Front Axle OFF CENTERED??? Help!
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
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From: NorCal
I had quite a few steering parts replaced over the last 2 years. Plus the lift kit getting installed, that is the reason for all the alignments.
I'm beginning to wonder if I should be going to National 4WD and having a yell-fest with the individual that installed my kit and did not mention the need of an ajustable track bar. If that route doesn't work, maybe I'll go back to whoever replaced the original track bar with the OEM one again. Do ppl just look at something these days and swap out parts?
What about stopping and asking the question why? Why does this part need to be changed?
Anybody need some housework done, looks like I could use a second job :P
I'm beginning to wonder if I should be going to National 4WD and having a yell-fest with the individual that installed my kit and did not mention the need of an ajustable track bar. If that route doesn't work, maybe I'll go back to whoever replaced the original track bar with the OEM one again. Do ppl just look at something these days and swap out parts?
What about stopping and asking the question why? Why does this part need to be changed?
Anybody need some housework done, looks like I could use a second job :P
OK I just saw your Sig a 3" Skyjacker kit does not come with a re-locater bracket or an adjustable trackbar, They seem to think you don't need one, I have been down this exact road! thats why I ended up with a 5" lift because I was not happy with Skyjackers incomplete 3" kit.
Anyone doing work at a 4wd shop "should" (operative word there) know that a 3" kit would highly recommend impact on the track bar/axle position regardless if a kit includes/speaks about it. As the customer, you've got to be informed nonetheless.
It's possible that the shop just does what the customer says without question. Technically that's them doing their job. Them not informing you of potential causation of problem due to such a customer decision...is a problem!! It would be worth having a direct discussion with them regarding the install. No shop likes to be publicly reviewed with negative experience.
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Professional
Joined: May 2010
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From: NewBrunswick, Canada
I have attached a pic of the sway bar link. Its sitting at quite the slant.
What is the correct track bar I should have for my truck with the 3" lift on it?
My thoughts are to see if the shop that installed the new one will just charge me the difference on the new one and not for the labour.
I got the lift kit installed over a year ago, so I'm willing to bet that they wont play ball. Even with all my receipts.
The other side looks the same.
What is the correct track bar I should have for my truck with the 3" lift on it?
My thoughts are to see if the shop that installed the new one will just charge me the difference on the new one and not for the labour.
I got the lift kit installed over a year ago, so I'm willing to bet that they wont play ball. Even with all my receipts.
The other side looks the same.
Last edited by 8uzzsaw; Oct 13, 2011 at 03:40 PM.
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Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 8
From: NorCal
I'm not seeing any angle to the spring/shock...
If there is no angle to them, then on the sway bar...you can just slide it left to get the link vertical.
You say you've had the lift > 1 year. Therefore, you've been centered all this time up until the recent OEM Track Bar replacement? I'm going to presume you were ok with the lift of the past year...and that the new track bar is the wrong link.
Just a total crap shoot guess given that this is a time dependent issue on track changes to the front end. Otherwise, please fill in the holes.
If there is no angle to them, then on the sway bar...you can just slide it left to get the link vertical.
You say you've had the lift > 1 year. Therefore, you've been centered all this time up until the recent OEM Track Bar replacement? I'm going to presume you were ok with the lift of the past year...and that the new track bar is the wrong link.
Just a total crap shoot guess given that this is a time dependent issue on track changes to the front end. Otherwise, please fill in the holes.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
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From: NorCal
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Topguncustomz
To the Op...
Sorry you're having issues with your lift. These problems are easily rectified but once done may require an alignment.
In dealing with the alignment issues...when your lift was installed ( and I'm not familiar wirth SJ's stuff) it should have come with longer control arms and these would have recentered your axle within your wheel wells.
A rule of thumb that works for me is that for every 2 inches of lift without the proper arms and trackbar, you move the front axle backwards about 3/4 of an inch and uncenter it under the truck to the pass side about the same due to the triangulation/travel arc of the supension. This allows the drivers side tire to stick out and the axle to move backwards.
To properly recenter your axle in the wheel well you would need the correct length control arms so you can reset your caster. I'm sure the adjustment is maxed...but if your ok with where your tires sit, we can move to the off centered axle
You would need either an adjustable trackbar (already discussed) or bracket that would move the axle back over and center it under the truck. This will not require any adjusting once done, however because of the design of your steering system you will need to recenter the steering wheel and check your toe in.
Lastly your sway bar mounts can be replaced with adjustable units. Top gun customs makes a decent set. This will allow you to set the sway bar so it no longer deflects off the bushings...since the links aren't straight up and down. Another way to do it is to get sway bar drop brackets. Again, TGC is an easy source for these.
That should get you tracking straight.
Sorry you're having issues with your lift. These problems are easily rectified but once done may require an alignment.
In dealing with the alignment issues...when your lift was installed ( and I'm not familiar wirth SJ's stuff) it should have come with longer control arms and these would have recentered your axle within your wheel wells.
