Jeep JL Wrangler Steering Component Check / Setting Tie Rod Toe-In and Recenter Steering Wheel

[@camaroboi13]

5 years later I’m still using this video for information purposes. Thanks again Eddie and very nice to meet you in person at Jeep Bash 👍🏻

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Happy to hear it's been helpful to you even after all these years and I'm glad that we got a chance to meet at Jeep Bash!

[@griffinvz2188]

I can’t tell you how many times you’ve made something crystal clear to understand. More than appreciate it

[@wayalife]

Awesome, we're so glad to hear it :)

[@greghull3189]

Very informative. The dealership had to realign my JL the other day and when I drove home I found my steering wheel to be way out of alignment. When I told them about the crooked steering wheel they told me to come back in 4 days to make the adjustment. Having no desire to go back to the dealership again and thanks to great videos like this, I made the adjustment myself. Thanks!

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped!

[@Verteidigen]

I continue to come back to this video for a refresher when I want to check my front end on my 2018 JL Rubicon. Thank you for doing what you do

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad to hear our video is helpful to you 👍

[@kurtjanzen7391]

We used to spin the tire and hold a scribe against the tire to make a line around it then measure the toe. Now, if we have bare wheels available we use them to measure. Either way is easier than trying to make sure you have the same tread block on each tire. If you want to use a tread block, use only one on each tire and move it 180* to measure the front and back.

[@AlejandroSanchez-qo8qy]

Uploaded 3 years ago .....coming in as much help this morning! thanx for uploading sir 👍

[@wayalife]

Awesome! So glad to hear it's still helpful :)

[@wshivers72]

You’re attention to detail is appreciated and what keeps me coming back.

[@wayalife]

Thank you! We're so glad to hear it.

[@Maxdady01]

Eddie, when the day comes, it's Dynatrac all the way! These videos with you and Jim are a great resource for the Jeeping community. Thanks so much. :)

[@wayalife]

We're so glad to hear you say as much. I know they may not be the most entertaining videos out there but we felt they might be something that could be useful to others. :)

[@calisox395]

Man, I've learned so much from watching your videos. Makes me more confident on doing things myself that before I figured were very difficult.

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear it!

[@casey3057]

This is invaluable information. For experienced folks that have forgotten or get complacent and for new owners that just don’t know, this will save a lot of headache and frustration. Probably one of the best tech videos yet.

[@wayalife]

Thanks Casey. We know videos like this aren't exactly the most exciting ones you could watch on KZbin but we do hope they'll help people out.

[@Choko-hc8gv]

Wow . Definitely going to look into that . Thanks for the video. Please keep posting informational videos like this , I think many of us rather watch videos that would educate us ,than just seeing videos of off-roading adventures, even thou they are cool . I hope others agree with me

[@wayalife]

Don't know how many others would agree as we're far from being the hottest thing on KZbin but we're glad to know that we can help others out with our videos :)

[@okie2608]

The tip about putting your finger on the joint is a great one. I haven’t seen that one before. The snow at the end brings back some scary memories. Difficult driving.

[@wayalife]

LOL - I think we were literally the only ones still out on the road aside from the 2 snow plows that passed us coming the other way. We didn't get home till about 2am. Tough drive for sure. Regarding the finger on the joint trick, glad we could share that with you.

[@OnMyMemoryCard]

That easy to check & set toe, I had no idea! Thought you needed state of the art computer equipment for that. Thanks for another great & super informative video!

[@wayalife]

Oh yeah, it really is that simple. :)

[@desertdog2282]

Now this video pops up. Could have used it yesterday. Installed a lift. And didn’t know it was going to throw those codes with the steering wheel off to the left. Made the adjustments and she is all good now.

[@wayalife]

Happy to hear our video was helpful to you :)

[@pauljordan756]

Jim is just a great guy and really knows his stuff! Just installed ProRock 44 with Dynatrac ball joints... made in USA Quality 🇺🇸 thanks for the great informative video (as always)... Wayalife is the best KZbin channel for Jeep tech!

