Do I need an alignment with a strut change?

arbailey

Founding Member

Sep 24, 2002

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New Jersey

Jun 26, 2005

#1

• Jun 26, 2005

• #1

I'm getting the Lakewood 70/30 drag struts and 50/50 rear shocks. When I change the struts do I need an alignment or not. I'm getting different opinions from people. Also the Chilton manual says to "check the alignment" and the Haynes manual does not mention an alignment at all. Any thoughts???

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

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Jun 26, 2005

#2

• Jun 26, 2005

• #2

If all you do is remove the one stud on the top of the strut, you might not need to worry. IF doing CC plates, etc, obviously get an alignment.

As an aside, some alignment shops will do an 'alignment check' for like 10 bucks (it used to be free back in the day). That can give you peace of mind. If you choose to get an alignment, the cost for the check is often put toward the alignment.

Good luck.

 

arbailey

Founding Member

Sep 24, 2002

199

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16

New Jersey

Jun 26, 2005

#3

• Jun 26, 2005

• #3

Thanks. Yeah just changing the struts and shocks no caster/camber plates. Looking at it, I don't see how there is any "adjustment" in the strut itself. There's one large nut at the top, and two bolts/nuts in the spindle.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

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129

Jun 26, 2005

#4

• Jun 26, 2005

• #4

The Punisher said:

Thanks. Yeah just changing the struts and shocks no caster/camber plates. Looking at it, I don't see how there is any "adjustment" in the strut itself. There's one large nut at the top, and two bolts/nuts in the spindle.

Click to expand...

One can remove the entire 'stock CC plate' on top of the strut tower, and that would require an alignment afterwards (I did that when doing struts since I replaced all the bushings in there).
But if you can get that one nut loose (good luck - some folks really fight it), then it should be plug and play (no real room for adjustment).

Good luck.

 

arbailey

Founding Member

Sep 24, 2002

199

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16

New Jersey

Jun 26, 2005

#5

• Jun 26, 2005

• #5

Thanks. I put new KYB's on about 2 years ago and got the nut off then so it should come off pretty easy (I hope).