Post Lift Alignment Question

[Vranes17]

After the lift, will I be able to align the wheels into the factory specifications for toe, camber, and caster? Do our Jeeps have a front and rear camber adjustment? Caster shouldn't change, but I am most worried about the toe adjustments because I don't want to prematurely wear my tires.

 

[Atrus]

FWIW

I have 926's and a 3/8" top plate on mine with stock UCA's. Just had it aligned today.

Caster and Toe had no issue. Camber, I am right on the spec and they couldn't get it in any closer - I think the low end was -.8*, and I am right there.

If I had JBA or Rusty's UCA's, I'd assume that I would have been fine.

 

[tjkj2002]

You will need multiple alignments(2-3) as the lift settles over at least a year,and it's good to get the alignment set once a year anyways.

The front Toe,Camber,and Caster all are adjustable but after a lift install don't freak out when they say they can not get Caster back into spec,this is normal and will not effect tire wear at all just make sure it's at least close to spec and even side to side.Camber and Toe are the important ones for tire wear.The rear of the KJ is non-adjustable,if anything is out you have bent parts back there.

Oh and be aware if you live in a place that uses salt in the winter and never had the alignment done(or not regularly) the front LCA cam bolts could be seized and may break.Just be aware of that and is a added cost to you and they are not cheap.Same goes for the tie rod ends also.

 

[2003renegade]

one of those bolts will run you 46 bucks at the dealer.. i know from experience.. ;(

 

[tommudd]

and most dealers only stock ONE if that so be prepared. I broke one while swapping out a busted front diff on jerbachers and Thankfully the local dealer had ...yes ONE!!!

 

[Porkchop]

Mine has also been lifted almost a year. Had mine done again Saturday ( only 40 min) good way to end the winter and start the summer. keep the tire rotation up it will also help with tire wear for longer milelage. I will take it back this fall.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

Just FYI, caster DOES change. The Jeep sits naturally ****-high, and if you level it out while lifting, it will have more caster than what you started with.

Is this a problem?
No.

You should be able to get camber in spec, but don't bank on caster and camber both. As long as you have a good split in caster and camber, and your toe is properly set, you won't have any tire wear issues or drivability concerns.

Like Troy said, your springs will settle, and you'll need several alignments over the first year-ish. This happens with all vehicles when you install new suspension components (specifically springs).

 

[Uncle Krusty]

Just had mine done post new lift (OME springs only). They were able to hit the camber and toe, but the caster was just under.

What's that mean?

Caster is what keeps the vehicle going straight (or returns it to straight) when you let go of the wheel.

I was told I probably wouldn't notice it until freeway speeds.

I assume what I would notice might be a bit of a "float" in the steering, but haven't yet.

 

[tjkj2002]

Just had mine done post new lift (OME springs only). They were able to hit the camber and toe, but the caster was just under.

What's that mean?

Caster is what keeps the vehicle going straight (or returns it to straight) when you let go of the wheel.

I was told I probably wouldn't notice it until freeway speeds.

I assume what I would notice might be a bit of a "float" in the steering, but haven't yet.

Camber will wear your tires,caster is the one that does not effect tire wear but can make it squirrely at higher speeds.