Alignments
 

Hey Guys,

I recently took my finished truck to get its first alignment at a local "retail" alignment shop....After some himming and hawing they set their computer up (unfortunately they didn't have my year truck in it...not surprised)....
The truck did ride great after about an hour or so or tweaking....

Did I take it to the right place...or is there a better option other than my local retail alignment shop?

Thanks for any input!

Re: Alignments
 

I have found that most "retail" alignment shops can't think out side the box. They have their techs trained to align to factory specs and that about it.

Your better off finding a shop that does frame and suspension work. They are usually familiar with lowered or lifted trucks.

Re: Alignments
 

i went o firestone to get a quote $135 dollars for an alignment..... because its lowered and has 20's

Re: Alignments
 

I agree with N2TRUX. Most of the retail shops can't think outside of the box. I cannot tell you how many times me and my guys have " aligned " something after the customer was told " oh you need this and that " all years and all brands. Find an independent auto repair shop with an owner operator who has dirty hands. I would bet there are a few in your town. You will pay a bit more, but your truck/car will be aligned!

Re: Alignments
 

I just tryed to have my wifes 54 aligned...They couldn't do it with their computer equipment. Suggested I find somewhere that still has mechanical gauges.

Re: Alignments
 

Ya hibdons and firestone are worthless! if it doesnt have it in computer they all of a sudden forgot how to align wheels.. I agree with others find a frame or "real" shop that will do it right.
I bet if you would buy a new set of 20's with new tires they would be more than happy to do an alignment on it and it wouldnt bother them a bit ;)

Re: Alignments
 

I agree w N2TRUX. Most retail shops have young guys with state of the art Hunter or like equipment. It tells u what to do and how to. Hell most on here could with little training. And their "database" does not include "cool" stuff we like. I use an old school guy that has a drive on pit, dont matter if its a C-10 with bags and camaro clip, a 72 Impala lifted on 30's, or a Bronco w/ military running gear. However he is about 20 miles away, but has done all our projects. Recently found a local retail shop that has the newest badass stuff but an old cat running the computer. He says I'll tell it what I want LOL. So far hes done 4 and no issues. So check around if they wine, leave. My .02

Re: Alignments
 

Thanks for all the input guys!...I guess living in the heart of NASCAR there's got to be a shop and old cat that knows exactly what he's doing!

Re: Alignments
 

yea go find a guy thats covered in grease and smoking he'll be able to do it. i try'd to take my full custome frame bodydroped c10 on 20s to sears and they said it was impossible to aligne something with air suspention so i shook my head at the (tech) and left and went to a local guy. took him about 15 mins and 30 bucks and it tracked straight and true