Does moving the trackbar effect alignment?

[Fishbone]

Adjusted the trackbar about 3/4 inch, and centered the steering wheel. Does this have any effect on the alignment? Should it be re-aligned?

[Georgia Mike]

No. You should be fine. As for centering the steering wheel,that should be done at the drag link adjuster,not the track bar. The track bar is adjusted to center the axle under the vehicle.

[Fishbone]

Mike, Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I know the track bar and steering link are different. I just wanted to make sure neither one effected the alignment.

[Eagle]

Actually, both affect alignment.

[Fishbone]

Eagle, could you explain this further. I don't want to ruin these new BFG's.

[Georgia Mike]

Yes,explain this one please.

[WHEEL'er-DLR]

it does not hurt to check it if your in doubt..i check mine after every ft end adjustment after a run.....just measure the center of the front tires to each other...then the back side...there should be aprox. 1/4 inch of toe-in in the front ..if not turn the tie-rod to adjust....then drive it....does it go straight??? good job!!!

[vintagespeed]

Well, because it's a semi-triangulated 4 link + TB, when you change the axle position relative to center of the Jeep, one side of the axle will push forward or the other depending on which way you adjust the TB. Therefore, YES it does affect alignment and caster when you play with your TB (although relatively minor changes). Adjusting the draglink will only change your toe in your steering. So for minor adjustments of the TB or draglink you will not need to realign, if you go from about 3" lift to 7" then you'll need an alignment after you adjust the TB. :D

[Eagle]

The changes are small, but moving the axle side-to-side also affects toe-in. The reason is the inverted Y steering.

In the inverted Y steering, the tie rod does not directly link the two steering knuckles. The tie rod connects the driver's side knuckle to a fitting about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way along the drag link. When you move the axle laterally, you have to adjust the length of the drag link to compensate. Unless you also adjust the tie rod, you will have shortened (or lengthened) one component on the driver's side of where they connect but not the other. Thus they will no longer be properly adjusted to work together.

Unless you make a massive change the effect on toe-in is probably small, but it is there.

[Georgia Mike]

So,what you're saying is since he only moved the T-bar 3/4" he's more than likely to be OK? Right?

[Eagle]

I'm saying he should check the toe-in. It probably changed.