DIY Alignment

#tmrcustoms
As Jeep owners, we're CONSTANTLY changing parts to make our rigs more capable off road. As a result, we often need to have an alignment done afterwards. Especially, if we've done something to the front end which requires us to mess with the steering. I've always just used the brake rotors to set my toe after doing work, but that's not always the best way. In this video, I use toe plates from TMR Customs, and it's a LOT more accurate than using the rotors. They will work for almost any vehicle, not just Jeeps. So, if you're a person who does your own vehicle maintenance, these will surely pay for themselves in a VERY short period of time. Check link below if you're interested.

Clayton Off Road Discount of 5%, use code CBERRY5

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[DWaaX]

The metal tip at the end of your tape measure is a little bit loose for a reason. The first inch of the tape is short by 1/16 of an inch. This isn’t an error: it’s meant to provide you with accurate readings whether you’re measuring the inside or outside edge of a surface.

The metal tip is exactly 1/16 of an inch thick. If you’re measuring the outside of a surface and hook your metal end on the edge, that metal piece will shift out and create a gap, so that you aren’t counting it in your measurement.

[ssgoblin]

I just did this today. Changed upper and lower A arms. Took it to a local recommended shop, 150$ later it pulled right. I took it back and the charged me another 150$, and it still pulled right. Order my plates, came in today, mine was a half inch toed in. Did some measuring off common spots on each side to see which tie rod i needed to adjust. Made adjustments for a 16th toed in and she drive straight again. I try and do everything I can myself. Super hard to find a good shop outside your own garage.

[michaeldvorak]

A little measuring tape design. The end is made loose to give you the correct measurement whether you're pulling the tape over an object or pushing the tape up against an object. It is true that abuse will mess this up.

[kaurythiebaut]

The tip of your tape measure is loose so that if you hook a board it pulls it out the thickness of that hook and if you butt it up on the inside it pushes it in that thickness to always have an inch no matter what. Other than that pretty cool video i hadnt ever seen these plates before

[RoundTownWithMike]

tape measure ends are meant to move in and out the same thickness as the metal end. That allows you to hook it on something OR butt it up against something and still get the same measurement.

[DavidWilliams-mrnl]

FYI: That play is supposed to be there in the end of a tape measure... that way when measuring inside measurements and outside measurements that hook slides the thickness of the hook. Otherwise you'll always be 1/16" off.

[millstonejeepworx]

I have the same plates. They work great. couple of suggestions. You don't need 2 tape measures. Just use the same one front and rear. That is actually more accurate because it eliminates the chance of variability between the 2 tape measures. The other thing is you front axle should be as close to ride height as possible and the plates level, in this case with your axle they appear to hit the caliper. the calipers should be removed so the plates can be leveled. I have an Sd60 front axle and the plates clear my calipers no problem so removal is based on what axle your running.

[AlexWinters]

A couple of big ass adjustable hammers!!! Haha I love how just straight up blunt and straight forward you are. It’s not intentional humor, but it’s funny! And true!

[shawnviggers]

Metal tip isn't loose from wear it's designed for this first in is 1/16 less and tab is 1/16 made to measure inside and outside of a surface

[mperdsx]

Put the car on the ground.
Roll it forward a foot.
Measure the distance from the rear of one tire to the rear of the other tire. Mark the spots of the measurement on the tires.
Roll the car forward one-half tire rotation.
Measure the distance from the marked spots.
You now have a dead nuts accurate loaded tow deviation measurement. And it's oblivious to bent wheels, spindles or tires.

[hhyperdd]

I appreciate your time, guidance and video.

[velez]

Recommend turning the steering wheel both way counting rotation then return half that amount from ether side. Putting the rack in the center should out the steering wheel centered then do your alinmemt

[BigAL]

Holy cow guy, think before you talk! The play in the end of the tape measure is a design feature! It compensates for different measuring methods: Pulling or pushing the tape measure.

[speculard]

It does look like that spaceship from starwars! Good tutorial. Thanks for the lesson. Learned a lot.

Does it matter if you keep the wheels on or off when aligning toe?

[RoundTownWithMike]

Those plates are under $60 which is a really good price. I make custom CAD designed laser cut tools and I could probably make those from aluminum for about $40. $15-$20 more if they are powder coated.

[Mr.G_Rattlesnake]

Very well explained. Great job! New sub

[KiloWhisky]

This is perfect for 4x4 with live axle 👍👍

[kenf]

I Have a set of TMR, They are good only after you file the slag (Burr) off the hole openings.

[TimBaugh]

Hi, and greetings from sunny France. Many thanks for this, looks like a useful tool and well explained. I hope you don't mind, but I have a question. If I've understood correctly, you adjusted both sides equally so as to ensuure that they are identical. But what if the alignnment is out due to incorrect alignment on one side only? How might you ensure that your adjustments are correct? Sorry if this is an amateur question, but I'm an amateur.

[joemcguire]

The problem with toe plates in general is there is no way to make sure the wheels are square ti the chassis. One wheel can be toe in and the other can be toe out.