I recently installed all my new front end stuff with all Iron Rock Offroad components. I'm tyring to set my toe with the tape measure technique but my long arms are directly in the path of where the tape needs to pass through. I can measure the toe an inch or two lower on the tire but then it won't be at the same height as the front of the tire. Any thoughts?

 

Measure as high up as you can, generally will get you pretty close, leastways it has on everything iv set toe on

 

As long as you're measuring at the same height on both sides of the tire youll get an accurate measurement.

 

Wouldnt that method be inaccurate Bob?

If you measure the rear of tire say 2" above centerline, wouldnt you want to measure 2" below at front... giving it a full 180* difference.

Thats how i'v always done toe. Or a straightedge across rotors/hub face.

 

Not sure if u wanna do this but jack up the front end off the ground spin tire paint the center in white.then scrib a line then repeat on the other side. .set front back down straighten out the wheels best u can .then get a buddy to help hold the tape on that line . Like previously said pick as close to center line as u can and you'll be fine. Adjust .tighten. drive then recheck and you'll be pretty close

 

This. /thread

 

I always use the same height incase the camber is off due to a bent inner c or worn ball joint.

 

I'd like to recommend a different way of doing a driveway alignment. I use four jack stands (simply for the weight) with marker string tied to the top of them, making two pairs. Then I place the jackstands in front of and behind my vehicle so that the strings parallel the tires, one on the driver's side and one on the passenger side. By inching the jackstands closer to the tires, you can get your string pretty darned parallel to your rear tires, and that should pass right by the front tires, indicating your toe-in or toe-out. I set mine so that the front of my front tires is about a penny's width further from the string than the back of the tire. If you really want to dial it in I guess you can measure the hypotenuse that crosses diagonally under your rig but I don't think Cherokees are that sensitive.
I've set my alignment like this countless times on both my XJ and my MJ.

 

just use the tape measure and get it as close to the center of the tire as possible. you won't be that far off.
i have long arms and do this all the time.