A rule of thumb that works for me is that for every 2 inches of lift without the proper arms and trackbar, you move the front axle backwards about 3/4 of an inch and uncenter it under the truck to the pass side about the same due to the triangulation/travel arc of the supension. This allows the drivers side tire to stick out and the axle to move backwards.
To properly recenter your axle in the wheel well you would need the correct length control arms so you can reset your caster. I'm sure the adjustment is maxed...but if your ok with where your tires sit, we can move to the off centered axle
You would need either an adjustable trackbar (already discussed) or bracket that would move the axle back over and center it under the truck. This will not require any adjusting once done, however because of the design of your steering system you will need to recenter the steering wheel and check your toe in.
Lastly your sway bar mounts can be replaced with adjustable units. Top gun customs makes a decent set. This will allow you to set the sway bar so it no longer deflects off the bushings...since the links aren't straight up and down. Another way to do it is to get sway bar drop brackets. Again, TGC is an easy source for these.
That should get you tracking straight.
Last edited by dsertdog56; Oct 3, 2011 at 09:13 PM.
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Professional
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From: NewBrunswick, Canada
Update:
I went through about $7000 in reciepts to find my lift kit and the track bar receipts.
When lift was installed, truck had an adjustable track bar and was adjusted. This may be why I never had an issue with the lift untill the new track bar.
When they replaced my adjustable track bar (I'm begginning to doubt if I needed it replaced) they replaced it with a stock one for my truck. This was not caught at location because their alignment machine was down and the truck had to sit for a bit before I had the time to get it booked in for an alignment.
It was actually caught by the guys that did the alignment, the mech was deaf from birth and really hard to understand, so when I called back yesterday I got one of his co-workers and they went over the work details and read out his notes. I would like to apologise for what I posted earlier about them not catching it or failing to inform me! It was all on me and I feel like an idiot.
As for the previous question about control arms, I had previously mentioned the contents of my lift kit, feel free to scroll up some or go back a page and discover what parts I have.
Also I did not notice the first link to the proper track bar. Thats my bad.
I went through about $7000 in reciepts to find my lift kit and the track bar receipts.
When lift was installed, truck had an adjustable track bar and was adjusted. This may be why I never had an issue with the lift untill the new track bar.
When they replaced my adjustable track bar (I'm begginning to doubt if I needed it replaced) they replaced it with a stock one for my truck. This was not caught at location because their alignment machine was down and the truck had to sit for a bit before I had the time to get it booked in for an alignment.
It was actually caught by the guys that did the alignment, the mech was deaf from birth and really hard to understand, so when I called back yesterday I got one of his co-workers and they went over the work details and read out his notes. I would like to apologise for what I posted earlier about them not catching it or failing to inform me! It was all on me and I feel like an idiot.
As for the previous question about control arms, I had previously mentioned the contents of my lift kit, feel free to scroll up some or go back a page and discover what parts I have.
Also I did not notice the first link to the proper track bar. Thats my bad.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 8
From: NorCal
No worries at all. Everything is a story and in this case its a salvageable one. 
Awesome that you had the receipts and just tracked it all down. The communications make sense with the shop. Most importantly it will be rectified. Your previous track bar should be fine. What kind was it? If it had a bearing/joint that failed, that should be replaceable, at least most are.
Personally, I don't think you figured yourself an idiot, more like, you reminded oneself of how smart it is to retain the receipts and have the conversation. Plus, as an added bonus, you know so much more about your setup and that added conversation improves the rapport with the shop.
Zman and I were just smack talkin.
Awesome that you had the receipts and just tracked it all down. The communications make sense with the shop. Most importantly it will be rectified. Your previous track bar should be fine. What kind was it? If it had a bearing/joint that failed, that should be replaceable, at least most are.
Personally, I don't think you figured yourself an idiot, more like, you reminded oneself of how smart it is to retain the receipts and have the conversation. Plus, as an added bonus, you know so much more about your setup and that added conversation improves the rapport with the shop.
Zman and I were just smack talkin.
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Professional
Joined: May 2010
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From: NewBrunswick, Canada
I am very meticulous with receipts. I have a 2 drawer legal sized filing cabinet filled with folders of receipts!
I went into the shop that replaced the track bar and spoke with the receptionist (boss man was out to lunch) they will be calling me back later to discuss if there is an issue with my offer.
Offered to pay the difference for the adjustable but not on labour or for the alignment. I booked a brake flush while I was there to remind them I am a good customer.
So far I really like DF and most of the poeple on here are very helpful!
I went into the shop that replaced the track bar and spoke with the receptionist (boss man was out to lunch) they will be calling me back later to discuss if there is an issue with my offer.
Offered to pay the difference for the adjustable but not on labour or for the alignment. I booked a brake flush while I was there to remind them I am a good customer.
So far I really like DF and most of the poeple on here are very helpful!
