Alignment problem
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: coon rapids MN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O
Thanks for the link. I've read that a few times.
I guess ill go out to the garage and give that a try.
So I need to adjust caster first then toe the center steer?
I guess ill go out to the garage and give that a try.
So I need to adjust caster first then toe the center steer?
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Toe is the last adjustment made. Your caster is even on both sides so you're ok, but if you want to add some high speed stability add the same amount of shims at both sides and increase the caster angle.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 3
From: Visalia, Kalifornia, ussa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I don't remember if you do caster or toe first.. But the steering wheel is adjusted after all other settings correct.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 3
From: Visalia, Kalifornia, ussa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
The steering wheel is not an alignment angle, but yeah, you center it after all other adjustments are made and the Jeep is road tested. Sometimes once the toes is set correctly the steering wheel will be centered without needing to mess with the draglink sleeve.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: coon rapids MN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O
All right checked my toe front of tires are 45 3/16 back of tires are 45 1/8 so im toed out a little. if I remember right I should be toed in.
where's the best place to check my caster?
where's the best place to check my caster?
Last edited by timamybrown; Apr 6, 2014 at 10:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: coon rapids MN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O
Alright I adjusted my toe to were I'm an 1/8in toed in and adjusted my center steer took it for a ride and the steering feels better.
I'll have to wait and see if it changes my tire cupping .
Thanks for everyone's help.
I'll have to wait and see if it changes my tire cupping .
Thanks for everyone's help.
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I discovered the difference in wheelbase between left and right while doing the alignment. I use both gojeep's info and the 'stringing' method.
I extended the passenger side control arms 5/16" (8mm) to even the wheelbase and the jeep drove and turned better.
Stock wheelbase is 101.4" on driver side.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: coon rapids MN
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O
To get my wheelbase back to stock and keep my caster in check would need adjustable upper and lower control arms? Right know my wheelbase is 100 1/2in
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I should have mentioned only when I lifted my jeep did I address the wheelbase issue. It was fine before the lift.
Proper alignment will compensate for the difference and should ride fine.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,750
Likes: 3
From: Visalia, Kalifornia, ussa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Not really.. the offset is built into the mounts... adjustable uppers and lowers would allow you to fine tune. In theory you could also change out the bolt/bushing for excentrics and move them that way. Caster/pinion angle can be adjusted via shims, in the lower mounts. This will also give a bit of wheel base adjustment. But yes in order to adjust wheel base without affecting the caster/pinion, you would need BOTH adjustable uppers and lowers.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 3
From: Houston Tx.
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Once a tire starts to wear abnormally it will continue to wear that way no matter where you put it or how well the alignment is set. Slowing the abnormal wear down is about the best you can do.


