I went to Ford to get an alignment, and the service adviser tells me that I need a 4 wheel alignment because I have a Mustang. I always thought that a 2 wheel would get the job done since I don't have IRS, but I wasn't completely sure so I didn't argue with her. I ended up paying $100 for it, and now I'm checking with you guys so I don't make the mistake again.
So, 2 wheel or 4 wheel?
It's for real. The rear axle is not welded to the frame, so one side can move forward or backword just a bit and make your mustang run down the road like you see some dogs trot, with the rear end out to one side or the other a small amount.
Now whether they actually adjust it or not is another issue. It is not trivial.
It's for real. The rear axle is not welded to the frame, so one side can move forward or backword just a bit and make your mustang run down the road like you see some dogs trot, with the rear end out to one side or the other a small amount.
Now whether they actually adjust it or not is another issue. It is not trivial.
in my shop if all 4 sensors are put on the car it's a 4 wheel alignment whether or not adjustments are done
every shop is different. i'm sure your dealer checked all 4 to cover their ass. if they do a 2 wheel align, you drive off and later you find you have a bent lower control arm in the rear you could go after the dealer for not telling you about it
in my shop if all 4 sensors are put on the car it's a 4 wheel alignment whether or not adjustments are done
every shop is different. i'm sure your dealer checked all 4 to cover their ass. if they do a 2 wheel align, you drive off and later you find you have a bent lower control arm in the rear you could go after the dealer for not telling you about it
COMPLETE BS!!!!
there is no adjsutment for thrust angle in our cars
i am an ASE certified alignment tech andi can tell you that there are absolutely zero adjustments that can be made to the rear of a non IRS mustang. if you have adjustable uppers and lowers thats a different story, but stock is a 2 wheel alignment.
ask them to show you how they adjusted the rear of the car. a copy of your alignment specs would be great too. i wanna see how bad they ripped you off
I have performed alignments on my 2002 GT at my BMW dealership after hours. The alignment machine does not even let you adjust anything in the rear of the cars since they are live axel, the numbers in degrees/minutes are grayed out...meaning they are non-adjustable.
Ford should only be giving you a 2 wheel alignment.
On another note, if you paid $100 for a "4" wheel alignment, thats pretty good, considering my dealership (BMW) charges $220 for a 4 wheel alignment
I didn't say it was adjustable. I did say the check is legitimate. The rear end can definitely move if you hit something. Just look at how it is held in place. Fixing it is generally a matter of replacing parts of course. But I have seen more than one that runs caddy-cornered. Usually because of a wreck and something bent.
I disagree the rear end moves side to side up to 2 inches one way or the other unless you have watts linkage or panhard bar to firmly locate it. The stock UCAs and LCAs do not solidly locate the axle assembly left/right and there is up to two inches left/right play.The rear end can be moved if you hit something yes, BUT if the rear end moves...it is one of two things:
1. The axle housing is bent.
2. The torque boxes, and or frame is bent.
These two things are nothing an alignment can fix. It would have to be taken to a collision shop and pulled on a frame rack. Axle housings can be straightened, but most ring and pinion shops will not do it.
I disagree the rear end moves side to side up to 2 inches one way or the other unless you have watts linkage or panhard bar to firmly locate it. The stock UCAs and LCAs do not solidly locate the axle assembly left/right and there is up to two inches left/right play.
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