Alignment shop vs Suspension system install shop help

[Max]

Short story: I took my Jeep in to get an alignment because it pulls one way going down the road. Alignment shop says they did the best they could but the control arms need to be taken off to fix it. Lots of $$$. Say to get the suspension install shop to fix it.

Install shop is Northridge 4x4 in Denver
Alignment shop is Pollard Jeep dealership in Boulder

Install shop says at first that the alignment shop is using stock Jeep numbers.

Alignment shop says again there's no way to get it fixed without adjusting the control arms and that'll take hours.

Install shop says that driving it and wheeling it can change those angles or something, also a jam nut may be loose.


It's really frustrating having to talk to two different shop and they both say the other one is wrong. What should I do?

[newracer]

What suspension is it?

IMO who ever installed the suspension should have adjusted all the control arms to correct length.

[Max]

Rock Krawler X-Factor 3.5" (http://www.rockkrawler.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JK35XF-4S1). Northridge 4x4 are very serious over the phone about them getting the measurements right. The lift was installed in March of 2017.

[Getaklu]

Spend some time under there to see if there is anything obvious. The below link offers some advice.

https://wayalife.com/showthread.php/3861-Basic-Do-it-Yourself-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-Front-End-Alignment

Take measurements of the control arms (upper and lower if they are both adjustable) to make sure they match lengthwise and adjust as needed, shouldn’t take to long to measure and/or adjust.

Then I would suggest taking it to a non-dealer shop for an alignment. The shop I used after lifting got mine very close but stated to do a perfect job, I would need offset ball joints but it wasn’t something that was absolutely required. Who knows what a dealer would have said.

just my 2 cents.

[Maverick1872]

I agree with Michael, unless you did a self-install. Just got mine adjusted on Monday after finishing my install by Bullhide 4x4.

If they are adjusting you're caster (only possible with adjustable arms) then they are required to unbolt the arm from the axle, but by no means does the entire arm have to be removed. It's a simple job, just time consuming. My understanding - others with more experience can/should correct me if i'm wrong - but after lifting stock numbers are a reference point, but not necessarily the ideal ones.

Yes it's possible alignment can change after wheeling it, but I can't imagine it would be a large amount by any means. That can be prevented by just crawling underneath and ensuring jam nuts are tight to prevent the arms from adjusting themselves when a twisting motion is applied.

[Maverick1872]

Rock Krawler X-Factor 3.5" (http://www.rockkrawler.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JK35XF-4S1). Northridge 4x4 are very serious over the phone about them getting the measurements right. The lift was installed in March of 2017.

It's been over a year, it's possible that the arms could have got slightly out of alignment if jam nuts weren't tight. Might be worth trying to get the alignment numbers from when the lift was installed to compare against the dealer's alignment.

[newracer]

Unless the control arm has a right and left hand threads on opposite ends there is no way it can get out of adjustment, even with a loose jam nut. If it did have right and left hand threads then the arm could be adjusted without removal, which is easier.

The alignment could be off from parts getting bent from off-roading.

Being that's it's been a year and a half the install shop would; no longer be responsible.

A shop here in Fort Collins just aligned a co-workers jeep for $175 which included removing and adjusting all the control arms.

[Max]

It's been over a year, it's possible that the arms could have got slightly out of alignment if jam nuts weren't tight. Might be worth trying to get the alignment numbers from when the lift was installed to compare against the dealer's alignment.

They don't do a computer alignment, just with a tape measure so there's nothing to compare it to.

[Max]

Being that's it's been a year and a half the install shop would; no longer be responsible.

How long in your opinion should a shop be responsible?

[Maverick1872]

How long in your opinion should a shop be responsible?

I would say 90 days max, probably much less since any issues should present themselves relatively quickly. Bullhide did my alignment for i think it was $180, granted that was just front uppers/front track bar. Not sure how it would change if you have a full set of arms.


A shop here in Fort Collins just aligned a co-workers jeep for $175 which included removing and adjusting all the control arms.

Michael, what shop if you don't mind me asking?

[Max]

The whole point of this thread is that I DON'T HAVE A SHOP THAT I TRUST. Every place I've been to has messed something up at some point, or had bad customer service etc... Frustrated >:(

[newracer]

How long in your opinion should a shop be responsible?

Not long at all really, especially if taking a vehicle off road. 30-60 days I guess.


Michael, what shop if you don't mind me asking?

Fort Collins 4x4


The whole point of this thread is that I DON'T HAVE A SHOP THAT I TRUST. Every place I've been to has messed something up at some point, or had bad customer service etc... Frustrated >:(

I do not know of any shops in Boulder, there are a lot in the Denver area.

[xaza]

What specs are they saying are off? by how much? typically an alignment shop will check caster but not adjust, which is what adjusting the control arms will do. They should be able to set toe at alignment shop. Camber is where you need offset ball joints to adjust. If you have driven for this long without death wobble or drive line issues then I would not worry about caster. As mentioned before measure your control arms on both sides and compare, should be the same. Use the bolts for reference points. When alignment is done they should give you a printout that shows before and after, did you get a copy you can post? Totally understand your frustration with finding that one perfect shop, just doesn't seem to be many of those left now.

[Max]

Specs after the alignment.

[Spieg]

Seems that caster is pretty low. If it were me, I'd lengthen the lower arms by a turn or two and see if that improves things.

[Maverick1872]

Yea my caster is like 5deg or so. Factory is 4 something I believe. I can get actual numbers tonight.

Edit: Attached are the results of my alignment after installing my 2.5” lift.

[GPP33]

Did you ever get this resolved? Adjusting the length of lower control arms on a Jeep is about the easiest alignment adjustment there is. It’s about a 10 minute job if the Jeep is already on the lift. What did they say about your camber?

[Tom]

After my lift on my jk it tracked like ****. Over and under steer on every corner. Fighting it the entire time. Caster was the culprit. Adjustable control arms are the best fix as mentioned previously.

my budget was tight so I went with a Rancho RS6250B Control Arm Relocation Bracket. It solved my tracking issues and I have had no probs with it. Caster was much improved.

[Igrok]

Mike's Frame and Alignment in COS is an amazing shop - they understand the difference between stock alignments and lifts. Its a long way to go from Denver, but IMO well worth it. The guy knows Jeeps.

[Max]

Did you ever get this resolved?

I haven't looked at it again... because I'm a weirdo.

[dieseldoc]

I will get the number for the guy my friends use up in the north golden/Boulder area.

Factory caster from YJ to current is 4-7*
Brusser is at 5 on factory arms with the Mopar 4" lift.
Granted I am having ABS/Trac control lights intermintly.
My alignment is close. To get this totally right I will need adjustable balljiont to handle the cambor issues but it's not been driving like poo.....

Max I will PM you early In the week.