I searched the suspension thread and found no entries regarding this, so hopefully am not asking another beat-up question. I am installing new H&Rs on Illuminas and I am getting different answers as far as alignment. One guy told me to align right away. Another told me to allow 500 miles or so for them to break-in. Also I can't get a straight answer as to whether or not the dealership would be able to align the vehicle or if I have to take it to a special shop. I know camber will change with the drop so don't want to ruin my tires. I found a guy here in Vegas who aligns lowered vehicles and wants $85 for a 4-wheel alignment. That's a little high, isn't it?

 

any sears will do it for less than that.

 

alighn right away, you can get one of those lifetime alignment deals where you can bring the car in for realignment if need be.

 

Right away, do not let them align the rears. I pay less than 40$ everytime I get an alignment.

 

wow no flame on this one surprising

 

Thank you for your valiant efforts in contributing to this thread.

 

I would get the alignment done ASAP...I did the lifetime deal years back for 110 and WELL WORTH IT!

 

no different from anyone else in this forum, but to help out and reiterate you should have your allignment done as soon as possible or your tires will suffer camber wear. If your sears is like the one where I live I wouldnt let them touch anything of mine.

 

I usually drive the car for a week to let the springs settle before the alignment.

 

The funny thing, is that I almost started somewhat of the same thread earlier today but got pulled away from the cmputer to do something else. My issue is that I want to do the eibach pro kit with maybe illuminas and was wondering if I would need to purchase the alignment kit also??

 

^^Alignment kit as in camber plates? Not sure the specs on those springs, but probably not, there is probably more than enough adjustment in the stock bolts, and even then you can get offset cam bolts to save some $$ and get the camber

on not getting the alignment right away, let the springs settle first, if it's off by eye correct it, even when it's off that bad it's not going to kill your tires THAT quick anyways.

Elaborate please? Because even if you're not doing suspension work to install drop springs, which change the geometry, you still need to get an alignment once those knuckle bolts are loosened, no way to lign 'em back up consistant even with marking.

This coming from you

 

Pun intended, but I would expect you to know that.

 

So the alignment specs are the same after the drop? Any shop can align it with a 1.4" drop in ft and 1.3" in rear? I don't need to farm the vehicle to a special alignment shop?

 

yes alignment specs will be the same any shop should be able to do it but some might frown on a lowered vehicle but they can do it if they want your money. Question is if the rear needs to be done or not if it doesnt then that will save you some money instead of getting a 4 wheel alignment,

 

4 wheel alignment should cost no more than 60 bucks

 

I am going to lower my car on H&Rs also and illuminas so just to confirm there is no need for a camber kit, and there is so many different answers on wether its good to get the allignment later or right after the install.

Oh yea are new boots and strut mounts necessary with new springs and struts cause they cost to much after its all said and done

 

Actually thats not much of a question about the rear. As has already been stated, the suspension in the rear can not be adjusted other than with a torch. If its out of wack camber-wise you have other issues. I tried to get my alignment shop to charge me for a two wheel alignment but they refused.
I showed considerable sign of wear on the inside of my front tires because I ran probably 1000+ miles before taking it in.

 

I'm on S-Techs up front and do not need a camber kit. If you AutoX, then maybe, but other than that,

 

Get it done asap to avoid any tire wear. At some places (like NTB) you can pay and extra $5 or $10 to get a 6 month or 1 year warranty on it. That way, you can get it done right away, then again after 500-1000 miles after the struts/springs settle.