Alignment after doing a spring/shock install?

[bad99ta]

I recently did a spring/shock install (Koni SAs & Eibach Pro-Kit). I'm just wondering if any old shop will be able to do the alignment or if something special needs to be done. The reason I ask is because I asked my friend about doing the alignment for me and he said that since the front end geometry has been altered from stock because of the aftermarket springs and shocks he just wants to make sure it's ok to use the recommended settings for a 1999 Trans Am when aligning the front end. He said that you punch in the make, model, and year of car into the alignment rack computer and it tells you where everything should be aligned. However, that's for a stock vehicle and obviously mine isn't stock. I would assume this would be ok, but I don't know that much about suspension stuff. I figure Eugenio_SS and/or mrr23 would have some good input on this one

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Mods: Pro 5.0 shifter, CAGS, Borla Exhaust, Direct-Flo Lid, K&N Air Filter, Fast Toys Ram Air Kit, BMR STB, BMR Adjustable PHB, BMR Boxed & Welded SFCs, Metco LCAs w/ Relocation Brackets, Metco Driveshaft Safety Loop, Koni SA Shocks, Eibach Pro-Kit.

[VChula]

Both of my cars have the Pro-Kit springs.

I was turned away by a couple of places because my cars were too low to be driven up onto a standard alignment rack.

You will need to find a place that has a an alignment pit, where the rack/ramps are at the same level as the pavement.

The stock settings, except for the caster angle, were achieveable on both cars. Both cars ended up with a little more caster, which seemed to make a big difference in the straight line tracking on the highway (much more stable).

[bad99ta]

Thanks for the input. A friend of mine runs his own Tire and Service shop so I can take my car there. They have an alignment rack that I can get the car on (I checked it out last time I was there, the ramps are at the same level as the pavement) so I'm gonna give him a call and make an apointment.

[bad99ta]

I talked to my friend today (the one who owns his own tire and service center) and told him about my situation. He immediately suggested I come in for an alignment right away and said that anytime you do suspension work like this you'll want an alignment even if the car drives fine and the wheel is straight, etc. He said he can take care of it no problem. He deals with lowered and modified cars on a daily basis and I trust him to work on my car (he's worked on it in the past and done a great job). I'm glad I know this guy because he's a good person, he's honest, and I've known him for a longtime. Bottom line is I trust him to work on my car. If he couldn't do it the right way, he would flat out tell me and would recommend someone who could. I've got an appointment tomorrow afternoon and he assured me he'd take care of it.

[mrr23]

you can still use the stock specs even if you lower the vehicle. i own an alignment shop and have done this many times. when you lower a car, it make the camber and toe go more negative. this tears up the insides in the front tires.

usually, when i align a lowered f-body, the caster ends up being on the low side if you try to attain the .050 camber spec.

[bad99ta]

Took the car to my buddies shop today and I'm good to go! Thanks for the input everyone!

[mrr23]

good deal.

[Hurley711]

How bout after shock install with stock springs.......alignment necessary there? Bilstein HD to be exact

[mrr23]

no.

[bad99ta]

On a side note (I'm sure this will not hold true for everyone) my car was barely out of alignment. But I"m not going to gamble and take the chance of ruining my front tires. As many have stated, when doing suspension work like this it's a very good idea to make sure your car is properly aligned.

[MadSeason]

I use this alignment..

camber: -0.5' caster: +4.5' toe: 0"

stock specs are:
camber: 0.0' to +1.0' that means tires are like this \---------/
caster: +4.3' to +5.3' toe: 0" +/- 1/32"

When I beefed up my suspension the stock specs were killing the outside treads of my tires, but I can also pull 1.004g on the skidpad

[bad99ta]

I use this alignment..

camber: -0.5' caster: +4.5' toe: 0"

stock specs are:
camber: 0.0' to +1.0' that means tires are like this \---------/
caster: +4.3' to +5.3' toe: 0" +/- 1/32"

When I beefed up my suspension the stock specs were killing the outside treads of my tires, but I can also pull 1.004g on the skidpad

Thanks for the specs! My wheels sit like this /--------\ ever so slightly after the shock/lowering spring install.

[MadSeason]

no problem

[bad99ta]

When I beefed up my suspension the stock specs were killing the outside treads of my tires, but I can also pull 1.004g on the skidpad

Just wondering what suspension mods you have? 1.0g on the skidpad is sweet.

[MadSeason]

Just wondering what suspension mods you have? 1.0g on the skidpad is sweet.

http://edigras.iweb.bsu.edu/ and find the muscle car page and click on suspension. Nitto 555rII's also helped grab that pavement

[bad99ta]

http://edigras.iweb.bsu.edu/ and find the muscle car page and click on suspension. Nitto 555rII's also helped grab that pavement

Just checked out the page. Nice ride!

[MadSeason]

Just checked out the page. Nice ride!

yea not right now though... http://edigras.iweb.bsu.edu/savemad.htm

[bad99ta]

yea not right now though... http://edigras.iweb.bsu.edu/savemad.htm

I'm glad you weren't hurt. On a side note...a piece of my heart just broke after reading your story and looking at those pics. I'm sorry man, that really really fu$k#ng sucks. I just made a donation ($10) because every little bit helps. I'll pass that link to your story on to as many people as I can. Stay up bro.

-Ron

[MadSeason]

Thank you, it's greatly appreciated