2021 Jeep Gladiator Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, front toe is the primary factory-adjustable alignment angle. This is achieved by adjusting the tie rod ends. Front camber and caster are not directly adjustable from the factory. If these angles are outside of specification, inspect for worn or damaged suspension components such as ball joints, control arm bushings, or bent components. For larger adjustments to front camber and caster, aftermarket solutions such as eccentric bushings, adjustable ball joints, or lower control arm cam bolts may be required, particularly after installing lift kits.

For the rear axle, toe is also factory-adjustable through eccentric cam bolts on the lower control arms. Rear camber is not factory-adjustable, and similar to the front, issues typically point to worn components or damage. Aftermarket cam bolts or adjustable control arms are available to correct non-adjustable rear camber if necessary.

Recommended adjustment hardware

As mentioned, if front camber and caster fall outside the specified range due to lift kits or substantial wear, specialty hardware is often needed. Popular options include:

• SPC adjustable ball joints: These allow for fine-tuning of camber and caster on the front axle.
• Aftermarket lower control arm cam bolt kits: These kits replace the factory bolts with eccentric cam bolts, enabling significant adjustments to front and sometimes rear camber and caster.
• Adjustable control arms: More comprehensive kits, especially for lifted Gladiators, will include adjustable upper and lower control arms, providing the most range for camber and caster correction.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to accelerated tire wear, reduced fuel economy, and compromised handling. Here are common symptoms:

• Feathering: This occurs when one side of the tire tread block is worn smooth, and the other side remains sharp. It often indicates excessive toe (either toe-in or toe-out) and can be felt by running your hand across the tread. This can also be caused by worn components.
• ** excessive outer shoulder wear:** This often points to excessive negative camber or toe-out. The outside edge of the tire wears down much faster than the rest of the tread.
• ** excessive inner shoulder wear:** Conversely, excessive positive camber or too much toe-in can cause the inner edge of the tire to wear prematurely.
• Cupping or scalloping: Irregular dips in the tire tread, often appearing as "scooped out" sections, can be a sign of worn shocks, unbalanced tires, or occasionally, severe alignment problems combining with suspension issues.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: If your Gladiator consistently pulls to one side when driving on a flat road, or if you have to constantly correct the steering wheel to keep it straight, a misaligned caster or camber angle is a likely culprit.
• Steering wheel off-center: Even if the vehicle drives straight, a crooked steering wheel when traveling in a straight line indicates an issue with the toe adjustment.

When to align

It's always a good idea to perform a wheel alignment in these situations:

• After suspension or steering component replacement: Any time components like tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or even shocks and springs are replaced, the alignment will be affected.
• After installing new tires: To ensure you get the maximum life out of your new investment.
• After hitting a significant pothole or curb: A hard impact can easily throw your alignment out of specification.
• If you notice any of the symptoms of bad alignment mentioned above.
• As part of routine maintenance: Many manufacturers recommend an alignment check every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or at least once a year.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2021 Jeep Gladiator can vary depending on your location, the shop, and whether only front or all four wheels are being aligned. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialty hardware (like cam bolts) needs to be installed, or if there are seized components requiring additional labor, the cost can increase.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.