just got my adjustable panhard bar mounted up and while terrafirma never disappoints this design is way too underdeveloped. because only one of the eyes threads out not both like a drag link would, the bar needs to be off the truck to be adjusted. no problem except when i removed my old panhard bar i noticed my truck was still very visibly off center with the front axle(by almost an inch). so now i have to find a way to hold the body centered over the axle while i mount the bar( if it was threaded on both ends you could just turn out the adjusters while the bar is mounted and this wouldn't be a problem.) my solution was quite simple, without a panhard bar installed when you turn the steering wheel the body moves over the axle side to side not the steering. i simply unlocked my steering wheel, found dead center, relocked it, and installed the bar. i mostly eye balled the centering by looking at how my front tires aligned with the rears. a more proper way would be too measure from inner tire to frame or tire to fender, but with how far off mine was before, anything is better than how it was.

 

Yup, how you installed it requires an adjustment. I did it that way and got it aligned afterwards by an general alignment tire shop. I asked nicely and informed them that the axle centering panhard rod needs to be lengthened to ensure they dont get confused. They shouldn’t, but with shops these days… I dont trust anyone.

Because there is only toe and castor in these vehicles. It’s fairly simple to do it at home. Check out the forums there is a ton if info. People have gotten fairly confident and accurate with their home methods so much so that I feel confident its within factory spec but that takes time and “tools”There are also alignment whisperers that know exactly how much that adjustable panhard is supposed to be in length depending on the suspension lift. I believe I heard the trick was to match the length of the panhard length to the drag link but dont quote me.

So its either leave it be with the eyeball job, look into measuring it up with one of the methods outlined by members and LR owners, or get it centered for by either a general alignment tire shop or offroad place.

It is relatively cheap to get a “green is go” alignment. Green is go meaning, any alignment tech will get the available adjustable steering specifications to vehicles Factory Recommendations. Because there is a range for specifications they will get it within range the machine will green light the specs and it’s done. So for D1 and D2 I believe only front steering toe is adjustable via drag link adjustment and subsequent track rod adjustment. However, because you replaced the panhard with an adjustable one, axle centering can now be altered. I am unsure if theres an official spec for axle alignment for these vehicles but there is some information on the ideal ride height and drop length with the panhard suspension design. Point is if you ask the general shop to center the axle by adjusting the panhard they may say no and if they oblige they are adjusting it to center and that is all. The offroad shop guys take the time to figure the optimal aligntment for the suspension. But if you dont have a heavy suspension mod and arent wheeling, a general alignment is sufficient.

Because you mentioned the axle was not centered and you just installed the adjustable panhard I am assuming you purchased a lifted vehicle with a factory panhard or you lifted your vehicle and have either adjusted the drag link after the lift or you have bought lifted vehicle and the PO adjusted the drag link and track rod.

An alignment shop will most likely center up that axle during an alignment. Ask them to please center it up. It does take more time and some techs might not understand the “optimal” length bit but least you had a “professional” center it up for you. Probably better than a garage alignment job at home doing it for the first time.

If you have the money, intend to wheel, and have a huge life an offroad shop will take the time to ensure the movements of the suspension is correct and do not use the “green is go” method. Those shops don't exist to crank out aligntments. But its overkill if you dont wheel and ultimately a waste of money.

If you’re fairly new here to the forum and Land Rovers like me, I can promise you that the senior members here will recommend you do not leave it with out an alignment. If you are unable to get an alignment they will probably tell you to do it yourself for which they are great resources to guide you through it (if you follow the rules of the forum and do your quick research before asking a bunch of questions).

For me, when I have lifted and upgraded to adjustable length steering components lengths of steering components eyeballing gets you close enough for the drive to the alignment shop.

My last component I have to yet upgrade is the Return To Center steering damper relocation for my D1. I will be researching how to eyeball it pretty dang close to where it needs to be and then taking it to the offroad shop to verify the suspension and steering.

If you are new here, welcome, check out the rules, and check out the “must do” stickies in both the D1 and D2 forums as there is information from years of posts in both. If you're not new here I will shut up and see my way out.

If you do a quick search I am guessing you will find a post from the Discomike telling someone to get an alignment after changing steering components as result of a lift.

 

you nailed it i bought the truck with a 6 inch lift but stock panhard, trailing arms and radius arms, just got done overhauling the entire suspension. have an appointment with my offroad alignment shop this coming week to get the steering totally dialed in. one thing i do want to avoid running is the steering damper/stabilizer as she handles pretty great without it and with my past experience( OBS ford pickups) they only seem to mask suspension and steering flaws. i dont have any tie rod ends but instead 1 ton heim joints so hopefully the shop doesnt give me too much hassle as i know they arent street legal. ill mention the panhard bar to them as well, thanks!