Front End Alignment Questions

[Doug]

I am working on trying to align my front end.  I know I could take it to a shop and have them do it.  However, I want to work on it myself, even if only to learn a few things.  I may then take it and have them check my work to see how far I am off.  

Anyway, it appears fairly straight forward given the limited adjustments which are available.  It appears that the only real adjustment is the toe-in angle of between 3/64 and 3/32".   I figure I can measure that easy enough, first by setting the front wheels directly parallel and then by toeing them in the desired measurement.

The question I do not know is where to start with the bell crank position.   Do I just point the bell crank arm straightforward via eyeball before starting the other measurements.   I do not see or know of any method to measure that the bellcrank is exactly centered.  Is there a measurement for the bellcrank position or does one just eyeball it to the center?

Thanks for any info that you might offer.

[Bob W]

There is no magic in an alignment machine, you can do the same thing at home with a tape measure since toe is the only adjustment. Turn the steering wheel all the way to one side. Then turn it the other way while counting the turns. Turn it back 1/2 the number for the centered position. The pitman arm and bellcrank should be generally at 90 degrees to the vehicle's xyz axis' and the front wheels straight ahead. Mark the steering wheel for reference. With the front wheels in the air spin the tires and wrap a band of masking tape around each tire. Prop a fine marker on a block of wood and spin the tire while marking a line on the tape on both wheels. Now you have an accurate measurement point. Lower the Jeep and roll it back and forth to let it settle to the normal ride height. Use a helper and a tape measure to adjust the toe to specs. Then go for a ride and note the position of the steering wheel. It should be at the center position while driving straight ahead on a flat road. If not turn each tie rod opposite directions (one gets shorter and the other longer by the same amount) in equal amounts to move the steering wheel to the centered position previously marked.

[Doug]

Thanks Bob.