Alignment after replaceing front shocks/struts?

FLfinfan · 04-26-2008, 09:56 AM

Had the front coilover strut/shocks replaced a few days ago. I remember someone here saying there was no need to re-align the truck. Have always heard otherwise in the past. I have not done that yet and it seems fine. No drift, no wandering, wheel seems straight, maybe a nano/hair to the right, but you'd never notice, might even be the exact same as before.
I had Sears put on Monroe Reflex all around, was not too expensive, did not need mega offroad stuff, and they were quick to get and put on.
I know you should re-align every so often, but if it's not obvious can it wait a payday or two?

**HudsonValleyTitan** · 04-26-2008, 10:12 AM

I was always under the impression that an alignment was needed when replacing struts. But if it seems fine, I'm sure it can't hurt for now but I'd have it done soon just to be sure you don't kill a good set of front tires.

**loufish** · 04-27-2008, 01:06 AM

If you don't change the ride height, then you should be good...I believe the Monroes use your stock spring, which would not change ride height...

bgbdwlf2500 · 04-27-2008, 01:34 AM

i put a leveling kit on my new truck..even after the steering according to them was off but was not noticeable to me....got it aligned andt they fed up my rims of course....

FLfinfan · 04-27-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loufish

If you don't change the ride height, then you should be good...I believe the Monroes use your stock spring, which would not change ride height...

Ya, I sat and watched the older guy (nice guy) work on the truck. He called me over from time to time to show me stuff. The old front shock/strut was swithed for the new "Monroe Reflex". He compressed the spring/coil in a machine and then just swapped the new and old one. The only thing that didn't fit was the dust cover/boot. The new one was only about 1/2 as long and the old one had a hole that was not big enough. He drilled it out alittle and it was good to go. The Monroes have alittle beefier screw/bolt at the top.

Definate ride improvement. Handleing and stopping seemed improved too. I know I could have gotten some much sweeter set-ups from PRG or online, but the Monroe Relex I now have all the way around are pretty good, fairly cheap, easily available, lifetime warranty at a place nearby (Sears) and now a done deal. My extra money is now being spent on the 350Z, so super duper upgrades for the truck are out.

FLfinfan · 04-27-2008, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgbdwlf2500

i put a leveling kit on my new truck..even after the steering according to them was off but was not noticeable to me....got it aligned andt they fed up my rims of course....

Know what you mean about the rims. I have stock rims but BFG TA KO's and they have a rim protecters/lip guard whatever it is. Great for protecting against curb rash but makes me nervous when the try to stick the alignment reflector things on the tires. The reflectors have some spikes on them and they have to wedge them into the rim/tire lip area.

jljue · 04-27-2008, 01:43 PM

If you purchase a lifetime alignment with Firestone or another repair center like them, take it there anyway. The $130 lifetime alignment pays for itself on the 2nd or 3rd visit anyway.

**loufish** · 04-28-2008, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Know what you mean about the rims. I have stock rims but BFG TA KO's and they have a rim protecters/lip guard whatever it is. Great for protecting against curb rash but makes me nervous when the try to stick the alignment reflector things on the tires. The reflectors have some spikes on them and they have to wedge them into the rim/tire lip area.

My alignment shop doesn't have a computerized setup, which means more options for checking caster/camber without messing up the wheels..