I have my AGX's and Pro-kit sitting next to me and would really like to get them installed. The problem though is I will not be able to get an alignment until next Sunday, so 8 days or so. Between then and now, I will have driven 11 hours or so (mostly interstate).
The car already pulls to the left. Can I safely install the AGX's and Pro-kit and drive around without an alignment until I can have my control arm bushings installed? Or would this be incredibly bad for the car/dangerous for me?
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Do I need to get an alignment after installing the bushings?
It's not going to be dangerous. You could get less than ideal handleing and increased wear without an alignment. Unless you find that you struggle to control the car after the install or you have severely worn tires already, I wouldn't worry about them too much for the week. Still have them done when you can though.
I know this isn't setting a great example for the new kids, but I never got an alignment after the pro-kit, type basics, super streets, or front sway bar installs. My car dosn't pull, and dosn't show signs of excess wear. I'm going on 15 months from the last suspension change with no obvious negative effects.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Wednesday, December 06, 2006 4:54 PM
^Your experience is lucky. If you don't take the tie rods loose, no reason to for struts and springs, then you can get away without an alignment for a week. You'll probably get some wear, but not noticeable from a week. Longer and you'll notice.
I've never adjusted anything after any suspension work. Had the alignment checked after I put the lowering springs on (Didn't have access to alignment rack at the time). It still didn't need any adjustment.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Wednesday, December 06, 2006 7:36 PM
Sunfires... eh (Tom) wrote:I've never adjusted anything after any suspension work. Had the alignment checked after I put the lowering springs on (Didn't have access to alignment rack at the time). It still didn't need any adjustment.
it is possible to install everything close to stock and not need an alignment but its unlikely
IF you don't need an alignment is is due to LUCK and nothing else. It happens, it's not normal.
only thing that will get out of alignment is camber. as long as your close it can wait 8 days....jsut keep the driving to a minimum.
My car may run 18s, but I can do your taxes in 10 seconds flat.
JBO lube - they would never have enough in stock and we'd never see RodimusPrime again
If you REALLY need to drive it. Do the redneck alignment. i just did it on my winter beater. put a piece of tape on each wheel going across the tread between the back of the fender and the rim. some thing on both sides. put a vertical mark on the tape and measure across wheel to wheel. move the car forward so the tape is 180 degress where it was and measure again, then adjust tie rods. wont be exact but it will get you close.
If you don't take the tie rods off, and there is no reason to, then toe will not be off. Toe is NOT the only alignment issue.
cyklone wrote:Admiral Jedi wrote:Do I need to get an alignment after installing the bushings?
No.
Wrong. After control arm bushings you probably need an alignment too.
Machzel08 wrote:only thing that will get out of alignment is camber. as long as your close it can wait 8 days....jsut keep the driving to a minimum.
Ding ding! We have a winner.
It really amazes me how many people have no idea what suspension angles are, how they're affected, and what an "alignment" actually does. There has to be 1000+ sites out there to research this kind of stuff........
What doesn't amaze me is that no one actually goes looking for it...........
If my bushings are damaged, could that be the reason that my toyota camry cannot be aligned?
