Anybody out there have an alignment shop in the Charlotte, NC or Rock Hill, SC area that they would recommend for working with levelled or lifted trucks, other than 4WheelParts?

The history is I levelled my truck a few years back. Had it aligned at the dealer ("factory specs") twice over a year's time, but continued to have excessive outer edge wear. SO, one year ago I took it to 4WheelParts to have a camber kit installed (their recommendation) and alignment completed. They did a great job and tires are wearing well. Removing the levelling spacers and replacing the struts with Rancho Quick-Lifts, so I want another alignment. 4 WheelParts alignment cost me literally twice what most others in area did ($120+), but they seem to know what they are doing with altered suspensions. BUT now they have a new rate of $149!!!! Really hate to pay that unless I have to.

 

I just leveled mine and was wondering what the going rate is if the dealer does it. Does anyone have any idea what they would charge.

 

Last I checked 40 for a two wheel alignment 50 for a 4 wheel alignment (for independent rear suspension). Camber kit plus installation would probably be extra as that is just a base price.

 

40 is not bad. I was thinking more like in the 80 range.

 

My dealer was charging $69, though may be higher now. Local Gemini (Goodyear) shop charges $89.

Seems like camber kit was about $40. Not sure what 4WheelParts charged for the install since they were doing additional work and the alignment (12/23/10).

Edit - Dealer cost was actually only $59.

 

So searched around and got a recommendation for a local shop that has new machine and frequently handles trucks & 4x4. When they heard I had a camber kit installed, they flinched, and recommended I go back to 4WheelParts or similar shop. CRAP! Already installed new struts and have consoderalbe dring to do, but cannot get into 4WheelParts shop until Monday. Then there's the $149!!!!!!!!!

Is it just me or is that just plain unreasonable?

 

I don't find it unreasonable when it comes to having it done right and well the first time by someone who ill not screw something else while doing the work. You could take it someplace else and they do an OK job but screw up a strut or the camber kit and then what will it cost to fix?

 

$149 is absolutely absurd man!

I have a lifted truck too and, like you, saw outer tire wear and went to get an alignment to the sweet tune of $100. Expensive, yes but the last alignment they gave me was great.

Pulled left after the second day, they changed the alignment specs to "factory" and toed OUT my truck... and essentially just made it undrivable. Had to get on the road for 900 miles the day after they "fixed" it and made it pull worse than before.

To make a long story short, I got my money refunded and paid $70 at another shop that also has given me a good alignment, and tipped the tech $20 for getting it to my specs.

Personally, that's the way I'd do it again. Alignment is an alignment is an alignment IF the tech knows what he's doing.

So, dig around on the forum here and find out what the specs are for the F150.

Using my truck as an example ('07 Toyota Tundra)
- When you go in for an alignment they'll set caster first
- Then camber
- Then toe.

On a lifted truck like mine, as well as one with weird eccentrics for caster, you have to set the CAMBER first, and not really worry about caster as much since it doesn't change the drivability of the Tundras as much. About anything is respectable.

So, my final specs were fairly close to
Camber - 0.0/0.1
Caster 2.0/2.4 I think (little cross caster to go with road crown - YMV)
Toe .15/.15/.30

Check to see what specs 4wheel parts set 'em at before and go from there.

-rockstate

 

I got mine aligned saturday at the dealership for $24. Is that a good deal?

 

I have an appointment for an alignment on Friday of this week (just put my leveling kit on last weekend). They will be charging me $55. $150 is outrageous.

 

Upon high recommendations of a friend, I took a $40 gamble today and had an old-school shop complete an alignment. The owner has been doing alignments for 37 years. My concern is that, even with the camber kit installed, the technician says that one side needed an additionl 1/2 degree of camber adjustment after maxing out. Hmmm. Well, deed is done, so now to watch the tire wear. If all else fails, back to the expensive shop.