CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.

Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
20-20).

Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.

Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
and it's got power steering.

Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
front and rear and then adjust accordingly.

Thanks

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We did
it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough until you
get it to an alignment shop.

Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe a
line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is to
hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as the
fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way around the
tire. Do this on each side.

Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner of
the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the edge
of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and measure
the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front and back
of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe setting. A
larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.

Chris

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>
> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
> 20-20).
>
> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>
> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
> and it's got power steering.
>
> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>
> Thanks
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We did
it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough until you
get it to an alignment shop.

Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe a
line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is to
hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as the
fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way around the
tire. Do this on each side.

Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner of
the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the edge
of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and measure
the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front and back
of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe setting. A
larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.

Chris

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>
> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
> 20-20).
>
> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>
> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
> and it's got power steering.
>
> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>
> Thanks
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We did
it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough until you
get it to an alignment shop.

Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe a
line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is to
hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as the
fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way around the
tire. Do this on each side.

Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner of
the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the edge
of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and measure
the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front and back
of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe setting. A
larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.

Chris

<lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>
> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
> 20-20).
>
> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>
> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
> and it's got power steering.
>
> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>
> Thanks
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?


"c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>
> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe
> a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is
> to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as
> the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way
> around the tire. Do this on each side.
>
> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front
> and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe
> setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.
>
> Chris
>
> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>
>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>> 20-20).
>>
>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>
>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>> and it's got power steering.
>>
>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?


"c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>
> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe
> a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is
> to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as
> the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way
> around the tire. Do this on each side.
>
> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front
> and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe
> setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.
>
> Chris
>
> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>
>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>> 20-20).
>>
>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>
>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>> and it's got power steering.
>>
>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?


"c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>
> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to scribe
> a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do this is
> to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid, such as
> the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the way
> around the tire. Do this on each side.
>
> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the front
> and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your toe
> setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed out.
>
> Chris
>
> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>
>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>> 20-20).
>>
>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>
>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>> and it's got power steering.
>>
>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

Most vehicles will be between 0 and 1/8" toe in, and according to this,
yours falls in that category as well.

http://lists.off-road.com/pipermail/...ay/027708.html

Chris


"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:47be1$4529b043$422afc51$18548@FUSE.NET...
> What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?
>
>
> "c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
> news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
>> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
>> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>>
>> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to
>> scribe a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do
>> this is to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid,
>> such as the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the
>> way around the tire. Do this on each side.
>>
>> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
>> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
>> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
>> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
>> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the
>> front and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your
>> toe setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed
>> out.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
>> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>>
>>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>>> 20-20).
>>>
>>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>>
>>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>>> and it's got power steering.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

Most vehicles will be between 0 and 1/8" toe in, and according to this,
yours falls in that category as well.

http://lists.off-road.com/pipermail/...ay/027708.html

Chris


"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:47be1$4529b043$422afc51$18548@FUSE.NET...
> What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?
>
>
> "c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
> news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
>> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
>> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>>
>> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to
>> scribe a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do
>> this is to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid,
>> such as the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the
>> way around the tire. Do this on each side.
>>
>> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
>> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
>> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
>> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
>> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the
>> front and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your
>> toe setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed
>> out.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
>> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>>
>>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>>> 20-20).
>>>
>>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>>
>>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>>> and it's got power steering.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

Most vehicles will be between 0 and 1/8" toe in, and according to this,
yours falls in that category as well.

http://lists.off-road.com/pipermail/...ay/027708.html

Chris


"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
news:47be1$4529b043$422afc51$18548@FUSE.NET...
> What is the toe setting for a '96 XJ?
>
>
> "c" <c@me.org> wrote in message
> news:yQhWg.1645$IO2.1217@tornado.rdc-kc.rr.com...
>> If you're mainly worried about the toe adjustment, yes you can do it. We
>> did it all the time stock car racing, and you can get it close enough
>> until you get it to an alignment shop.
>>
>> Find a level surface. Jack up the front and use a piece of chalk to
>> scribe a line on the outside diameter of the tire. The easiest way to do
>> this is to hold the chalk with your hand braced against something solid,
>> such as the fender. Spin the tire slowly until the chalk line is all the
>> way around the tire. Do this on each side.
>>
>> Now let the vehicle down and settle the springs by pushing on each corner
>> of the bumpers a couple times. It will require 2 people to do the toe
>> measurement. Use carpenter squares, or something similar, and bring the
>> edge of the square up to the chalk line at the height of the spindle and
>> measure the distance between the squares. You have to do this on the
>> front and back of the tire. Subtract the 2 measurements and you have your
>> toe setting. A larger measurement in the front means the tires are toed
>> out.
>>
>> Chris
>>
>> <lynnhowlyn@aol.com> wrote in message
>> news:1160355627.297212.301490@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>>> Just installed a replacement steering gear box on my 83 CJ7 - and in
>>> doing so I couldn't get the tie rod end off the pitman arm, so I
>>> basically unscrewed it from the rest of the tie rod - then installed
>>> the pitman arm/tie rod end onto the replacement gearbox and screwed the
>>> tie rod end back onto the tie rod using the adjustment sleeve.
>>>
>>> Clearly the steering alignment is most likely NOT correct (yes - I
>>> should have measured a bit before I diassembled - but hindsite is
>>> 20-20).
>>>
>>> Due to some scheduling issues and my personal travel schedule, I can't
>>> get into my friendly neighborhood alignment shop in the near term
>>> future, but am planning an off-rod weekend event in a couple weeks.
>>> I'll be trailering the CJ to the event - but would like to get the
>>> steering alignment into the "ballpark" if possible before the event.
>>>
>>> Running 33 inch tires, 2 1/2 in spring lift, 1/2 inch "shackle lift"
>>> and it's got power steering.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions, links to a "do-it-myself" page for DIY steering
>>> alignment? Seems like there's a way to measure across the tire treat
>>> front and rear and then adjust accordingly.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>
>>
>
>