Np

 

Well I checked the front axle centering and it is off by 1/16" - not significant. The toe was way out though. The front of the tires was 1/2" further apart than the backs! I did a quick alignment (rough, but good enough for now) and the darting around is substantially better.

What I am sensing now is that the rear axle is moving around quite a bit when I hit a bump. I can't tell for sure but it looks like the front bushings on the rear leaf packs are pooched. I need new rear springs so I'll put new bushings back there while I am at it.

Thanks for all the help folks.

P.S. from what I've read now, it seems that for a 1.5-2" lift the stock caster should be fine.

 

Once the alignment is right. Drill a new hole in the lower trac bar mount...where the bottom hole of the trac bar lines up when wheels are straight ahead.

 

I installed new upper control arms, steering dampener and ball joints. After reading this thread, I now know that I have BIG time bump steer problems. I have a 3 inch lift but havent changed the position of the track bar (so I know I need to do that). How do you do a do-it-yourself front end alignment?
Also, after installing the upper control arms, my left coil spring rubs up against the sway bar disco and doesnt do it on the other side only leaving about 3/8" spacing. I checked to see if the right side wheel base was longer than the left but it was right on the same. Any ideas?

 

Why are you guys willing to shell out hundreds for your lift but not spend the $65 for an alignment.
Just because you set your toe close enough to drive straight in your driveway does not help anything with your caster angle that is way off now. If your to cheap to do that, then you shouldn't have lifted your jeep and now endangering other drivers on the road with your two ton wrecking ball.
Lastly, whats the final step on all your install instructions for your lift? "Get an alignment". Setting toe is just that, setting toe. An alignment has three variables. Toe, camber, and lastly caster which is more than anything the cause of your instability at this point.

 

My xj was like that was.stock though. Changed the front sway bar bushings to poly. Fixed

 

Same here (ride quality). New track bar fixed it...

 

Here is instructions on how to do an alignment:

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm

Really quite simple for these types of vehicles.

 

First of all, I didnt spend hundreds on a lift and all I asked was for a bit of advice. No need to jump down someones thread. My lift was already in place when I put the UC's in.
Secondly, if you dont have the info that I asked for then leave your two cents to yourself.
I appreciate your info which is really great. Now all I need to do is get an alignment.
The only other question I have is... since my rig is meant for off-road purposes but I do drive it from time to time on the street, wont having an alignment done be pointless? I will have to get an alignment each time I go rock crawling... RIGHT?

 

Thanks Biffium for your HELPFUL info!!!