- Sometimes guys, once in a while
we gotta do our own alignment in our garage or
at home because maybe we just got some new wheels
and tires delivered to us from TrailBuilt
or maybe we put new suspension components on
or like Zach's Jeep behind us here,
we just installed a new apex chassis,
upgraded tie rod and drag link on his Jeep here.
So the next step is to take it in for an alignment.
However, we're gonna show you guys
how to do an alignment at home.
We're gonna use the tape measure method and we're gonna do
what's called a toe in alignment on Zach's Jeep
because it does have a straight axle
up front not independent suspension.
We're not gonna worry about the camber
or the caster in today's video,
but for those certain circumstances
where you have to do your own alignment
in the meantime until you can take it to the shop,
or maybe it's just an off-road rig and you
don't really care about perfect alignment
because you're mostly driving it off road,
well then this video is for you.
Now to do this in your garage, it's pretty simple.
All you need is a couple of straight edges.
I personally like to use some kind
of straight edge that is metal instead of wood.
Wood can kind of be warped or bent a little bit
and can throw your alignment off.
So I walked around the shop here at work
and I found two angle iron pieces of aluminum
that we're gonna use to basically attach
to the outside of the front tires.
We're gonna strap 'em on using ratchet straps.
And then we're just gonna take a tape measure
and we're gonna measure behind the tire,
we're gonna measure in front of the tire,
and at the end, we're gonna want to be within
about an eighth inch of toe in.
So toe in just basically means your tires
are gonna be facing each other on the front
just about an eighth inch, a quarter to an eighth inch
is about the spec that we're gonna go for.
So then I have my two pieces of C channel aluminum to use
for the straight edges.
I have two ratchet straps.
I have the tape measure.
I have a hammer because we're gonna have to bend some tabs
over on the ninja tabs are called
from Apex Chassis to tighten everything up.
And then I have my big ass crescent wrench that we're
gonna use to tighten up the jam nuts.
So besides that, it's really all you need.
And with that said, guys, let's go ahead.
Let's get started.
(upbeat music)
And I did bring an angle finder because I forgot a level
but this will be close enough.
I don't necessarily have to have this straight edge
completely
level, but it helps.
(upbeat music)
- All right, so now we have
our straight edges all set up
so that I can measure an exact spot on the back of the tire.
And then I just basically ran the tape measure
to the other side on that other sea channel,
hooked it onto there.
One thing to watch out for though is
when you're measuring with a tape measure
across the bottom of the Jeep
to not interfere with anything that's under there.
Now we got pretty lucky.
We're just above the drive shaft.
We're not hitting the control arms or anything like that,
but if you were, and the tape measure had some kind
of angle to it or curve to it, it would actually throw
off your measurement, even the slightest
because we want to get this exactly an eighth inch towed in.
We don't want anything to interfere
with that or throw it off.
All right, so everything is looking good at the back.
We have 81 and three quarter.
So 81 and three quarter in the back of the tire.
Write that on there so I don't forget.
Okay, and on the front.
And same thing with the front just make sure
there isn't any interference with the tape measure.
It could throw off your measurement and it looks
like we might be able to get it right
in between these front fangs here.
Don't worry folks, I'm a professional.
Oh, look at that.
But now we are 81
and three eights.
So 81 and three eights.
Write it down before I forget.
And three eights.
So 81 and three eights and real quick guys too,
one of the things that, one
of the reasons I do use this method is
'cause a lot of times I'm doing this by myself
but it does really help to have a buddy help you out.
But obviously if you're by yourself
this is probably the next best way to do it.
So right now we're towed in three eights of an inch
which means that if we basically split that difference
we're gonna be,
let me do my math quick in my head.
(computer beeping)
We'll just split that difference.
So to split that difference, we gotta go to 81
and a half.
No, 81 and let's do nine sixteens.
So then all we gotta do is we gotta tow out the
tires a quarter of an inch because right now
it's three eighths inch in
and if we just back it off a quarter of an inch
then it's gonna still be one eighths inch towed in
which is about exactly what we want,
so let's go ahead and let's do that.
All right, so almost got ahead of myself there for a second
but one thing we do need to make sure of first
before we go ahead and do the toe in alignment
on the front wheels is we just wanna make sure
that the steering wheel is straight.
And I did pull in here straight.
Now when we put the apex steering on,
we actually did straighten out the steering
wheel already by adjusting the drag link.
And I'll show you underneath in a second
but the drag link does allow it to turn
to adjust the steering wheel.
So you just loosen the jam nuts, adjust the drag link
tighten the jam nuts up
and make sure the steering wheel's straight.
But one thing we do
is before we go ahead
and adjust that drag link is I'm gonna run the
seatbelt just right through the steering wheel,
through the bottom of the steering wheel like this.
And all that's gonna do is that's gonna hold
the steering wheel from wanting to turn
while I'm actually adjusting the drag link.
All right.
So this one, I just had to move
the seat up slightly to get it
to lock in to the steering wheel.
All right, so, it might turn a little bit
but it's not gonna fully turn.
It's not gonna make a full rotation or anything like that.
So at least the steering wheel will hold it there for now.
And guys, again, if you're driving your vehicle
on the road, quite often, this alignment how to
do this is really just a temporary thing
until you have time to take it in
and get the proper alignment done on it.
(chill music)
All right, well now we are within that one eighth
of an inch towed in spec, this is gonna be good enough
until Zach can take his Jeep in and get it aligned.
And remember guys, this is just a quick temporary alignment
if you're driving your rigs on the road
because even if you're off a little bit more than that
or your caster or camber's off
or maybe your four wheel alignment is even off
and you're driving your vehicle on the road
and you just threw on like a brand new set of tires
or even if your tires are still in good condition, well
they're gonna wear out a heck of a lot faster.
So you can use this method to get you by
for the weekend or whatever the case may be temporarily
until you can get it scheduled in for an alignment
or unless you're driving your rig
off-road almost a hundred percent of the time.
Well, then, close enough is good enough.
So other than that, guys, I think we are good to go.
We're gonna leave those ninja tabs open so that when
they do the alignment on this, they'll actually
be able to adjust it anymore if they need to,
which, hopefully it's right on.
But I think we're gonna find out, I think we're gonna have
the paperwork to see exactly how close
this alignment ended up being.
Hopefully it's pretty close, but we'll see.
So other than that, guys, if you are looking
for Apex Chassis steering, if you're looking for new tires
and wheels or any accessories for your off-road vehicle
definitely make sure and check 'em out on our website.
It's TrailBuilt off-road.
And if you guys have any other methods
of doing the front end alignment or camber
or castor alignment or anything like that
on your off-road vehicle or your daily driver
whatever the case may be, definitely make sure
and let us know in the comments below.
Would really be interested to hear
how you guys do your in-home alignment,
so make sure and let us know.
Other than that guys, we definitely appreciate
all of you for watching and all of your support.
I'm Josh from TrailBuilt.
And we'll see you guys out on the trails.
(chill music)