98 tj alignment problem

[snorkled tj]

1998 tj 4" lift left front tire looks like volkswagon wheel whats causing problem found problem also causing vibration at 35 put on jack stands found bad ball joints upppers both sides already replaced need to weld up brake slides on spindle then off for alignment

update found vibration after test drive rear end bad pinion bearing

[4x4grey88]

Originally Posted by snorkled tj

1998 tj 4" lift left front tire looks like Volkswagen's wheel whats causing problem

Can you give a bit more information??

Looks like a Volkswagen could mean a small tire or slanted. If it is slanted you could have a bent axle or bad ball joints. The factory usually sets that in the factory. You probably need to take it onto the shop.

[jeep wrangler-nw1]

i have never seen a volkswagen wheel on a jeep wrangler. how does that work?

[gtmud]

You are saying that after you installed the lift the tire is slanted in? If so then get ready to spend a little bit more $$. To correct for camber (slant tire) the upper ball joint needs to be replaced with one with the proper offset to correct your alignment problem. My advise is to take it to the dealer or find an alignment shop that knows what they are doing and have to work done there. After a proper alignment your jeeps tires should set like they did before the kit, and should have a straight steering wheel, and very little to no drift to the right or left.

[4x4grey88]

Originally Posted by snorkled tj

1998 tj 4" lift left front tire looks like Volkswagen wheel whats causing problem

I have done a couple lifts on Jeeps before and it should not change the angle of the wheels. When you lift a TJ you are just installing spring which lifts the Jeep. It sounds to me that you are having more then just alignment problems and might need to replace the axle or axle shaft might be bent. Do you have any pictures?? In California D30 axles go for about $200 and up depending on where you purchase. This might be a good time to learn more about your Jeep by changing out the axle yourself. They are not that difficult to change out with the help on at least one more person and a couple of hours to complete.

[gtmud]

That's right, thats what I get for writing first thing in the morning. I did run into a problem on my 02 XJ after I installed a 2" lift, had horrible bump steer, had it aligned and the problem was gone. I think it had something to do with the position of the tires from the track bar being stock.

[snorkled tj]

yes i think its in the ball joints left front has a slight tilt just need to get it up on jack stands this weekend to check all angles, i've also developed a vibration at 35 to 40 mph, suspect slip yoke but i' ll know soon

[gtmud]

YEs if you installed the 4" lift and not a new CV axle than a vibration is likly at around the speed you are mentioning. Ball joints, just jack the axle up and take a long bar under the tire and lift up. HAve a buddy look to see whats moving. BECAREFUL!! its a bit more complicated than just R&R the ball joints. The uppers are your camber/caster adjustment. IF they are bad and the writing on the b-joint is illegible. Take it to an alignment shop, it will be a bit $$. If you can make out the writing then get the EXACT same one to replace your worn b-joint.