Do I need camber kit?

[98xlt2wd]

I just went to my a tire and suspension shop in Shreveport, LA to do alignment on my truck. They told me that they couldn't do the alignment since I have bad ball joints. They said that I have to replace the upper and lower ball joints for both sides. They quoted me $793 to get the job done. That includes the parts labor and taxes. To make the long story short, I decided just to replace them by my self and bought me all the ball joints, Moog enhanced edition. However, on the qoute paper that they gave me, I noticed that they qouted me for one set of camber kit for both side. My question is, before I'm starting to install the ball joints and mess up everything, do I really need camber kit if I replace all the ball joints and control arms? Do I need to do the alignment after the ball joints replaced?

I need some answers before sunday (my only day off ) and start working on the truck. Thank you for all your help.

 

[jimbo74]

its always best to get an alignment after performing suspension work

 

[98xlt2wd]

Alignment is only $39.95 for my truck, so thats not really a big problem. So do you think should also get the camber kit? If I do, what kind of camber kit do I need? Adjustable?

By the way. All my suspension parts are stock other than the Rancho RSX's that I installed a couple of months ago.

 

[etc]

If you'r not changing the height of the truck you should be fine without the adjusters. Prosuspension.com has them for $40.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

If you have a stock truck then there should be no need for a new set of camber bushing. In the unlikely event that you do need need new camber bushings they can be installed when you get the alignment, they do not need to be done at the same time as the ball joints. As far as doing the alignment you can get away with not doing one after changing the ball joints if you mark the camber bushings for their location(you need to do this anyway) but this will only work if you are absolutely positive that your alignment is correct. Generally is it easier just to have an alignment done, at least that way you are sure. I would check into another alignment shop. Seems like they are trying to pull a fast one because they won't even know if you needed camber bushings until they actually do the alignment.

 

[wattsgame]

when i had my stock 92 sport aligned they said i would need the kit but i just changed the ball joints and it came out perfect. i dont even rotate my tires the wear is so good.

 

[IAmTodd]

If you have it apart that far, spend the $30 and get the adjusters too. I've heard the Moog upper joints aren't good. They're not within factory specs. As Lindsy(Spas) she has them on hers.