Getting an alignment... what to watch for...

[SplashMan]

I'm getting my alignment done on Thur and I was just wondering what things to look out for as far as them trying to "get over" on me. By the way, the quoted $49.95 - $150.00. the said they wouldn't know until they checked it how much it would really cost. Thanks guys...

 

[JDraper]

$49 sounds right for an alignment with no parts needed. The higher $ amounts might include ball joints or tie rod ends. However, you can check them yourself before you take the truck in. Jack up the front of the truck and support it with jackstands. Try to wiggle the wheel top to bottom (you can do this with a pry bar between the floor and the wheel, or with your hands and feet). If there is play there, it could either be bearings or the ball joints. If you do feel play, have someone look at the ball joints while you do it. If they are bad, you will see the play. Repeat for the other side.

For the tie rod ends, leave one side of the truck on the ground and raise the other. Try to wiggle the raised wheel left to right. If you feel a clunk, again have someone look at the tie rod end while you move it to see if there is play. Repeat for the other side.

 

[aldive]

On an Explorer the factory does not provide for adjusting the camber. If you do a tortion twist, you will need camber adjusters as well as the alkignment. The can cost about $80 okys the alignment.

Good luck....

 

[madmike]

the last one I got was 39.95, the only trouble I have had is finding places with a rack that can handle the big tires.

 

[addkev]

On an Explorer the factory does not provide for adjusting the camber. If you do a tortion twist, you will need camber adjusters as well as the alkignment. The can cost about $80 okys the alignment

I have heard this several times, and it is true to an extent. There isn't an adjustment kit installed, but it is adjustable if the mechanic knows what he is doing. JDraper and I both have TT and neither one of us had to get the camber adjutment kits. Mine was still with in factory specs. I paid $39 and added a lifetime warranty for $50. That was at Big 10 tires.

 

[madmike]

what year are you talking about, on my 92 there is a 12mm bolt right above the ball joints that has a hex offset shape on it, all you do is loosen the bolt then take a punch and a hammer to adjust . took me all of 15 minutes to get mine perfect.

 

[madmike]

and are you talking about castor or camber.

 

[aldive]

I am talking about camber adjustment.

These are the adjusters....

 

[aldive]

Here is another source for the adjusters....

Dead Link Removed

 

[88vert]

do you guys think this sounds right I just got a wheel alignment from a local shop in town,he replaced two camber caster adjusters one was a 2 and half and one was 2.My tires dont toe in like they did before but he told me eventially they will creep out a little again,he said something about getting a spacer for under the springs,becase he said they are adjusted as far as they go,and they dont make no bigger caster adjuster.Sorry so long but I am new at this the price was 207.35 with wheel alignment.Thanks for any help or ideas.

 

[88vert]

sorry my ex has 4 inch trailmaster suspension lift with 33s

 

[SplashMan]

Thanks alot guys... hopefully I don't need any parts, cause all I got right now is $150.00 to use. My tires do toe abit, but I don't know if it is concidered in or out... they look like this... /\ . I measured from the center of the LF to the center of the RF (front of tire) and it was 61 1/2. On the back of the tire it measured 59 1/2.

 

[rpenner54]

Man I never get alignments anymore. They go out after hitting one pebble on the road. Not really worth it IMHO. When I did get them I was paying around $50 a time or so.

If you use/abuse it off-road its not worth it. Just rotate the tires often like ever 2k miles or so.

 

[X24]

If you have done a TT twist (I lowered mine) and the alignment isn't done right, can it wreck the ball joints? As far as I know, the ball joints on my 98 with 50K on it were fine. About 2 months ago I lowered it and got an alignment. I dont know if they used a camber kit or not. I know they charged me an extra $65 to "set camber (4X4)" as stated on the receipt. I had my truck at ford today and they told me my ball joints are really worn. There are quite a few people on the board with lowered trucks and I doubt that any of them had ball joints go 2 months after lowering. Should I question my alignment or the lowering??? Ford said that lowering puts added stress on the ball joints but if that is the case then do all the other people with lowered X's have "balls of steel"?

 

[Derrick C.]

I agree with Ryan on this one.

Mine lasts until I go wheelin the next time then its back to the Baja look. I don't care any more. Just rotate them often.