[@wayalife]

Thank you, we're happy to hear you enjoy our tech videos :)

[@thewanderer577]

Basic knowledge but what a comprehensive review! Made my wife watch so that when our steering components need replacing she won't freak out. We wheel pretty hard too!

[@wayalife]

Awesome!

[@NoGasWelcomeAboard]

Also 5+ yrs & your vids are still my Go To! Just went to 37 Nitto RG’s on my 21 2Dr JL Rubi 3.6 auto. Next month having gearing changed professionally (4.88 or 5.13 ??) @ LetzRoll in Mesa AZ, along with chrom axles & new BJ’s. Not a daily driver so thinking higher? TY for that video btw! Found this video while researching alignment for the new tires. As usual, EXACTLY what I needed!! THANK YOU again ❤

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad to hear you find our videos to be useful. As far as gears go, 4.88 will bring you back to stock performance but being that your Jeep isn't a daily driver, 5.13 will give you a bit more power and better crawl on the rocks.

[@sonnylee69]

Man! I love seeing the both of you share your insight! You guys could fill volumes with your knowledge. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@wayalife]

Glad we could be of help to you :)

[@wbball15]

Ratcheting wrenches are a life saver.

[@wayalife]

LOL!! Yes they are :)

[@bradcallander7789]

I am just now working on getting the same done on my new JL thanks

[@wayalife]

Awesome!

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

Thank you so much for making and uploading this video. I now know that I can measure AND adjust the toe with my old Jeep ZJ jacked up, and learned how to center the steering wheel. I've replaced the springs and all suspension components. Including Control arms Track bar ball joints etc and installed a mild 2" lift. I increased the caster and now on to do the toe adjustment. Thanks again.

[@wayalife]

Glad I could help!

[@ericparisien3051]

Thanks for this, just added the steer smart sector shaft brace, and we somehow screwed up the steering wheel in the process, Was going to take it to an alignment shop, not needed anymore!

[@wayalife]

Awesome! Glad our video was helpful to you.

[@LeoDodier]

That was really interesting, you made it look simple. Jim seemed to really care and explained things well. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

Actually, it really is that simple. It's why I always recommend that people NOT waste their money on an alignment shop.

[@LeoDodier]

@@wayalife It did look simple, amazingly I never knew that, and I bet I'm not alone...maybe a good subject for a future video?

[@joebartlett3255]

Thanks for the great videos. My new 2021 Ecodiesel Wrangler had been wandering. Added the Synergy track bar/steering box brace (and it helped), but still felt like it had a mind of its own. Measured the toe & it was actually toe’d out 1/16”. Using your video I toe’d it in 1/16th and it made all the difference in the world. Thank you!

[@wayalife]

Glad it helped

[@mikehoffman3690]

Always informative!! There are a lot of us that still drive JKs. Don’t forget to focus on them periodically.

[@wayalife]

LOL!! This information would apply to a JK as well :)

[@Dfence22]

so glad i found this video, clear, concise, great video

[@daniellee566]

Thanks so much for this video! I have been dealing with the looseness of the steering on my JL forever. I just discovered the exact same issue in the drag link. Very loose and popping felt in the joint. I have never done hard core off roading as you have, just light trails. These parts are weak, now I have something to go on. Thanks Eddie!

[@wayalife]

I think a lot of people are experiencing the same issues and that's a big part of why we decided to make this video. Glad that you found it to be useful.

[@xmo552]

@@wayalife Where where you that you caught snow close to southern California ? Hi Jinx, that's why some people feel the need to go to one ton or aftermarket hd parts.

[@jasonstroman4550]

Great video. Awesome explanation of how that all works. Good tip with the finger as well. I remember just rocking the wheel and hoping to see something.

[@wayalife]

Oh yeah, "feeling" for movement or vibrations caused by squeaks will always do a better job of locating a problem than looking or listening alone.

[@jameskey7290]

Great info since I will be purchasing my Dynatrac pro rock 44 in the future. Thanks. Yes I'm sure we would all like to have Jim work on all our Jeeps. He has some serious knowledge.

