Alignment Question after Sport to Rubicon suspension swap

[Karlaeda]

Hi All,

Got a question I'm trying to sort out.

I had a Gladiator sport, ended up swapping out shocks and springs for that from a Rubicon. My understanding is that all other parts are the same.

Truck was driving straight afterwards and I did notice the steering wheel being a bit crooked to the left just prior to the alignment. Really didn't have any other complaints.

Took it in for an alignment this morning, it feels like it's pulling slightly to the left as well now. Camber on left front is out of spec at +0.9 and on front right is out of spec at -1.2. Toe, caster, SAI and everything else is within spec - Cross camber is +2.1 now.

I don't know how it was before...I don't believe that the shocks/springs would have had any effect on this since camber is non-adjustable, but I'm a bit puzzled. I am also a bit distrusting this particular shop right now after talking to some folks...they did a rotation for me just prior on a lift and didn't really drive the truck around for the alignment afterwards, not sure if it matters.

May be previous off-roading trips knocked camber off, not sure how that's even possible on a solid axle unless I bent it...

Would love to get any ideas.

Thanks!

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[Mac]

There are no adjustments other than toe, everything else is fixed. You can also adjust how centered the steering wheel is but that is more cosmetic and doesn’t effect the handling

 

[XraytecH]

Doesn't the off center steering wheel affect the ESC?

Anyways the only thing that can be adjusted with your set up is Toe and Steering Center. Could be the bushings and or ball joints?

 

[Mac]

Doesn't the off center steering wheel affect the ESC?

Anyways the only thing that can be adjusted with your set up is Toe and Steering Center. Could be the bushings and or ball joints?

True on the esc, but it has to be off quite a bit for that to be affected, usually with a rubicon suspension swap it only gains an inch or so in height and the wheel is barely off center.

 

[Karlaeda]

Thanks for those chimed in. I ended up going back to the shop, because it made absolutely no freaking sense.

Had them fix steering wheel and recheck alignment...all within the spec now.

Moral of the story - don't trust anybody.

 

[kevman65]

True on the esc, but it has to be off quite a bit for that to be affected, usually with a rubicon suspension swap it only gains an inch or so in height and the wheel is barely off center.

No, it doesn't. At less than 15 degrees off mine went into limp mode.

 

[Mac]

No, it doesn't. At less than 15 degrees off mine went into limp mode.

It doesn’t what? I installed 340 and 343 springs and a Daystar 1.5 spacer and the steering was only a little off drove fine before I adjusted the drag link.

 

[kevman65]

It doesn't have to be off quite a bit.

I'm sure you did with yours, but as I just stated, less than 15 degrees out, that's 4% off center, and mine went into limp mode.

 

[Sarge502]

I swapped to a Rubicon suspension a little while back adding only springs and shocks. Right afterwards my steering wheel was a little bit off as well I forget which way it was off but I ended up adjust and get myself.

With the help from this simple video:


I don’t physically see or feel any differences since adding my Rubicon suspension other than my steering wheel which I adjusted as I just mentioned but I was wondering since this topic is up…..

Should I have got an actual alignment? I have driven it about 400 miles since doing so and have no concerns.

 

[Karlaeda]

Everywhere I read and in discussions with jeep shops, the recommendation was to have an alignment afterwards.

However, I do know that suspension needs to settle in a bit.

 

[Mac]

Everywhere I read and in discussions with jeep shops, the recommendation was to have an alignment afterwards.

However, I do know that suspension needs to settle in a bit.

There is nothing to align it is a waste of money unless you have added adjustable control arms.

 

[Sarge502]

There is nothing to align it is a waste of money unless you have added adjustable control arms.

See that's what I've heard. Ive heard it both ways though. I literally just replaced springs and shocks only and added a leveling kit (forgot to mention that originally).

Since adjusting my steering wheel, I don't have issues but have wondered if I should just get an alignment anyways. I'm also considering wheel spacers eventually too so I may just do one then.

 

[Karlaeda]

Makes sense, thanks.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

See that's what I've heard. Ive heard it both ways though. I literally just replaced springs and shocks only and added a leveling kit (forgot to mention that originally).

Since adjusting my steering wheel, I don't have issues but have wondered if I should just get an alignment anyways. I'm also considering wheel spacers eventually too so I may just do one then.

The only thing that changes by lifting - which a spring swap and/or spacers does, is throwing the front axle slightly off-center. That's because the track bar swings in an arc so raising the truck off the axle makes the right end of the track bar swing down and move the axle a bit to the left.
That will throw the steering wheel off center. How much depends on the change in height.

Swapping springs, a lift, spacers, whatever, will not change any angles - it won't change caster or camber and it won't even change TOE.
It only changes the axle centering which changes the steering wheel centering.
In short - you can put the steering wheel back to center yourself (basic adjustment)

If any of these are off after a lift, they were off BEFORE the lift or spring swap -
camber
caster
toe
And camber and caster can't be adjusted or changed without changing parts.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

It doesn't have to be off quite a bit.

I'm sure you did with yours, but as I just stated, less than 15 degrees out, that's 4% off center, and mine went into limp mode.

I consider 12-15 degrees to be quite a bit. Maybe that's just me - but that's a fair amount of "off", IMO.

Your steering gear is running off center - even on an older car that much off could cause some steering abnormalities - pre stability control.

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