Alignment question

[01XJ]

I just had a alignment done on my XJ i was going to change out my control arms before i had it done but figured i would hold off and just use the stock ones but now im wishing i would have just changed them out. So my question is if i change out the upper and lowers now will i have to redo the alignment? Uppers are just going to be replaced with stock and lowers im just going to find a good set of aftermarket none adjustable ones and im hoping i dont have to redo the alignment thats less than 2 weeks old.

 

[krany]

if you put in new adjustable control arms you probably will have to get the alignment redone. but this is just an idea, if you take your current ones and match EACH SIDE i.e new left to old left, old right to new right. and make sure they are the same length you may not have to re align.

 

[DOSS]

where did you have the alignment done.. most places have a 90 warranty on the alignment.. just put them on and then complain about a pull or something so they hook it back up to the machine and fix it.. don't tell them about your component change though.. but I would get it realigned if it were me

 

[74highboy]

its not going to change your alignment i have done the same swap before its going to only change the caster if its lifted you want the lowers to be longer to put the caster closer to spec the only other way to change it is to cut and rotate the c's

 

[outlaw_offroad]

its not going to change your alignment i have done the same swap before its going to only change the caster if its lifted you want the lowers to be longer to put the caster closer to spec the only other way to change it is to cut and rotate the c's

When you get an XJ aligned, they are usually adjusting toe-in (the tie rod) and the drag link length for proper centering of the steering wheel/pitman arm. Caster/camber is adjusted through adjustable control arms or shimming behind the misalignment spacer at the lower control arm-body mount. Changing your control arms will not change the toe-in or pitman arm position. As stated before, it only changes caster/camber. If you are worried about changing the caster/camber angle, simply drop a plumb bob from a fixed point on the axle and mark this location on the floor. When installing new arms, you can then adjust your arm length or shimming to achieve a better caster/camber angle.

I have found that most alignment shops will not adjust the caster/camber on a XJ as part of the normal alignment. They usually tell you that it is non-adjustable and one of many consequences of adding a lift kit. I have found that it really isn't that hard to do yourself. Just make small adjustments and take it for a spin. Then stand back 15 ft or so and take a look at the angle of the tires. Adjust and repeat if neaded. Good luck!