[@wayalife]

Awesome! We'd be grateful if you let them know you watched our video when you purchase one :)

[@Wayfinder_JT]

You have become my favorite Jeep channel to watch on YT! Awesome content man!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, so glad to hear it 😎

[@chuckzechman7390]

Nice description of steering and wear points on the JL. Thanks Brother and Safe Travels. See you in Moab.

[@wayalife]

Thank you and yes, hope to see you in Moab :)

[@chuckzechman7390]

Any chance you are doing a meet and greet with any of your subscribers? I could bring a bottle of Honey Jack or Wild Turkey American Honey to be a part of the tradition. We are super excited to hit the trails and experience EJS.

[@manuelrivera6621]

Hi this is RedRex1 awesome video always learning from you Eddie watching your video are very useful because knowing the Offroad equipment we put on our jeeps, and what to look for that may help others, in same or similar situations, thanks Eddie

[@wayalife]

Awesome, so glad that we could be of help to you with videos like this :)

[@amankahlon9651]

Omg the snow driving is so trippy in Jeep with LED’s!!!

[@duoglide69]

Cool info. I saw you do this before and it’s always nice to recap. I love driving in snow like that. You and WayOlet Stay safe .

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@duoglide69]

If you had added locking hubs to Jet Li would it improve your MPG enough to offset the cost over time ?

[@wayalife]

I doubt it. The cost is substantial especially being that you'd have to get new wheels with a different bolt pattern to run them. Of course, that would mean you'd need to run wheel adapters in the rear as well and your ball joints would be under a lot more stress causing them to fail sooner than later.

[@duoglide69]

Wow . I did know all that. Thanks

[@brittsoff-road5240]

Great video. No fluff. Love it. Thank you

[@wayalife]

Glad you liked it!

[@dynoman7]

Very helpful to a newbie jeeper... thank you!!

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@obangles]

best diy that guy seems the most experienced.as allaways thanks

[@wayalife]

Glad that we could be of help :)

[@ihabmasri1311]

Your are great Eddy,thank you for this useful video and hope to talk to you soon for some question because I’m so far to meet you 🙏🏼

[@wayalife]

So glad to hear you found the video to be useful. It'd be great to talk to you someday.

[@james2004TxVet]

I really enjoyed this video. Was very informational and I liked to see the adjustment of the drag link and tie rod as well. I learned some things today for my Jeep. Keep up the great work.

[@wayalife]

Awesome - so glad that we could be of help to you :)

[@samwalker3441]

I was going to say exactly what Blizzard said. Thanks Eddie and Cindy and of course, Jim and Dynatrac.

[@vladbpootin3122]

And here I was about to pay someone to check out my alignment, thanks for the info!

[@wayalife]

Glad I could be of help! Here's a write-up I did to help out as well wayalife.com/showthread.php/56571-WRITE-UP-Basic-DIY-Jeep-JL-Wrangler-FRONT-END-ALIGNMENT

[@oldschoolmoto]

so glad i ran across your channel awhile back most informative vids on here and some great wheeling thumbs up

[@wayalife]

Awesome - we're so glad to hear it :)

[@AKArusty]

Thank You for posting this video. Like many of your other videos it was super informative and helpful. I really appreciate your attention to detail. Keep it up!!

[@wayalife]

Well, we're glad to know that our videos have been helpful to you :)

[@colinfox1991]

Fantastic, this was an excellent guide

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianmathe4219]

Very useful information. Thanks for posting this video.

[@wayalife]

Glad we could be of help :)

[@coachg6476]

Well done, information is understandable simple to follow. Keep it up 👍🏽

[@adventureeverymile8135]

Your videos are awesome and I have enjoyed your channel over the years. thanks for all the positive contributions to the Jeep community. I don’t thing there are many people who have done so much for jeepers as you and Cindy. Keep winning man.

