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Post-lift Front End Alignment issues???

3K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  nregas1 
#1 ·
Got the 2" BB, shocks, and stabilizer on there without any problems couple of weeks ago. Didn't have any alignment "symptoms" but I knew I needed to have the toe fixed b/c of the lift. So the dealer does the alignment and advises me that the toe was "way off" and everything is now adjusted and w/i specs. But, as usual, they never fail to advise, "we got it to factory tolerances, but that's just how Wranglers are". Can't tell you how many times I've heard that crap from dealerships. Guess that's their Easy Button.

After the alignment, I find that I now have a vibe (particularly evident in steering wheel and shifter) and slight drift to the right, all mostly occuring at hwy speeds, 50-70mph. :doh: Later on, I ran across a mild asphalt washboard and the whole rig felt like a dog shaking off water:eek:. Could barely keep it on the road - just like having mud inside your wheels. Luckily that hasn't happened since.

Took it back to dealer today and he shows me the diagnostic sheet for the alignment and advises all is to spec and the only thing they fixed was the toe, everything else was fine. His only suggestion was to inspect for worn front end components - for a fee or course, and to add a second dampner :confused: and get my tires rebalanced (why? they're already balanced).

I put the exact same lift on my last TJ with no problems whatsoever. Go figure.

Any suggestions? Similar experiences? Anything?
Thanks in advance.
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Sorry to here about your dealer problems. Only thing about the dealer is they only know factory specs. What you are describing is the dreaded death wobble and more than likely if you did not have this problem before the lift; your castor needs to be adjusted. Does your steering wheel return to center after a turn? Or does the front end seem to drift from side to side? These are all signs of improper castor adjustment. After I installed my 2 inch BB, I had death wobble and adjusting the castor did the trick. If you have a reputable 4X4 shop close by, take it to them, they will know what the new specs would be for 2 inches of lift. You will probably have to buy some cam bolts so the castor can be adjusted. The dealer telling you to add a second stabilizer is wrong, a stabilizer will just mask the problem. Do take a look under the front end and make sure all is tight to specs and especially the track bar. I am sure others will jump in here to help you out. Good luck.
 
#5 ·
Only thing about the dealer is they only know factory specs. If you have a reputable 4X4 shop close by, take it to them, they will know what the new specs would be for 2 inches of lift. The dealer telling you to add a second stabilizer is wrong, a stabilizer will just mask the problem. Do take a look under the front end and make sure all is tight to specs and especially the track bar. I am sure others will jump in here to help you out. Good luck.
Good point on the dealer specs - I never thought of that. However, I ignorantly assumed they might think outside the box when serving their customer:rolleyes: .

Does your steering wheel return to center after a turn? Or does the front end seem to drift from side to side? These are all signs of improper castor adjustment.
I haven't noticed anything abnormal about it not returning to ctr. It will normally will drift to rt. But has drifted left depending on the road.

What you are describing is the dreaded death wobble and more than likely if you did not have this problem before the lift;
I just never imagined I would get DW from a measley 2" lift.

After I installed my 2 inch BB, I had death wobble and adjusting the castor did the trick. You will probably have to buy some cam bolts so the castor can be adjusted.
Yikes, I know nothing about cam bolts:eek: .
 
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