Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

<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).
>


No problem.

You need a helper and a tape measure. The tollerance is 3/64s (or just under
1/8th inch), so you have to be as precise as possible.

Set the wheels straight ahead, then identify two positions as near as
possible/practical to 3:00 and 9:00 on the tires, and make your measurements
from the same place each time. Locate the mold mark that runs around the
tires pretty much in the center of the tread, and measure from the 3 and 9
o'clock positions, and adjust the tie rod so the measurements are the same.

Since the tolerance is so tight, you can not measure from the tire lugs or
shoulders because the tire can be a bit different on the rim and affect the
measurement. The mold mark on the tire should be the most-true measurement
you can make.

I adjusted the alignment on my CJ5 using this meathod, and it worked out
well.








> 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?
 

<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).
>


No problem.

You need a helper and a tape measure. The tollerance is 3/64s (or just under
1/8th inch), so you have to be as precise as possible.

Set the wheels straight ahead, then identify two positions as near as
possible/practical to 3:00 and 9:00 on the tires, and make your measurements
from the same place each time. Locate the mold mark that runs around the
tires pretty much in the center of the tread, and measure from the 3 and 9
o'clock positions, and adjust the tie rod so the measurements are the same.

Since the tolerance is so tight, you can not measure from the tire lugs or
shoulders because the tire can be a bit different on the rim and affect the
measurement. The mold mark on the tire should be the most-true measurement
you can make.

I adjusted the alignment on my CJ5 using this meathod, and it worked out
well.








> 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?
 

<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).
>


No problem.

You need a helper and a tape measure. The tollerance is 3/64s (or just under
1/8th inch), so you have to be as precise as possible.

Set the wheels straight ahead, then identify two positions as near as
possible/practical to 3:00 and 9:00 on the tires, and make your measurements
from the same place each time. Locate the mold mark that runs around the
tires pretty much in the center of the tread, and measure from the 3 and 9
o'clock positions, and adjust the tie rod so the measurements are the same.

Since the tolerance is so tight, you can not measure from the tire lugs or
shoulders because the tire can be a bit different on the rim and affect the
measurement. The mold mark on the tire should be the most-true measurement
you can make.

I adjusted the alignment on my CJ5 using this meathod, and it worked out
well.








> 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?
 

"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
>



I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on them
from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as needed.



> <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?
 

"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
>



I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on them
from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as needed.



> <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?
 

"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
>



I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on them
from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as needed.



> <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?
 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Y_WdnSgAI8E78K_YnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@ez2.net...
>
> "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
>>
>
>
>
> I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on
> them from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as
> needed.
>
>

Jeff, I think you misunderstood the method a little bit. Jacking up the
vehicle is merely to mark the tire. You're right, it isn't necessary to use
the marking method. You can use the tire seam. We normally marked the tires
for the stock cars because the tire seam didn't last long on racing tires
because they were so soft. Either method will work just fine though.

Chris

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Y_WdnSgAI8E78K_YnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@ez2.net...
>
> "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
>>
>
>
>
> I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on
> them from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as
> needed.
>
>

Jeff, I think you misunderstood the method a little bit. Jacking up the
vehicle is merely to mark the tire. You're right, it isn't necessary to use
the marking method. You can use the tire seam. We normally marked the tires
for the stock cars because the tire seam didn't last long on racing tires
because they were so soft. Either method will work just fine though.

Chris

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Y_WdnSgAI8E78K_YnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@ez2.net...
>
> "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
>>
>
>
>
> I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on
> them from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as
> needed.
>
>

Jeff, I think you misunderstood the method a little bit. Jacking up the
vehicle is merely to mark the tire. You're right, it isn't necessary to use
the marking method. You can use the tire seam. We normally marked the tires
for the stock cars because the tire seam didn't last long on racing tires
because they were so soft. Either method will work just fine though.

Chris

Re: CJ7 - ballpark alignment - DIY?
 

On Sun, 15 Oct 2006 22:18:58 UTC "c" <c@me.org> wrote:

>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:Y_WdnSgAI8E78K_YnZ2dnUVZ_tudnZ2d@ez2.net...
> >
> > "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
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > I like your method, except the jacking up part. The tires have seams on
> > them from the tire mold machine, I measure from the seam and adjust as
> > needed.
> >
> >
>
> Jeff, I think you misunderstood the method a little bit. Jacking up the
> vehicle is merely to mark the tire. You're right, it isn't necessary to use
> the marking method. You can use the tire seam. We normally marked the tires
> for the stock cars because the tire seam didn't last long on racing tires
> because they were so soft. Either method will work just fine though.

I think the marking method is the best way - I don' even trust the
mold flash that much. I may be a tad paranoid (some call it ---- <g>)
but I go one step further simply because of possible warped wheels: I
use a piece of tape on the tire to get an easy to see mark and measure
between tow points at either the front or the rear of the wheel. I
mark the point where I measured then rotate the tires as close to 180
degrees as I can and still get a straight-line measurement. I then
measure the same points on the other side of the rotation. May be
more effort, but it removes any doubt about the accuracy of the
measurement. As for how it works out, I managed to cut two tires (in
a parking lot, of all places!) and got a 50% treadwear adjustment on
the BFG AT KOs with right at 50k miles on them.

--
Will Honea