[@wayalife]

Thank you, we're humbled that you'd say as much :)

[@rodwood693]

After seeing this series I guess it's time for a front axle upgrade 😊👍🏼

[@wayalife]

LOL!! Well, if nothing else, you know there's a good upgrade that is available :)

[@unwrangler11]

Thanks for a great informative video. Now I know what to look for before heading to go off roading.

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad we could be of help to you :)

[@jameskey7290]

Thanks for the video. Had my JK for six years now and finally experienced death wobble on my Jeep. I have a lot to check out.

[@xmo552]

Check everything out but even a brand new vehicle with a solid front axle can do this. It's the nature of the beast. Maybe you hit a jiggly spot in the road that you've never hit before. Tree roots pushing up the road are my favorite (not).

[@SuperThunder911]

Cool video,thank you, no more snow for me,I’m living in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida now 👍

[@hectorserrano7703]

Another great video, I've learned so much from your channel

[@wayalife]

So glad to hear it, thank you :)

[@jayhernandez6812]

Do i need alignment if i only did 2 inch mopar lift kit with front and rear adjustable trackbar or no? I thought you only need alignment when changing tie rod. Please reply asap thanks.

[@wayalife]

Other than taking your money, an alignment shop can only make adjustments IF you have adjustable components. With a 2" lift, the only thing you will NEED to do is make sure your steering wheel is recentered and you can do that with ease, in your driveway, in about 2 minutes and just using a 15mm wrench. I have a write-up for that here wayalife.com/showthread.php/56571-WRITE-UP-Basic-DIY-Jeep-JL-Wrangler-FRONT-END-ALIGNMENT

[@craigversetti5700]

As ALWAYS Eddie !!!! Great video ..... thanks

[@wayalife]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnJones_]

That was awesome footage of the SNOW

[@wayalife]

LOL - glad you watched to the end :)

[@TheAverageJo1]

Great job. I just aligned my steering last week now with this vid I’ll do my toe on the tires. Thx Eddie

[@wayalife]

Unless you've bent or damaged your tie-rod, there really should be no reason to set your toe as it shouldn't have changed. We only needed to do this because we installed a new axle.

[@TheAverageJo1]

Got it. Thank you for the tip I’ll leave it alone.

[@sktona]

Your videos have been such a help for me. Thank you

[@wayalife]

Really happy to hear it :)

[@FrankPapadakis]

Yet another super helpful video! You're awesome dude, if we ever cross paths wheeling I owe you a few beers or cocktails lol!

[@lesszabo5625]

Thanks for another great informative video, really enjoyed these on the Dynatrac axle for your Jl.

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad we could share this with you :)

[@GoatOffroad]

Awesome Jeep guys! Just got my first Jeep and loving it!

[@wayalife]

Congratulations to you!

[@xmo552]

🐞IIII🐞 small world, huh?

[@GoatOffroad]

X Mo - small world in the Jeep community 🥰🥰

[@xmo552]

@@GoatOffroad Yuuuuup, apparently. I love what you did with the lady bug/ grill logo.

[@GoatOffroad]

X Mo - 🤣🤣 I need a logo and wanted to use that! Haven’t figured out the details yet

[@ortiz73caify]

Excellent video and very good information thanks again.

[@wayalife]

Thank you. Just trying to help other Jeepers as much as we can :)

[@pamdemic7848]

Good stuff, Thanks!

[@tmar9159]

Very informative! Excellent video!

[@wayalife]

Thanks! We're so happy that you found it to be informative :)

[@nachovalenti]

Great video. Nice to see when someone knows what talking about.

[@jim6682]

Another excellent video ! Thanks

[@wayalife]

Glad to be of service :)

[@edward1967able]

Thanks for the video, lots of info,

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@j.christopherchang1668]

This video is very informational ! Thank you so much for putting videos up like this. Question, Any other reason why the anti lock brakes would come off? is it mainly the steering and drag link issue? Because its not centered?

[@wayalife]

The main reason for the brake assist to kick in is because your steering wheel is off center. This will make your Jeep's computer think that you're in a slide.

