You're making this WAY too hard.

Assuming the alignment was correct when they started, it'll still be correct
when they finish. The place where the steering is disconnected will change
the position of the steering wheel, while leaving everything else just as it
was. If the steering wheel is crooked, and the alignment is still straight,
then the steering wheel was put on wrong. Actually, the steering box was put
on wrong; it could be connected to the steering linkage correctly, but
connected to the steering wheel wrong.

Take it back ...

And, no. When the do a full alignment, they will not check the lock-to-lock
unless you specifically direct them to. They ALWAYS assume the steering and
associated linkage to be correctly connected, and all that is needed is an
adjustment.

PS
The only alignment adjustment is Toe In, and it wouldn't be affected by
swapping the steering box. The other tow front end adjustments -- that
aren't even available -- Caster and Camber, are also not affected by
swapping the steering box. Well, some TJs have a Caster adjustment, but
swapping the steering box isn't going to affect it anyway, so it doesn't
matter.



"JimG" <jimg@2muchspam.com> wrote in message
news:ql6Ue.6587$cg.4920@news02.roc.ny...
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>
> When they do a full alignment do they do a lock-to-lock symmetry? (same
> turning radius left-to right?) I think the drag link controls that,
> right?
>
> JimG
>
> "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> news:LT5Ue.2556$P34.479@okepread07...
>> Jeff Strickland did pass the time by typing:
>> > Yes, it could be just the drag link or the wheel should be adjusted on
> the
>> > box. Take it back.
>>
>> Unless the alignment has changed the problem is the steering shaft to
>> box connection is out of whack. In a parking lot, drive straight and
>> let the wheel be whereever it needs to be. Now stop, and
>> remove/reinstall
>> the steering shaft. (remember the connection bolt has to come all the
>> way
>> out since it also acts as a pin)
>>
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>> > "JimG" wrote ...
>> >> Bought a re-man steering gear box, and had it installed by the
>> >> $tealer,
>> >> $81.00, could not pass up that deal!
>> >> But the steering wheel is ~5 deg. off or so... is that just a drag
>> >> link
>> >> adjust, or should the steering shaft be turned on the box a bit?
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> JimG
>> >> 80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
>> >> 4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
>> >> 35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
>> >> D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
>> >> Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
>> >> Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries
>> >>
>> >> 00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
>> >> 4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
>> >> 33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
>> >> D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
>> >> Warn X8000i
>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

You're making this WAY too hard.

Assuming the alignment was correct when they started, it'll still be correct
when they finish. The place where the steering is disconnected will change
the position of the steering wheel, while leaving everything else just as it
was. If the steering wheel is crooked, and the alignment is still straight,
then the steering wheel was put on wrong. Actually, the steering box was put
on wrong; it could be connected to the steering linkage correctly, but
connected to the steering wheel wrong.

Take it back ...

And, no. When the do a full alignment, they will not check the lock-to-lock
unless you specifically direct them to. They ALWAYS assume the steering and
associated linkage to be correctly connected, and all that is needed is an
adjustment.

PS
The only alignment adjustment is Toe In, and it wouldn't be affected by
swapping the steering box. The other tow front end adjustments -- that
aren't even available -- Caster and Camber, are also not affected by
swapping the steering box. Well, some TJs have a Caster adjustment, but
swapping the steering box isn't going to affect it anyway, so it doesn't
matter.



"JimG" <jimg@2muchspam.com> wrote in message
news:ql6Ue.6587$cg.4920@news02.roc.ny...
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>
> When they do a full alignment do they do a lock-to-lock symmetry? (same
> turning radius left-to right?) I think the drag link controls that,
> right?
>
> JimG
>
> "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> news:LT5Ue.2556$P34.479@okepread07...
>> Jeff Strickland did pass the time by typing:
>> > Yes, it could be just the drag link or the wheel should be adjusted on
> the
>> > box. Take it back.
>>
>> Unless the alignment has changed the problem is the steering shaft to
>> box connection is out of whack. In a parking lot, drive straight and
>> let the wheel be whereever it needs to be. Now stop, and
>> remove/reinstall
>> the steering shaft. (remember the connection bolt has to come all the
>> way
>> out since it also acts as a pin)
>>
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>> > "JimG" wrote ...
>> >> Bought a re-man steering gear box, and had it installed by the
>> >> $tealer,
>> >> $81.00, could not pass up that deal!
>> >> But the steering wheel is ~5 deg. off or so... is that just a drag
>> >> link
>> >> adjust, or should the steering shaft be turned on the box a bit?
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> JimG
>> >> 80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
>> >> 4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
>> >> 35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
>> >> D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
>> >> Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
>> >> Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries
>> >>
>> >> 00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
>> >> 4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
>> >> 33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
>> >> D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
>> >> Warn X8000i
>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

You're making this WAY too hard.

Assuming the alignment was correct when they started, it'll still be correct
when they finish. The place where the steering is disconnected will change
the position of the steering wheel, while leaving everything else just as it
was. If the steering wheel is crooked, and the alignment is still straight,
then the steering wheel was put on wrong. Actually, the steering box was put
on wrong; it could be connected to the steering linkage correctly, but
connected to the steering wheel wrong.

Take it back ...

And, no. When the do a full alignment, they will not check the lock-to-lock
unless you specifically direct them to. They ALWAYS assume the steering and
associated linkage to be correctly connected, and all that is needed is an
adjustment.

PS
The only alignment adjustment is Toe In, and it wouldn't be affected by
swapping the steering box. The other tow front end adjustments -- that
aren't even available -- Caster and Camber, are also not affected by
swapping the steering box. Well, some TJs have a Caster adjustment, but
swapping the steering box isn't going to affect it anyway, so it doesn't
matter.



