4 Wheel Alignment or 2 Wheel

[trucku]

I have a 2002 XLS 4.0 sohc 4wd. I went to R&SStrauss for an alignment and I was told that I only needed the front wheels done. I just got tires for the truck and want to know if I should have gotten all the wheels aligned? I can't find anything in my Chilton that specifies 2 or 4 wheel alignments. If I do need a 4 wheel alignment I will definately go back so they can finish the job.

Thanks
V

 

[Lloyd10977]

Typical rule of thumb is that if you have a vehicle with independent rear suspension (coil springs and a-arms in the rear) then the rear wheels can be adjusted and a 4 wheel alignment is preferred. If your vehicle has a solid rear axle, then a THRUST ANGLE alignment is best. This simply aligns the front wheels to the moment of thrust dictated by the rear wheels and axle. But if the thrust angle of the rear is perfectly aligned with the body of the vehicle, then only a front wheel alignment is all that's necessary.

 

[trucku]

Thanks Lloyd10977.