24 Mohave needs a Yearly Alignment?

[Warandpeace]

I had to take my gladiator into the dealer the other day to have the batteries replaced as I was getting one of those warnings when I started it saying that my auxiliary switches weren't working because the battery needed to charge. I also had them do the emergency brake as there was slack in it and I figured what the hell since they were there and it was on their dime. While I was there, they asked me if I wanted to get an alignment cuz I had it for more than a year. I Googled it and Google says that you should get one every year, but I have a feeling those are searching info put out by the dealers. I'll ask you guys, do I need an alignment every year? It's 130 bucks out of pocket which is a small price to pay for having a Jeep like this, but if I don't have to pay it I don't want to. Thanks in advance.... M

Sponsored

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

I recently had to get my 24 JTM realigned. The steering was off by enough to cause my truck to light up like a Christmas tree. No emergency braking, no cruise control; everything was shot. I went in and the dealership charged me nearly 200 for the alignment, claiming it was normal wear and tear. I had not done any SERIOUS wheeling since before the winter started, just road and town driving.

That was also when I found out that, at least in Anchorage, Costco only charges something like $28-30 bucks for a 4x4 alignment.

Shop around for a reputable place other than the dealership to do the alignment. Because if they are claiming (and get it on paper that they are claiming that) that the alignment isn't covered under warranty, then you can get it done wherever you like.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I would not.

There is almost nothing to align on a stock Jeep Gladiator.

You can't set the caster without adjustable arms or cam bolts.

You can't set the camber without some really funky aftermarket ball joints.

So that leaves you with toe, which isn't going to change unless you bend the tie rod or wear out a tie rod end really badly, or re-centering the steering wheel which should not change unless you lift the front end, and you can re-center the steering wheel in your driveway with basic hand tools.

I'd balance the tires on occasion as I have seen improvements as rubber wears down over time getting the balance re-done. But I wouldn't spend a dollar on an alignment unless front end work was performed or you are noticing some sort of issue.

 

[gonemad]

I would not.

There is almost nothing to align on a stock Jeep Gladiator.

You can't set the caster without adjustable arms or cam bolts.

You can't set the camber without some really funky aftermarket ball joints.

So that leaves you with toe, which isn't going to change unless you bend the tie rod or wear out a tie rod end really badly, or re-centering the steering wheel which should not change unless you lift the front end, and you can re-center the steering wheel in your driveway with basic hand tools.

I'd balance the tires on occasion as I have seen improvements as rubber wears down over time getting the balance re-done. But I wouldn't spend a dollar on an alignment unless front end work was performed or you are noticing some sort of issue.

Thanks for this info. I did install the longer (by 1/4”) Mopar LCA’s that have been recommended here to improve caster. Would there be any reason to realign after that? I’m thinking not.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Thanks for this info. I did install the longer (by 1/4”) Mopar LCA’s that have been recommended here to improve caster. Would there be any reason to realign after that? I’m thinking not.

I have the same arms waiting to install (uh for three years now but whatever...) and I don't plan to align. Can't adjust the caster anyway and it's not going to affect toe (maybe on a molecular level).

Added a leveling kit three years ago, no alignment.

Replaced the drag link a couple months ago, no alignment.

Both of those just adjust the steering wheel until its straight (by turning the adjuster on the drag link).

Truck drives arrow straight, doesn't pull, tires wear fine.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Firestone offers a Lifetime alignment service. Pay a little extra now and you get to do an alignment annually for as long as you own that vehicle. The catch is that it's tied to the VIN, so once you trade or sell, the free alignments go away

 

[sharpsicle]

You don't need an alignment unless something has changed or worn out. But it never hurts to get it checked when you're in for service.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Im of the opinion that it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out. I like someone who is an actual professional to get their hands on the Jeep every now and again just to see if I missed anything. Im not a professional. I know enough to figure out how to get it home. I maintenance and do what upgrades I believe I can handle, but having a professional set of eyes and hands on things gives me peace of mind.

 

[Gvsukids]

I'll ask you guys, do I need an alignment every year?

Firestone offers a Lifetime alignment service. Pay a little extra now and you get to do an alignment annually for as long as you own that vehicle. The catch is that it's tied to the VIN, so once you trade or sell, the free alignments go away

Belle Tire does a one year alignment warranty, but I'll have to check out Firestone.

 

[ArcticDreadnought]

And guess which servicer doesnt have a single shop in Alaska? If you guessed Firestone, you are correct! Have a cookie.

 

[Stan H]

I have the same arms waiting to install (uh for three years now but whatever...) and I don't plan to align. Can't adjust the caster anyway and it's not going to affect toe (maybe on a molecular level).

Added a leveling kit three years ago, no alignment.

Replaced the drag link a couple months ago, no alignment.

Both of those just adjust the steering wheel until its straight (by turning the adjuster on the drag link).

Truck drives arrow straight, doesn't pull, tires wear fine.

How hard did that drag link to come off ? How did you do it ?

 

[ChrisNLA]

How hard did that dragkink come off ? How did you do it ?

I beat on it with a BFH forever then drove to Hobo Freight and got a toe rod end knocker offer and used that to put some tension on it and that combined with a few BFH whacks finally got it off.

And that was a southern truck

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-q...&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=app_product_page

 

[Zachanadandy]

Im of the opinion that it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out. I like someone who is an actual professional to get their hands on the Jeep every now and again just to see if I missed anything. Im not a professional. I know enough to figure out how to get it home. I maintenance and do what upgrades I believe I can handle, but having a professional set of eyes and hands on things gives me peace of mind.

If the OP is getting the alignment at the dealer, I'm not sure any professional eyes are going to be on anything. The only time we had our JLUR into the dealer they called and said it need a new main and a new aux battery...it was etorque. I pointed out that if the etorque battery had failed it is a warranty issue. "No sir, the small aux battery under the fuse panel." There's no aux battery if the Jeep has etorque. "My technician said he tested them both." Well then your technician is a liar and I'll come pick it up. Changed the main battery in their parking lot. "Professionals"...

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

How hard did that dragkink come off ? How did you do it ?

Penetration oil. A LOT of it!!! That, a pickle fork, and the BFH are the way to go.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

If the OP is getting the alignment at the dealer, I'm not sure any professional eyes are going to be on anything. The only time we had our JLUR into the dealer they called and said it need a new main and a new aux battery...it was etorque. I pointed out that if the etorque battery had failed it is a warranty issue. "No sir, the small aux battery under the fuse panel." There's no aux battery if the Jeep has etorque. "My technician said he tested them both." Well then your technician is a liar and I'll come pick it up. Changed the main battery in their parking lot. "Professionals"...

Good point.

Sponsored