"JimG" <jimg@2muchspam.com> wrote in message
news:ql6Ue.6587$cg.4920@news02.roc.ny...
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>
> When they do a full alignment do they do a lock-to-lock symmetry? (same
> turning radius left-to right?) I think the drag link controls that,
> right?
>
> JimG
>
> "DougW" <post.replies@invalid.address> wrote in message
> news:LT5Ue.2556$P34.479@okepread07...
>> Jeff Strickland did pass the time by typing:
>> > Yes, it could be just the drag link or the wheel should be adjusted on
> the
>> > box. Take it back.
>>
>> Unless the alignment has changed the problem is the steering shaft to
>> box connection is out of whack. In a parking lot, drive straight and
>> let the wheel be whereever it needs to be. Now stop, and
>> remove/reinstall
>> the steering shaft. (remember the connection bolt has to come all the
>> way
>> out since it also acts as a pin)
>>
>> You would still be better off having an alignment done but that should
>> get you close.
>>
>> > "JimG" wrote ...
>> >> Bought a re-man steering gear box, and had it installed by the
>> >> $tealer,
>> >> $81.00, could not pass up that deal!
>> >> But the steering wheel is ~5 deg. off or so... is that just a drag
>> >> link
>> >> adjust, or should the steering shaft be turned on the box a bit?
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> JimG
>> >> 80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
>> >> 4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
>> >> 35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
>> >> D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
>> >> Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
>> >> Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries
>> >>
>> >> 00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
>> >> 4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
>> >> 33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
>> >> D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
>> >> Warn X8000i
>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

Matt Macchiarolo did pass the time by typing:
> "DougW" wrote ...
>> That far off can't be adjusted on the link anyway.
>>
> 5 degrees? That's patently false. After my post-lift alignment my steering
> wheel was off almost 90 degrees, because the shop forgot to adjust the drag
> link. I did it myself in about 10 minutes.
>
>
>> Do the wheel first, it's easy.
>
> Draglink is easier.

Adjusting the drag link doesn't center the rack or return spring.

--
DougW

 

Matt Macchiarolo did pass the time by typing:
> "DougW" wrote ...
>> That far off can't be adjusted on the link anyway.
>>
> 5 degrees? That's patently false. After my post-lift alignment my steering
> wheel was off almost 90 degrees, because the shop forgot to adjust the drag
> link. I did it myself in about 10 minutes.
>
>
>> Do the wheel first, it's easy.
>
> Draglink is easier.

Adjusting the drag link doesn't center the rack or return spring.

--
DougW

 

Matt Macchiarolo did pass the time by typing:
> "DougW" wrote ...
>> That far off can't be adjusted on the link anyway.
>>
> 5 degrees? That's patently false. After my post-lift alignment my steering
> wheel was off almost 90 degrees, because the shop forgot to adjust the drag
> link. I did it myself in about 10 minutes.
>
>
>> Do the wheel first, it's easy.
>
> Draglink is easier.

Adjusting the drag link doesn't center the rack or return spring.

--
DougW

 

Matt Macchiarolo did pass the time by typing:
> "DougW" wrote ...
>> That far off can't be adjusted on the link anyway.
>>
> 5 degrees? That's patently false. After my post-lift alignment my steering
> wheel was off almost 90 degrees, because the shop forgot to adjust the drag
> link. I did it myself in about 10 minutes.
>
>
>> Do the wheel first, it's easy.
>
> Draglink is easier.

Adjusting the drag link doesn't center the rack or return spring.

--
DougW

 

Mike Romain did pass the time by typing:
> The drag link had to be or needed to be adjusted to put the new box in
> and they missed it a bit.
>
> The spline on the steering shaft is notched where the bolt goes through
> and only fits one way.
>
> 5 deg is about 1/16 of a turn on the drag link.

Your probably right but I could swear the ZJ could be put back just about
any direction. Don't have a good photo but it does show a flat/milled spot.
The attachment bolt will work in any position it looks like.

Only had it off twice and marked both times, never tried another way of
putting it on. It does have a flat spot but no real "key", just a place to
hammer in the retaining pin.

http://www.revbeergoggles.com/temp/shaft.jpg

Then again I'm thinking ZJ, the TJ might have a different box.

--
DougW

 

Mike Romain did pass the time by typing:
> The drag link had to be or needed to be adjusted to put the new box in
> and they missed it a bit.
>
> The spline on the steering shaft is notched where the bolt goes through
> and only fits one way.
>
> 5 deg is about 1/16 of a turn on the drag link.

Your probably right but I could swear the ZJ could be put back just about
any direction. Don't have a good photo but it does show a flat/milled spot.
The attachment bolt will work in any position it looks like.

Only had it off twice and marked both times, never tried another way of
putting it on. It does have a flat spot but no real "key", just a place to
hammer in the retaining pin.

http://www.revbeergoggles.com/temp/shaft.jpg

Then again I'm thinking ZJ, the TJ might have a different box.

--
DougW

 

Mike Romain did pass the time by typing:
> The drag link had to be or needed to be adjusted to put the new box in
> and they missed it a bit.
>
> The spline on the steering shaft is notched where the bolt goes through
> and only fits one way.
>
> 5 deg is about 1/16 of a turn on the drag link.

Your probably right but I could swear the ZJ could be put back just about
any direction. Don't have a good photo but it does show a flat/milled spot.
The attachment bolt will work in any position it looks like.

Only had it off twice and marked both times, never tried another way of
putting it on. It does have a flat spot but no real "key", just a place to
hammer in the retaining pin.

http://www.revbeergoggles.com/temp/shaft.jpg

Then again I'm thinking ZJ, the TJ might have a different box.

--
DougW