Issues after ball joints installed and alignment

[Ltgt500]

2000 tj with 4.5 Rubicon express short arm lift rough country drag link and tierod. Replaced tierods and some other work every thing was good drove great. Took it into local shop for alignment they said ball joints are bad. Had them replace them with Napa parts. Picked it up and it’s undriveable over 45mph. Acts like it’s drifting from side to side no wheel return at all. Took back they can’t figure it out adjusted alignment multiple ways with no luck. Ideas. Ball joints maybe ?

 

[mrblaine]

Took back they can’t figure it out adjusted alignment multiple ways with no luck. Ideas. Ball joints maybe ?

If it isn't the ball joints and that is the only part they replaced, not much else it can be.
Are you sure you aren't describing break away torque that is too high? Without some personal diagnostics, you will struggle to find the problem. You need to pull the tires and steering off and rotate the knuckles to see how much force that takes.

 

[mrblaine]

2000 tj with 4.5 Rubicon express short arm lift rough country drag link and tierod. Replaced tierods and some other work every thing was good drove great.

Which draglink and tie rod, specifically?

 

[Ltgt500]

Which draglink and tie rod, specifically?

 

[Ltgt500]

I would have to dig in to find out it’s been on there for 10 years here’s a pic of it

 

[mrblaine]

I would have to dig in to find out it’s been on there for 10 years here’s a pic of it

View attachment 655815

View attachment 655816

Is that what is still in use?

 

[Ltgt500]

Is that what is still in use?

Yes I did replace tie rod ends with rc replacement and it drove great after that just steering wheel was of and wanted a alignment Was after they did ball joints issue started

 

[mrblaine]

Yes I did replace tie rod ends with rc replacement and it drove great after that just steering wheel was of and wanted a alignment Was after they did ball joints issue started

Time to do some diagnostics then.

 

[macleanflood]

Thread 'How to align your Jeep Wrangler TJ'

Oct 31, 2015

Here's how to check and adjust your own toe-in that also includes how to center the steering wheel as well as re-center the axle if necessary. With just a little care on your part with nothing more than a tape measure, a big set of pliers, and a wrench, you can easily set your toe-in with as much accuracy as an alignment shop can. Really.

Start after making sure the front axle is properly centered. That may involve adjusting the trackbar's length which can only be done if there's an aftermarket adjustable-length track bar installed. Or if the original OEM track bar is still installed and...

• Jerry Bransford
• alignment lj alignment tj alignment
• Replies: 400
• Forum: TJ How-to Guides

• 
•