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Alignment from sears?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Zombie Runner, Dec 3, 2009.

  1. Dec 3, 2009 at 9:43 AM
    #1
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    I need to get my truck aligned and sears is the only place that stays open after 5. Does anyone know if they do good work? I called and they said it will only cost $9.99, does that seems a little cheap?

    also I need alignment numbers to give them. I have about a 2.7" lift and Im using stock UCA's
     
  2. Dec 3, 2009 at 9:44 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    :eek: Yeah....thats WAY cheap! Make sure they do it right. Get the print out.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2009 at 9:47 AM
    #3
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    maybe thats what they charge to take your keys, then go up in price after that...haha

    what kind of alignment numbers should I go for?
    or get as close as possible to?
     
  4. Dec 3, 2009 at 9:49 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Camber: 0*
    Toe: 0*
    Caster: 2.4*


    With your stock UCA's, you may only get .6* caster or so. Make sure the Toe and Camber are as close to 0* as possible.
     
  5. Dec 3, 2009 at 10:02 AM
    #5
    LBtaco

    LBtaco Thread killer

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    from my personal experience, I would stay away from sears and their "alignment" it took them 4 times to get my truck almost correct(it still pulls to the right) they always give some BS excuse why they can't get the numbers correct. I had it done with and without the lift. it never felt right until I had to sit there and babysit the mechanic. And I will NEVER let them torque my lugs again. and don't get me started on their attempts at balancing my tires.
    seems to me the mechanics working at sears are either beginning or ending their automotive career, some rookie that has to recite "lefty loosey, righty tighty" or an old guy that thinks tight is tight.
     
  6. Dec 3, 2009 at 10:43 AM
    #6
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    Thanks chris

    I dont really have any other options for shops to go to. If i have to babysit them I will do so.

    also, what is caster? I know how camber and toe work, just trying to figure out the caster part?
     
  7. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:05 AM
    #7
    NWtacoma

    NWtacoma Well-Known Member

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    take it to the dealer?
     
  8. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
    #8
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    bahaha i refuse to go to the dealer unless its for warranty work.
    plus i need somewhere i can go after work and get it done that night, otherwise i would have to drop it off and have no way to get to work
     
  9. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:09 AM
    #9
    brian

    brian Another Traitor

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    Be careful with sears, most of them don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. I've seen some serious issues in the past year from them.
     
  10. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
    #10
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    thanks for the heads up guys
     
  11. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
    #11
    HankB

    HankB Well-Known Member

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    That does not surprise me. It all depends on the tech that does the work. They have to be both knowledgeable enough and actually interested in doing a good job before you can expect a good outcome. That depends on the shop and how they pay and otherwise treat their techs.

    Beyond that, is there anything unique about the Tacoma suspension that requires special tools or training to perform an alignment? I'm guessing not.

    The best thing is to ask around and find someone with experience with that shop. They can tell you how well they did with their cars. Next check for complaints at BBB and sites like Yelp or pay for Angie's list.

    You can always ask how long their tech has been doing alignment work and ask what training and certifications they hold.

    At least with Sears, you have a big company backing the repair so if you are not satisfied, you have a long chain of command to complain to.

    Good luck!
     
  12. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:49 AM
    #12
    RAD

    RAD Well-Known Member Vendor

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    LAX & LOGAN
    I bought the FIRESTONE Alignment for LIFE @ $140 even. Worth it as I've already gotten 2 and on my way to get my third. Anytime I go Off-Roading and it gets out of line or if I change my Suspension. I'm covered for the life of the TACO.:D

    After this 3rd Alignment, its already paid for itself.

    The guy I go to knows and Loves my Taco. He spends about 45minutes on it to make sure its all correct. Complete print out afterwards and I buy him lunch on top of it! Keep everyone Happy.
    :D


    I say get the FIRESTONE!
     
  13. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:50 AM
    #13
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.
    I wish there was one local to me. Cost me $40 everytime and i think I need one now.
     
  14. Dec 3, 2009 at 11:57 AM
    #14
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Well-Known Member

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    A few bolts are different.
    EEK! sears auto. I was in a situation like the OP where I had to get it done after 5pm, so Sears it was. MISTAKE!! they didnt tighten the cam bolts to spec. I had to get it re-aligned after about a week and not at sears.
     
  15. Dec 3, 2009 at 12:07 PM
    #15
    gupster88

    gupster88 Well-Known Member

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    sears did my alignment, i like how i get a before and after printout. i paid around $60 or $70 for mine though
     
  16. Dec 3, 2009 at 12:21 PM
    #16
    misterquad

    misterquad Well-Known Member

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    The plus of going to the dealership is pickup and drop off service. The ones here offer a shuttle to and from work or they will even pick and return your truck to work or home. They charge $20 more than Firestone but that is $20 well spent.:)

    I bought the lifetime alignment at Firestone and the first alignment was perfect but the next one was terrible. I guessed that they made their money and didn't want to put enough time into the 2nd alignment.:cool:
     
  17. Dec 3, 2009 at 12:26 PM
    #17
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    we dont have a firestone here :( but i didnt think about the dealership having a pick up/ drop off service. Ill give them a call
     
  18. Dec 3, 2009 at 12:35 PM
    #18
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner [OP] Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    ok just called the dealer, got an appointment for tomorrow morning. sears was starting to sound pretty sketchy
     
  19. Dec 3, 2009 at 12:41 PM
    #19
    LBtaco

    LBtaco Thread killer

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    :thumbsup:
     
  20. Dec 3, 2009 at 7:54 PM
    #20
    HondaGM

    HondaGM CallSign Monke

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    yeah,we charge 69.99 for four wheel align with hunter eagle eye,i personnally would'nt trust sears to tie my shoe.:cool:
     

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