aligment shop?

[93GRNXJ]

I am having a hellofa time with the local shop, they are screwing me around, where do you guys recomend??( in the bay area)

also I have a stock 93 xj and I need new shocks, what kinds do you guys recomend?


thanks all
nate

 

[Jes]

For an alignment I suggest using a tape measure, it's really easy to do. A lot cheaper than taking it to the so called "professionals".

Jes

 

[93GRNXJ]

tape measure? huh? how i am just not that mechanicly inclined

 

[Bryan C.]

When you "screwing you around". What do you mean? There really aren't many adjustments to be made on an XJ front end. Just curious.

For the tape measure. Jes is refering to setting the toe. It is very easy to do, but you need to do it right. I'll look for a link that describes the process. Basically you just measure the distance between the front and rear of the front tires and set it to about 1/4" of "toe in" in the front of the tire.

Bryan

 

[Jes]

Ya, I just measure from a moulding mark on the tires, on the front and back. Make sure you're mesuring about half way up on the tire.
Also, I shoot for about 1/8" toe in. I ran mine at 0 last time and it wandered a little.

Jes

 

[93GRNXJ]

they wont set the toe right

 

[Bryan C.]

they wont set the toe right

Funny, that is usually the only thing most shops get right. How do you know the toe is set wrong? Are they trying to sell you parts?

Bryan

 

[93GRNXJ]

they say I need new shocks,, but they refuse to set the drivers side toe to spec.. its set in.. i guess Ill go back and tell em to set it straigt
btw..
worn out shocks would make my tires wear unevnly, and make my car pull to one side?? i have checked everything else, weel barings are good, my stering stablizer is leaking a bit tho.. or maybe would this do it??


heelpppp!!!
thanks
nate

 

[Jes]

Worn shocks or a steering stabilizer should have nothing to do with abnormal tire wear or pulling to one side. Bad alignment, worn tie rod ends, worn control arm bushings, dragging brakes, worn wheel bearings, and worn ball joints can all cause weird handling and/or tire wear.
I wish I could point you to a good shop but don't know of any that I could reccomend. The last time I had a shop do an alignment they screwed it up so I've been using the tape measure method ever since.

Jes

 

[86XJ]

There is a place in san leandro off of davis in the industrial area, kind of by Costco, it is called East Bay Frame and Axle, the guys name is Marty, i have been going to him for a while and does good work, my dad has been going there for years, he is pretty straight up, he mostly deals with big rigs but he can help you. his phone # is 510-569-4285.
joe