To get the axle out some of the walk throughs removed the ball joint, but most of you removed the strut bolts. Do the strut bolts adjust the alignment? If so, How did you mark em to get em back in straight? None of guides mention get an alignment done after this job.

 

I always remove the ball joint.

 

Removing the lower strut bolts do not effect the front end alignment, at least if it does, I have been lucky 3 times. (2005 AWD)

 

I did tone ring and removed lower strut bolts and replaced sway bar links also and when it was said and done alignment changed a few degrees and had it done at NTB had previously bought the 3 yr alignment package for like 120.00 so it cost nothing for them to put her on the machine a tweek it. Tire kingdom/NTB alignment package is well worth the 120.00 for 3 yrs of alignments if you do any wrenching on these escapes. JMHO