Do I need a front end alignment after installing 1.5" puck lift on front?

[troverman]

I have a Teraflex 1.5" puck lift to level the front of my Gladiator. Do I need a front end alignment performed after this? Seems like only castor might be affected, and not sure an alignment would do anything to fix it. Thoughts?

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[Panthers65]

with just spacers there isn't much that can be done other than straightening the steering wheel, which you can do at home if you own a wrench set.

it would probably help to find a set of rubicon lower control arms to get your caster back where it should be.

 

[troverman]

Thanks. What's the method to straighten the steering wheel?

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Same goes for Jt/jl

 

[Zachanadandy]

Rubicon lowers are the same length so don't waste your time there. If you want a bit more caster you can buy the Mopar extended length arms for the 2" lift under $100.

 

[troverman]

Thanks - very straightforward, adjusting the length of the drag link.

 

[willys 41]

To take care of the steering gear box flex on the frame I would also install the new updated version of the synergy manufacturing sector shaft brace
It almost eliminates the wondering and looseness in the steering

 

[troverman]

My Jeep wanders...it has since the day I drove it off the showroom floor...but there is no looseness in the steering.

 

[Charles 236]

I installed the Terraflex 1.5" leveling kit and the Mopar lower control arms a week ago. I knew that I would re-aim the headlights because of the effect of raising the front end, so I did that before pulling out of the shop. I often drive a vehicle before performing an alignment, just to see how it handles and if anything stands out as needing a change. I drove it and was impressed by how well the steering wheel was centered and decided not to do an alignment right away. But I did put it on the rack and check it out, especially the toe measurements. The measurements were so good that I knew it would not improve the handling with any changes, but it is still a good idea to have it checked. Your results may be different.

 

[troverman]

@Charles 236 did you follow the Teraflex instructions on the install and disconnect the axle and lower it all down, or could I just do one side at a time with a spring compressor and disconnect the sway bar? Good to know the alignment and steering seemed good.

 

[Charles 236]

@Charles 236 did you follow the Teraflex instructions on the install and disconnect the axle and lower it all down, or could I just do one side at a time with a spring compressor and disconnect the sway bar? Good to know the alignment and steering seemed good.

I work in the dealership service department, so I have had many different suspensions apart. So I pretty much just decided to dig in and pull it all apart. So I probably followed the Terraflex instructions to some extent, but not in the particular order. The reason why is that I have a lift, pole jacks and other tools that most people don't have. If I were doing this at home, I would follow the directions.

With that said, one thing that I will say is a bit of a pain is getting the Mopar LCAs in with the axle sitting on the pole jacks. Leverage helps, but the trick is to have both of them hanging from the frame so that they can be rotated up into position when you are ready to insert the bolts.

The Mopar LCAs were, in my opinion, a big reason why this came out so well on alignment. With the LCAs designed for a two inch lift, they pretty much put the caster back where it started before the level kit was installed. I did check the alignment after a weekend of driving, but I didn't need to change anything. As I said, an alignment check is a good idea.

 

[troverman]

Good info. I am going to order those Mopar LCA's since they are quite inexpensive. I'll be doing this at home on the ground. I will lift the front of the Jeep by the frame using my tractor and forks; then a couple of floor jacks to carefully lower the axle out once things are disconnected.

 

[Charles 236]

Good info. I am going to order those Mopar LCA's since they are quite inexpensive. I'll be doing this at home on the ground. I will lift the front of the Jeep by the frame using my tractor and forks; then a couple of floor jacks to carefully lower the axle out once things are disconnected.

For me, the absolute hardest thing was torquing the bolts. Some bolts are not too hard, but the LCA bolts and the track bar bolts require a combination of torque and tighten to a set number of degrees. I used the torque and angle figures on the Terraflex instructions. Hope it goes well for you.

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