Adjustable track bar = alignment?

[CJtoJTR]

I just installed a mopar 2” lift. Everything is riding good but I have noticed a little axle shift. I’ve already had an alignment after the lift install. If I go back now and add an adjustable track bar will I need to have another alignment?

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[MCATDT]

My new lift shifted the axles more than I expected as well. I am waiting on my new trackbars to arrive and will be in a similar situation. I was planning on an alignment either way just to make sure everything is perfect. I am no expert on this but would think the only thing that could change would be the thrust angle as I shift the axles.

 

[Mac]

For a lift with fixed control arms there is no need for an alignment after instal, if you install an adjustable track bar you are just centering the axle that you install it on, no need for an alignment either.

 

[Renegade]

For a lift with fixed control arms there is no need for an alignment after instal, if you install an adjustable track bar you are just centering the axle that you install it on, no need for an alignment either.

You will need to recenter the steering wheel though. That’s done with the adjustment collar on the drag link. There is a 15mm head pinch bolt which needs to be loosened/tightened to do that.

 

[CJtoJTR]

You will need to recenter the steering wheel though. That’s done with the adjustment collar on the drag link. There is a 15mm head pinch bolt which needs to be loosened/tightened to do that.

After I installed the lift the steering wheel was slightly off center and the truck/Jeep pulled a little to the right. This is what prompted me to get the alignment. If all I need to do when the steering wheel goes off center is adjust the drag link, well, that will save me $100! Thanks for the info.

 

[LostWoods]

IMO the only reasons you ever need to get an alignment on a Jeep is if you (1) aren't technically inclined, or (2) aren't comfortable setting toe with a tape measure. Setting toe on the tie rod is the only critical measurement. The drag link will just make your wheel crooked and an off-center axle at worst will cause a light pull.

After you get the track bar in and adjust accordingly to center your axle, the toe will still be correct but your steering wheel will be pointing right. If you can handle the track bar you can handle this and it's a simple guess and check.

Just find a long, flat stretch (empty parking garages are perfect) and roll forward for a couple hundred feet or so keeping the tires as straight as humanly possible - don't worry about the wheel, just make sure you are tracking straight. Then, climb under and adjust the drag link until your wheel is straight, lock it down, and test drive. If it's off, make small adjustments and test drive until it's correct.

 

[KurtP]

IMO the only reasons you ever need to get an alignment on a Jeep is if you (1) aren't technically inclined, or (2) aren't comfortable setting toe with a tape measure. Setting toe on the tie rod is the only critical measurement. The drag link will just make your wheel crooked and an off-center axle at worst will cause a light pull.

After you get the track bar in and adjust accordingly to center your axle, the toe will still be correct but your steering wheel will be pointing right. If you can handle the track bar you can handle this and it's a simple guess and check.

Just find a long, flat stretch (empty parking garages are perfect) and roll forward for a couple hundred feet or so keeping the tires as straight as humanly possible - don't worry about the wheel, just make sure you are tracking straight. Then, climb under and adjust the drag link until your wheel is straight, lock it down, and test drive. If it's off, make small adjustments and test drive until it's correct.

^ this.

 

[Mac]

Recentering the steering wheel is a given and the instructions to do it are usually part of the lift kit, not really an alignment item like caster.

 

[Dust]

Thanks for everyone who contributed to this thread!! Helped me out of a jam. Good to know this resource is available anytime anywhere ?

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