]

 

[moab_cj5]

Thanks for the help! A good deal is realitive... I hope it was a good deal at any rate.

The Jeep has just over 13k miles, really low for a 2010. When they did my gusset install, they said they removed the ball joints to do the welding, and the ball joints were in good shape. They also said the trackbar was good and tight. The castor was the only thing they said was out. They said it was out 5 degrees, but i don't know if that means it was at 10 degrees and they set it to 5, or it was at 5 and they set it to zero. When I pick it up, I will get the details.

This has been the worst handling Jeep I have owned, but it is also the only one I have had with 37's and coilovers. I have had 1 CJ5, 3 CJ7's, a XJ, and a LJ. The LJ had 4 or 5 inches of lift and 35's, but it drove well. On it, I was the one that upgraded the steering and trackbar though, so I was a lot more familiar with the setup and modifications.

I am not a fan of the dual setup on the stabilizer, and am saving for a hydro assist, but that will only mask issues too and create more potential for breaking. All part of the fun.

After I pick it up tonight and have more info from the shop, I will let you know if there is anything additional I need help running down.

I miss my 84 CJ7 right about now... Too bad I couldn't fit 5 seats in it.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Good luck, I hate chasing down suspension/handling issues. I hope your alignment fixed it.

 

[flexyfool]

I followed a guy in a JK down to Moab. He had a 6" lift, 37s, and stock steering. 9 hour trip. Stopped only for gas. Never dropped below 65 MPH, and there was some serious side wind between Price and I-70. My '06 diesel tow rig had trouble keeping up with him on the 2 lanes, so I'd say your rig has the potential to handle very well, and its just worn out linkages or bad alignment.

 

[moab_cj5]

Just got home from picking it up. On the short drive home from Layton to Kaysville, I could tell a very noticeable improvement! I am relieved. In speaking with the tech, he said they usually set them around 2 degrees and mine was out at least 7 degrees. They have it set between 1 and 2. It tracks a lot better (not on rails by any means, but better). I will know more tomorrow after heading to the Uintahs. Thanks for the help and advice. If I have more issues, I will start looking at worn out linkage and ends on all parts.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Just got home from picking it up. On the short drive home from Layton to Kaysville, I could tell a very noticeable improvement! I am relieved. In speaking with the tech, he said they usually set them around 2 degrees and mine was out at least 7 degrees. They have it set between 1 and 2. It tracks a lot better (not on rails by any means, but better). I will know more tomorrow after heading to the Uintahs. Thanks for the help and advice. If I have more issues, I will start looking at worn out linkage and ends on all parts.

Are you heading up to go fishing? We were up Murdock Basin last weekend and the brookies were hitting like crazy.

 

[moab_cj5]

Yup. Heading to Browne lake in the morning. I hope to catch lots of fish for some good meals.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Yup. Heading to Browne lake in the morning. I hope to catch lots of fish for some good meals.

That's a bit of a drive, is that right on the border?

 

[skippy]

one thing that made my Jeep handle a ton better is the drag link flip kit from teraflex it really tightened up the front end, My JK drives like a dream I really couldnt ask for any better handling

 

[Bart]

Sounds like a nice rig and you got some good advice here. I'm not sure what it is about JKs but I've heard more steering issues with them than other Jeep models. Hope it's all fixed for you.

 

[TJDukit]

I'll second what Skippy said about the high steer, with 5" of lift you should seriously consider it and it will greatly improve the handling.

 

[skippy]

The tera drag link flip also connects the frame side track bar mount to the passenger frame rail making the whole front end of the Jeep alot more rigid in turn making the steering feel tighter as a result

 

[moab_cj5]

That's a bit of a drive, is that right on the border?

It is close to Manila, so real close to the border. A fun spot for sure. In 2 days I caught 5 fish between rain storms. My son caught 8. It was fun for sure.
After 400 miles, the Jeep certainly handles better now. The is still room for improvement, so I will take a look at the kit mentioned by a couple of you.
Thanks again for the help!