[@zmotorsports62]

Nice job on the video. I also like to use a paint pen and mark my fasteners, especially steering and suspension, so you can see if anything changes at a quick glance. Mike

[@wayalife]

Good idea. Things like this are always a help.

[@continuethejourneytransame1054]

Very educational, thank you! Keep making them Eddie!! One question for you, what was your final measurements front and back? The last measurements I heard was 68 5/8's.

[@---rg1gb]

Great informative video. Thanks!

[@wayalife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinmcelheran4489]

Again, awesome video ! What are your thoughts now on ball joint delete kits, American Iron etc. Lots of videos from when they first came out. I think you did these too??

[@wayalife]

Nah, not me. After seeing them in person and how they break, I am NOT a fan of them. www.wayalife.com/threads/in-the-shop-disciple-off-road.63031/page-18#post-1346577

[@lachumbley]

Very useful information!

[@wayalife]

Awesome, glad to hear it :)

[@Homehous]

Thx for the info great way to check toe.

[@bbdoco7053]

Great video as usual! I want a prorock44🤤

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@jeffriley2502]

Good information as usual. Thanks for your help to our community. OllllllO

[@wayalife]

You bet! It's our hope to help others to help themselves :)

[@anthonynelson4756]

Jeep is looking good!!!!

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@Zebraunit22]

The bolt/ clamp that you loosen on the pitman arm to adjust your steering wheel position, after adjusting the steering to a straight position what do you torque the bolt to, to clamp it down tightly

[@adamclancy8706]

Nice!! Smart videos - always helpful

[@wayalife]

Thank you. Helping others help themselves is all we would ever hope to do :)

[@murphtahoe1]

Wow...Great info on this video!!!

[@wayalife]

Thanks! Happy to hear you found it to be useful :)

[@MilkBone3327]

Great video! Thanks again.

[@wayalife]

You bet! We're so glad that we could share this with you :)

[@jeepie1964]

Please can you give the difference from the front and back side again, then I can convert it to cm and also use it. Very nice film and clear explanation. Super thanks from the Netherlands

[@wayalife]

You just need to make the front about 2 to 3mm closer together than the rear of the front tires.

[@jeepie1964]

@@wayalife Thank you, I will also measure and check it exactly. Thanks for the video and the good explanation

[@williamsimpson3155]

Great vid, sir...i was doing a 5 tire rotation on my 2020 Rubicon (4500 miles) with oem suspension/tires and noticed the front looked toed out. Brought it back into the toe-in you guys recommended (3/32" - 1/8") but noticed that you didn't torque the adjuster bracket nut when you tightened. It's 34 ft-lbs, correct? Thanks...

[@jamesonmiller9567]

Great video, very educational about suspension maintenance. I've really enjoyed the whole series with Jim McGean! What are some of the symptoms/issues on road at speed with too much toe in?

[@wayalife]

Poor tire wear is the most noticeable symptom. If it's really off, you'd have poor handling as well.

[@jamesonmiller9567]

@@wayalife Thank you! I just recently relocated the steering stabilizer and had to remove my drag link in the process. After putting everything back together my steering wheel was off center, but thanks to your video I already knew how to fix it. Unfortunately I didn't correct it before the Service Stability Control System warning came on...so now I just have to wait for it to turn back off.

[@wayalife]

@@jamesonmiller9567 You should be able to disconnect the negative battery lead for about 15-20 min and that'll clear it.

[@Jetmech01]

Great and informative video! What locker did you go with on the PR 44?

[@wayalife]

Thanks! We went with ARB. Of all the lockers we've run over the last 20+ years, ARB has just proven to us to be the strongest and most reliable.

[@poserwanabe]

very well done !!!

