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Wheel alignment required?

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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 02:20 AM
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Default Wheel alignment required?

Just completed a front suspension rebuild...control arm bushings, ball joints, tie-rods, wheel bearings, etc. I replaced the same amount of new shims on the upper control arms and repositioned the tie-rods length using caliper dividers. Wheel alignment still required? Have anyone done a rebuild w/o doing a subsequent alignment? Thanks...
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 04:23 AM
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zogenoto,
I did the same thing to mine last year, including shocks and springs and did not get an alingment done. It handles 100% better! It feels fine, drives straight and seems ok. I have only put about 1000 miles on it since so I can't tell if there is irregular tire wear or not.
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 07:13 AM
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I'm a firm believer that any time you do major suspension work, you need to get an alignment. It's a lot cheaper than tires.
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 09:55 AM
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Suspension parts can be exchanged, but pieces are not exactly the same. Alignment is the final 'fine tuning' of the suspension so that all is correct. Any time a change is made to critical suspension parts, a wheel alignment is in order.
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 03:30 PM
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I have an 82. Just had some front end work done. They spent 2 hours doing just the alignment on the front and abck. Old school mechanics. Car drives great!!! Highly recommend it.
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 03:41 PM
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yes very much required or you will chew the tires off quick
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Old Nov 13, 2010 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Avette4me
I'm a firm believer that any time you do major suspension work, you need to get an alignment. It's a lot cheaper than tires.
Originally Posted by 7T1vette
Suspension parts can be exchanged, but pieces are not exactly the same. Alignment is the final 'fine tuning' of the suspension so that all is correct. Any time a change is made to critical suspension parts, a wheel alignment is in order.
Originally Posted by straub18045
yes very much required or you will chew the tires off quick


Absolutely yes. If not, you will be buying new tires in a short while! You spent all that time and money rebuilding, now go get the alignment done.

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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 08:15 PM
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i just did my front end also ,and on the first drive around the block there was a major difference in the steering wheel feel,,nothing like it felt before,,it felt numb,and the wheel didnt return on its own after turning a corner,,,tightened everything to spec.,,,ill be going to the alighmnt shop hopefully tommorrow,,,best of luck...ps also did the rear strut rods.
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 08:19 PM
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one more thing,what did you torque the relay rod to pitman nut to. 35 lbs -40 lbs.
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Old Nov 14, 2010 | 10:59 PM
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Thanks to all...will be getting a wheel alignment later this week. Did not do any work on the steering side....pitman, idler, etc....just from the tie rods and forward.
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