Minuit Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 Totally hypothetical here. Say I currently have a 2WD truck and want to make it 4WD. Obviously this will require installing a D30 in place of the old 2WD beam. If I am very careful to not disturb the tie rod ends and leave the steering linkage connected to the truck, would the truck still be in correct alignment after I swapped the axles? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 The steering and suspension linkage is proportionally the same for both 2WD and 4WD. According to the FSM, there is a height difference between 2WD and 4WD MJs. In spite of that, I think if both outgoing and incoming axles are factory straight and true, there should be no change in alignment specs, theoretically. But how many used 30+ year axles are straight and true? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted April 16, 2018 Author Share Posted April 16, 2018 I wouldn't be lifting anything, so the geometry before and after ought to be the same. Seems like you're right - about the only thing that's actually changing relative to the steering linkage is whether or not the new axle is straight. Although I doubt my 175k mile old beam is perfectly straight either... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 Even with factory new parts I doubt the alignment would be the same. Perhaps still within spec, but not the same. The good news is you can do a hell of an alignment with just a tape measure, some scrap 2x4s, ratchet straps, a sharpie, 2 rubber ducks, a notebook/scrap paper, some masking or duct tape, and an angle finder or plumbob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 16, 2018 Share Posted April 16, 2018 12 hours ago, DirtyComanche said: Even with factory new parts I doubt the alignment would be the same. Perhaps still within spec, but not the same. The good news is you can do a hell of an alignment with just a tape measure, some scrap 2x4s, ratchet straps, a sharpie, 2 rubber ducks, a notebook/scrap paper, some masking or duct tape, and an angle finder or plumbob. Agreed. Assuming the axle is straight, the camber should be zero, so no problem there. Caster will probably be close. Toe-in would easily be affected by manufacturing tolerances on the steering knuckles, but toe-in is the easiest part of the alignment to check and adjust using a tape measure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerpderp Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 When I did my swap I didn’t notice a change in the actual alignment, but since I did some lift springs, the steering wheel was off center. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 17, 2018 Share Posted April 17, 2018 19 hours ago, jerpderp said: When I did my swap I didn’t notice a change in the actual alignment, but since I did some lift springs, the steering wheel was off center. yup. that happens until you adjust it. how much lift? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerpderp Posted April 18, 2018 Share Posted April 18, 2018 yup. that happens until you adjust it. how much lift? Went from original 2wd springs to OME 2930s with new spring cushions. I think it only gave me 1.25” over where it sat before. 🤷🏼♂️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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