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Toe In

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by dohc281, Jun 5, 2008.

  1. Jun 5, 2008
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Messages:
    605
    I've never tried adjusting the toe in on my Jeep before, in fact on anything. I know I have to loosen the bolts on both ends of the tie rod, is there anything else I should know about like do the wheels have to be on the ground or should I jack up a side. Right now I can't get the tie rod to move even after soaking each end with PB Blaster.
     
    dohc281, Jun 5, 2008
    #1
  2. Jun 5, 2008
    bergy9

    bergy9 Jeep Maffia, CJ 5 Chapter

    Lincoln City, OR
    Joined:
    Jul 2, 2007
    Messages:
    184
    I just replaced my drivers side tie rod. I meassured center to center, but after looking at it, it still looked as if it was out, so I had to try again. I would have the front end up off the ground, I think it would be easier.
     
    bergy9, Jun 5, 2008
    #2
  3. Jun 5, 2008
    AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Fairbanks, Alaska
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2003
    Messages:
    1,035
    Grampa's method:

    1. Jack up one side and make a mark on the tire by spinning it by hand while holding a sharp object (nail, awl) against it (tread not sidewall). Rest the nail on a block of wood and hold it steady.
    2. Do the same on the other side. Now you have a line to measure to on both tires.
    3. Lower the vehicle and roll it back and forth to allow the wheels to return to their natural position.
    4. Measure the distance from one side to the other at the back and front of the tires.
    5. Adjust your tie rod so that the front measurement is about 1/4" less than the back. This would give you about 1/4" toe in.

    There are a lot of other details or methods but this will get you started.
     
    AKCJ, Jun 5, 2008
    #3
  4. Jun 5, 2008
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
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    Patrick, Jun 5, 2008
    #4
  5. Jun 5, 2008
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Messages:
    605
    There hasn't been a lot of discussion on my question though. I will have the wheels off the ground when i try to turn the tie rod ends. Thanks to everyone for their help.
     
    dohc281, Jun 5, 2008
    #5
  6. Jun 5, 2008
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,470
    Actually - toe is adjusted with the weight of the vehicle on the tires. Toe is used in the tracking of the jeep as it goes down the road. In some cases it might not matter, but all shops align with the weight on the tires.
     
    Warloch, Jun 5, 2008
    #6
  7. Jun 6, 2008
    Mudweiserjeep

    Mudweiserjeep JEEP: Bouncy and Fun

    tipp city, ohio
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2004
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    718
    Mudweiserjeep, Jun 6, 2008
    #7
  8. Jun 6, 2008
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    4,350
    Heat is your friend.
     
    blevisay, Jun 6, 2008
    #8
  9. Jun 6, 2008
    bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    K-Town Tenn.
    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2007
    Messages:
    3,294
    I did mine by having the wife and boy hold a 2"x4" against the tires...measured front and back of front tires ON the ground...adjusted for 1/8" less in the front
    When I had a shop check the caster angle my toe in was dead on:)
    Worked for me YMMV
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, Jun 6, 2008
    #9
  10. Jun 6, 2008
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    1/4" toe in is way too much. Factory spec is 3/64" to 3/32". You need to set toe with the weight of the vehicle on the suspension and tires. It will be different if you set it in the air vs. on the ground. Especially if you still have the stock Ross steering system with two tie rods.
     
    nickmil, Jun 6, 2008
    #10
  11. Jun 6, 2008
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Messages:
    605
    All of you have given me some great info but my problem is I can't get the tie rod to turn for adustment. Do I need more PB Blaster or new tie rods? Is it me or the parts?
     
    dohc281, Jun 6, 2008
    #11
  12. Jun 6, 2008
    dohc281

    dohc281 It is what it is.

    Laurel Springs, N.J.
    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2004
    Messages:
    605
    Thanks, I'll try this. I should be able to take a pipe wrench and turn the tie rod in either direction is my understanding of setting the toe in.
     
    dohc281, Jun 6, 2008
    #12
  13. Jun 6, 2008
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    Correct.
     
    nickmil, Jun 6, 2008
    #13
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