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Alignment Procedure

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by DirtRoad61, Feb 18, 2020.

  1. Feb 18, 2020
    DirtRoad61

    DirtRoad61 Member

    California
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    Jun 9, 2019
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    50
    Just replaced all the steering linkage on a 65. Still has original style. I have done more modern draglink/tie rod style.

    Looking for proper procedure starting at the steering wheel moving out.

    Any insight to get it all straight would be great.

    Thanks
     
  2. Feb 18, 2020
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    I always do mine with a string from front tires to back tires ( sidewall ) sort of 4 wheel alignment
    and set toe in with a tape
     
  3. Feb 19, 2020
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    FSM says pull a string tire to tire like Ron said and turn your tie rods in one half a turn each from straight. Good Luck
     
  4. Feb 19, 2020
    DirtRoad61

    DirtRoad61 Member

    California
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    Tried the string trick this morning. Worked great.

    Thanks!
     
  5. Feb 19, 2020
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    I dont know how you do the string method especially on an old jeep theres no way in heck the axles are perfectly aligned parallel and side to side. And my jeeps have different wheels with small spacers front and back theres too many variables. I just check the caster and then measure the toe with a tape by hooking it on a tire tread. Works great iv had them checked on a machine a few times and its always spot on
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  6. Feb 19, 2020
    DirtRoad61

    DirtRoad61 Member

    California
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    Jun 9, 2019
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    I found the string helped with the initial step. Got it close and was able to finish with a tape. Will find out how it drives in a few weeks. If needed I can get more in-depth with it.
     
    Rick Whitson likes this.
  7. Feb 19, 2020
    maurywhurt

    maurywhurt Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Western North...
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  8. Feb 19, 2020
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Oct 10, 2015
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    1,900
    I know this may sound crazy, but why not just run it by an alignment shop? It's not that expensive.
     
  9. Feb 20, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    I have been doing the string method for years and it has always worked great. Roughly 1/8" toe in perfect.
     
  10. Feb 20, 2020
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    thats how i do it :)
     
  11. Feb 20, 2020
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Most of the alignment shops around here wouldn't know how to do it. Just takes time and patience and is pretty easy to do.
     
  12. Feb 21, 2020
    Stano316

    Stano316 Member

    Long Island
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    Aug 27, 2018
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    124
    I have toe plates, work great, set the front wheels on plastic bags, so the wheels can move freely, set the plates, and start turning links until the tape measures read the same. Easy peasy
     
  13. Feb 21, 2020
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    I have a plate you drive on its like 3 feet long and driving on it makes it move so its supposed to tell you if the toe is off. I havnt tried it yet
     
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