[@wayalife]

Thank you :)

[@JohnsNotHelpful]

Great information, always appreciate it. The only part I’m not clear on is the measurements for the toe in adjustment. I have 35” 12.50 w tires on my JLUS. Where can I find the measurements I need for this size ? Or where can I find this information? Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[@wayalife]

This should help you out wayalife.com/showthread.php/56571-WRITE-UP-Basic-DIY-Jeep-JL-Wrangler-FRONT-END-ALIGNMENT

[@ligon143]

Great informative video. Gotta check mine. Keep em' coming

[@wayalife]

Glad to hear you found it to be informative and you know we will :)

[@br_budnik]

Eddie, years later I’ve finally got my dream jeep. 19 JLUR. My pitman arm joint has slop just like yours shows. After replacing that part did the “wandering” feeling on the road go away or get better? I’m trying to figure out what to order right now. Lol

[@wayalife]

Rotational movement is totally normal and that would not cause wandering. Side to side or up and down shifting is not normal and that would cause a wobble in the steering wheel. Wandering is typically a problem with too little caster. If you're running a lot of air in your tires, like 35 psi or more, that will be part of your problem. Otherwise, more caster should help.

[@br_budnik]

@ thanks so much. I do have up and down movement at that ball joint. I’m gonna replace that drag link, and check the alignment. Bringing tire pressure down to 28 or so helped a ton too. You are the man. Hope you’re enjoying SEMA.

[@jk_wrangler13]

I'm glad I saw this video. My new used jeep has been given me those problems he was talking about. I do have a question, how can I tell if my used jeep has a lift? I need new struts or shocks and I don't want to get the wrong ones.

[@wayalife]

What year Jeep do you have and what size tires is it running?

[@jk_wrangler13]

@@wayalife thanks for getting back to me. I have a 2013 wrangler sport 2 dr. It looks like it might have a body lift to me because the body looks to be higher then the frame.

[@wayalife]

@@jk_wrangler13 that might be true. Again, what size tires are you running?

[@jk_wrangler13]

@@wayalife sorry I told you wrong on the size of tires. They are 34/10.50/r17

[@wayalife]

@@jk_wrangler13 Okay, for a tire that big, you more than likely have some kind of lift whether it be a body lift or otherwise.

[@Robstunner]

Great info, thank you!

[@wayalife]

You bet! Glad you found it to be informative :)

[@손정민-v8k]

Off road driving awesome

[@hannahmechan8116]

I finally!! I’m going fix it my JK

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@wayalife]

You bet, we're so glad you liked it :)

[@snowren24]

great video, subbed

[@wayalife]

Awesome, thank you :)

[@joseph4333]

This is what happening to my jeep lately kind a off 1degree to the right and also when ai try to turn left to right you hear weird noises in between while turning the steering

[@bryanrogowski]

Thanks!!

[@wayalife]

You bet!

[@claudeperrault4164]

I really enjoyed this video! It was very informative! Thank you guys!

[@wayalife]

Awesome - so glad to hear it :)

[@rickymo76]

Great video, thanks! 2 questions: Do I center the wheel (if needed) before or after the toe in adjustments or does it matter? Also, were the jacks under the axle or ? Hard to tell. Because you want the weight on the suspension when you do this right?

[@wayalife]

After you set your toe. The jack stands are under the axle. The full weight of the Jeep is still on when you do it this way.

[@jerrywhalen2100]

How do you tell the Passenger side is in the correct compared to the driver side

[@wayalife]

Both sides are connected by a tie rod. Any change you make affects both sides equally.

[@sallutz]

What’s that front bumper on the Jeep in this vid? Never mind...figured it out. LOD Offroad. I checked out their bumpers, very nice. Wondering if they are easy to assemble once I remove the factory plastic bumpers on my JL 2dr. Hmmm

[@wayalife]

Well, we made a video that might help you out :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZzZgaymhqeinKM

[@jrprieto1]

Awesome, another helpful video, quick question, I might have miss it, what are the measurement you would use on a JKU? Thanks.

[@wayalife]

It would be different with every Jeep being that most run different tires and where you measure from will change what you need to set things at. Ultimately, you want about 1/16" to 1/8" at MOST toe-in

[@johncarpenter6219]

Oh man, thanks for this video. We just bought our JLUR, and we are experiencing loose stearing. Is there anything other than the drag link to check out? How did you fix the looseness he pointed out?