Can not align my jeep.. help

[BrianNorris]

We have a 2007 Sahara unlimited. Just bought it used a month ago. Had loose ball joints, tie rods etc and was slightly out of alignment I assumed from those items. So I replace everything from pitman arm tie rod down to the left outer tie rod and also put in a rough country 2.5" lift .. the spring and shock kit. I got it close to tracking straight in my driveway and took it to NTB for alignment. The left front tie rod is turned all the way in and still can't be adjusted. The tie rods were middle ground parts from Rock Auto... Could the left outer tie rod be wrong? What am I missing? I'm not a noob, been turning wrenches since 1997 , just last 5 years I haven't been in the field... I matched everything up that was on it, everything looked the same. I understand how to align jeeps but maybe these alignment guys don't... Plus I'm on a tight budget... What have I done wrong lol...

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[BrianNorris]

Before and after

 

[roaniecowpony]

You're on a JL specific website.

But to your question, your jeep may have had the wrong parts on it when you got it. The tierod is either incorrect

Before and after

They are nice pictures. But they don't tell us much useful to answer your question. Did you lay the new tierod side by side the old tierod?

 

[BrianNorris]

As I'm looking at the old and new... The actual parts are indeed different lengths.
The old right outer tie rod is 3/4" shorter than the new one .. is that my issue?

 

[BrianNorris]

Also, sorry for posting on the wrong thread...I think I got it, Rock auto cheap parts are wrong, lol. Thankyou

 

[Nokones]

Personally, I would not put any cheap discount retailer and an inferior made part on any of my vehicles, especially if you are off-roading. Use only quality parts from real off-road retailers suchas, Metalcloak or Clayton, etc. if you want it right and to avoid problems and a very costly off-road tow bill. Cheap is not always cheap and problem free. Saving a dime or two will cost you a dollar or two quicker than you think. Do it right and save money and time in the long run.

If you lift your vehicle and in order to get the needed caster for a lifted vehicle, at 6.5 degrees, you should replace your track bars with adjustable track bars and all 4 control arms. The high quality bars and arms will have the better near solid bushings that will last almost forever as opposed to cheap rubber bushings that will either wear or get oblonged quickly.

 

[JEEP4U]

JeepJL was two different length axles; depending on model. A mispackaged part is a possibility.

 

[roaniecowpony]

As I'm looking at the old and new... The actual parts are indeed different lengths.
The old right outer tie rod is 3/4" shorter than the new one .. is that my issue?

The bottom line is whether or not the tierod can be safely adjusted to allow both wheels to be more or less parallel (1/8" toe-in). When I say "safely", I mean when the tierod is the right length to get the wheels parallel, it still has a safe thread engagement on the rod ends.

 

[BrianNorris]

Thankyou all for the advice, at this point and time there is no off roading, just daily driver. And yes, Rock auto cheap parts were indeed wrong. Right front tie rod was 3/4 " longer. So, thanks guys

 

[BrianNorris]

Therefore, I'm an idiot.

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