Front end Alignment

[VXNIT]

Does the VX require rear wheel alignment like front or just front only. Notice inside where on driver's front. Any recos and tips on alignment or experiences with alignments.

[JHarris1385]

Check out this thread.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=6711

Interesting thing is Tone says you can get a lifetime alignment at Firestone for $100. Thats an awesome deal to me. But there is not a Firestone around me I dont think.

[JoFotoz]

Hey...at least they are good for something.

Worth EVERY PENNY.,,,,couldnt agree more with Tone on that one.

jo

[DK]

Hey...at least they are good for something.

Worth EVERY PENNY.,,,,couldnt agree more with Tone on that one.

jo



Someone asked if we should be doing 4 wheel or 2 wheel alignments.

What do you do?

[tom4bren]

you can certainly have the thrust alignment checked but I don't think there is any adjustment on the rear. If I can get off work early enough to talk to the shop that did my alignment, I'll let you know.

I just called them. They indicated that there are no adjustments on the rear.

[tom4bren]

The only caution that I can give you is that someone here (can't remember who) adjusted the torsion bars for front end lift. When they took it in for alignment, they readjusted the torsion bars back to factory.

I had very good luck with the mom & pop shop down the street from me. They specialize in front end work. I recommend you find such a place near you if possible. The 'quantity' type establishments just aren't set up to provide the level of satisfaction you seem to be looking for. IMHO.

[CSTYLES]

Tom, that was me that had the alignment fiasco. I couldn't take it to the place you recommended because I could hardly drive at 30 mph much less highway speed to get into to NoVa.

I sat on it for a while and finally found a place 4 miles from my house that sounded reputable. Executive Tire in Rockville, MD. They were very professional, the owner even drove me to work after I dropped off my truck. When I insisted that they not adjust the torsion bar or ride height they asked, "why would we do that?" That is how I knew I had the right shop.

The guys at Merchant's are used to taking short cuts, not one off or custom jobs.

NIT, to answer your question they only did a front alignment, at least they only charged me for the front end ($59).

[tom4bren]

CSTYLES - Glad to hear that you got it resolved & that you found a place you can trust.

VXNIT - unless your VX is noticably crabbing as you drive, the front end alignment should yield optimal tire wear & best gas mileage. If you're still not sure after alignment, you can chalk a line across your tread, drive it a short distance then check to see if the chalk rubbed off in a strange pattern.

[DK]

you can certainly have the thrust alignment checked but I don't think there is any adjustment on the rear. If I can get off work early enough to talk to the shop that did my alignment, I'll let you know.

I just called them. They indicated that there are no adjustments on the rear.



Thanks.

[WormGod]

Funny enough, I still continue to use the guys that wrecked my VX last month. I simply like their business and have to just accept that mistakes happen. The WRX goes in there this weekend for an oil change anyways, heh. They only get my wheel/tire needs and oil changes. Better weather means I do my own oil however.

Curious, CStyles, you ever tried Andrewtech for VX needs? They specialize in import tuners, but I spoke with Edwin at Andrewtech there and he was very interested in digging under the hood of my VX. I was gonna have them do my S/C last year, but decided to do it on my own. Look 'em up. They are a VERY good crew and VERY highly recommended among the import tuner crowds.

Also, try out DPS Tuning. I have heard great things about them as well.

Both are in Gaithersburg.

[tom4bren]

"Funny enough, I still continue to use the guys that wrecked my VX last month"

Gary - next time you take the VX in though maybe you should strap a bunch of pillows on the front (just as a joke).

[CSTYLES]

Worm Mine isn't much of a tuner, I'm just glad it runs sometimes. I did the lift a few months ago and let it sit while i drove around my sister's Celica.

I do have the 33" Thornbirds, so if you wanna go wheelin', I'm getting an Assateague beach pass. Wasn't there an OC meet a while back? Only thing that sucks is my gas mileage is down to 12-13 highway.

[etlsport]

Worm Mine isn't much of a tuner, I'm just glad it runs sometimes. I did the lift a few months ago and let it sit while i drove around my sister's Celica.

I do have the 33" Thornbirds, so if you wanna go wheelin', I'm getting an Assateague beach pass. Wasn't there an OC meet a while back? Only thing that sucks is my gas mileage is down to 12-13 highway.

i would do that some time over summer!

[tom4bren]

CSTYLES - have you checked into the Assatique Beach pass? I was there last summer & asked about it. It's about $100 & you have to have a bunch of support equipment as well. You should see if you can get the list before you get all the way out there.