Alignment shops vs. trusting a tire dealer
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
Alignment shops vs. trusting a tire dealer
OK -
Got new BFG 31's put on last nite, but was hesitant to let Tire Discounters (who swapped them from a ragged jeep I just bought, to the Bronco) do the alignment. Anyone have suggestions/previous issues with the chain store outfits?
I've made a few calls, and all seem to be about the same price regardless of where. Even the alignment shops that specialize in this are the same $$.
Here's my dilemna. Going on a road trip this weekend, and will be about 3 hours on highway, 2 on backroads. I can get an alignment done at the Tire discounters tonite. Or, wait for the specialized shop to get to it on Monday.
my gut is telling me to get it done before I leave, as to not cause any unnecessary wear on the new BFG LongTrails. But, I also don't want to pi$$ money away by having the fast food equivalent of alignment places do it.
By the way, my road trip is taking me to Big South Fork (part of Daniel Boone Natn'l Forest - on the KY/TN border). A great place to take the Bronco and "explore". Nothing but a good time there. Anyone else been? It's a great place to utilize what the Bronco was meant for.
Got new BFG 31's put on last nite, but was hesitant to let Tire Discounters (who swapped them from a ragged jeep I just bought, to the Bronco) do the alignment. Anyone have suggestions/previous issues with the chain store outfits?
I've made a few calls, and all seem to be about the same price regardless of where. Even the alignment shops that specialize in this are the same $$.
Here's my dilemna. Going on a road trip this weekend, and will be about 3 hours on highway, 2 on backroads. I can get an alignment done at the Tire discounters tonite. Or, wait for the specialized shop to get to it on Monday.
my gut is telling me to get it done before I leave, as to not cause any unnecessary wear on the new BFG LongTrails. But, I also don't want to pi$$ money away by having the fast food equivalent of alignment places do it.
By the way, my road trip is taking me to Big South Fork (part of Daniel Boone Natn'l Forest - on the KY/TN border). A great place to take the Bronco and "explore". Nothing but a good time there. Anyone else been? It's a great place to utilize what the Bronco was meant for.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
wheel if you plan on doing any 4x4 in up there you best bet would be to get it done afterwards because your gonna abuse it anyways and getting it done first might just get messed while out and about.
late
late
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Tn.
Was it in bad alignment before the new tires or do you just want it aligned ? I have new tires put on and don't always align and have no problems. If you plan on keeping your Bronco, do like me and go to Firestone, yes Firestone and get the lifetime alignment for about $115. That way, everytime you do ball joints, tie rod ends, radius arm bushings, axle pivot bushings etc... go back for your FREE alignment. Best thing $$$ can buy in my idea. Steve83 told me about this quiet some time back and I have used it a few times already.
Hope this helps,
Hope this helps,
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
Yeah, I had some Kelly's on there - not bad tires, but worn out. I noticed some uneven-ness, cupping, etc on the passenger side. Could definately use an alignment. Could have been a combination of bad tires, and need of alignment, but she shook bad at 70 mph (about my top speed limit with the bronco). Haven't had her on the highway yet with the new tires on, so it'll be a good test.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati USA
Tire Discounters on St Rt 32 in eastgate has never done a bad alignment for me. In fact I have never complained about anything
I have had them do. Wish I could say the same for my F150 and the dealer I take it too. I would wait to get your alignment after
you get back. because in reality your alignment isn't really aligned
after you drive out the door and down the road. I mean it helps
but the slightest jar can make it off a bit.
I have had them do. Wish I could say the same for my F150 and the dealer I take it too. I would wait to get your alignment after
you get back. because in reality your alignment isn't really aligned
after you drive out the door and down the road. I mean it helps
but the slightest jar can make it off a bit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Follow fcarruth.......Firestone will charge about 100 to 125, but it is a lifetime. That way if you do ruin it playing, you can take it back and get it aligned again for free.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: MA
when i did my alignment they told me that i had 6000 mile warrenty on the alignment so i'd ask them about there warranty if they give one do before you travel and if it feels out of alignment after you done playing bring it back for a realignment.
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