All, I'm putting on 4 sensa-trac shocks on my 97 2wd. Of course, the service manager asks if I want an alignment...he says they always recommend and alignment. To my knowledge, the shocks should have no effect on the alignment. Am I wrong? Should I get one?

By the way, a year ago, I was in a minor fender bender and insisted that the body shop check the alignment. They said it was fine. Additionally, I have about 10K miles on a ew set of Michelins and they're wearing just fine. I appreciate any feedback...it might possibly save me $59.95! Thanks.

 

I dont think new shocks will throw off your alignment. They always suggest an alignment because
1.Many people neglect thier vehicle suspension and dont get regular alignments.
2.Alignments are profitable. Not only does it make them a little extra income on the job at hand, many times other suspension and steering component problems can be identified and repaired at the same time, which also is profitable.
3.Tire wear is not always a reliable measurement of component condition. My tires on my Expedition look great, though I know the lower ball joints are bad.

So it never hurts to get an alignment and inspection of your suspension components.... but you may not drive away without lightening your wallet.

IMHO

 

I'd be surprised to see much difference between the stock shocks and sensatracs. At the least, go with the monroe reflex.

 

I like the sensa tracs I installed on my '99 Expy. I didn't realize quite how bad the old ones were. It made alot of difference in the ride quality. I was surprised to find at 103k that my Expy was hardly out of alignment at all and I hadn't had it checked for about 25k.

 

I don't think you need an alignment, and neither does your truck just for a shock change.

 

Hi everyone i live in the united kingdom and was wondering if anyone knows the specs for alignment on the 2000 expedition as we only have specs for the explorer over here.
Thanks.

 

General Specifications Item LH RH Total/Split
Base Suspension Alignment Specifications: 4x2
Caster 6.1° ± 1.0° 6.6° ± 1.0° -0.5° split ± 0.7°
Camber -0.3° ± 0.7° -0.3° ± 0.7° 0.0° split ± 0.7°
Toe 0.03° 0.03° 0.06° Toe-in ± 0.25°
Base Suspension Alignment Specifications: 4x4
Caster 5.1° ± 1.0° 5.6° ± 1.0° -0.5° split ± 0.7°
Camber -0.2° ± 0.7° -0.2° ± 0.7° 0.0° split ± 0.7°
Toe 0.15° 0.15° 0.30° Toe-in ± 0.25°
Air Suspension Alignment Specifications: 4x2
Caster 6.1° ± 1.0° 6.6° ± 1.0° -0.5° split ± 0.7°
Camber -0.3° ± 0.7° -0.3° ± 0.7° 0.0° split ± 0.7°
Toe 0.03° 0.03° 0.06° Toe-in ± 0.25°
Air Suspension Alignment Specifications: 4x4
(Trim Position) a
Caster 5.0° ± 1.0° 5.5° ± 1.0° -0.5° split ± 0.7°
Camber -0.4° ± 0.4° -0.4° ± 0.7° 0.0° split ± 0.7°
Toe 0.10° 0.10° 0.20° Toe-in ± 0.25°

a To obtain trim position, refer to Section 204-05B .




General Specifications Item mm In
Rear Curb Ride Height Specifications: 4x2
Without Air Suspension 168-192 6.6-7.5
With Air Suspension 135-145 5.3-5.7
Rear Curb Ride Height Specifications: 4x4
Without Air Suspension 218-242 8.6-9.5
With Air Suspension 168-178 6.6-7.0
Vehicle Lean Specifications
Maximum allowable variance: Front 16 5/8
Maximum allowable variance: Rear 19 3/4



Torque Specifications Description Nm Lb-Ft
Front Suspension Upper Arm Nuts 113-153 84-112
Toe Set Jam Nuts 77-104 57-77

 

Thanks for that i wil print off and take to tyre garage.