big o alignment service review

Ya its not really a product review moreso a service review. Went to big o to get an alignment after installing front suspension. They couldn't get my caster anywhere within specwhich is min .6 max 2.1 degrees, I'm sitting at 3.6 degrees caster. I attribute my steering wheel vibrations to this issue because I have nothing else it could be, already did road force and whatever else.

What gets me is they offer a 3k mile 3 month "warranty" on the alignment and for the life of me I cannot get them to put it on the rack to take a look at the number again! I was thinking of possibly going to another shop to get it aligned properly, if its even possible. I don't see why my caster isn't able to get into spec. I don't have the 85 bucks to dish on another alignment so I don't know what to do?

Does anyone have any ideas for me or anything to say about my caster not being able to be reached? Or just anything?

Info to find usefull: camburg spindles, 5100 coilovers set at 0". My camber and toe are good but the damn caster.

 

Out of 15 views no one has any input

 

What the hell why cant they get it right im not sure why they cant. but if you have a Firestone or Express tire they do a good job with my alignment.

 

Dang dude that sucks. I use big-o by my house because they are good with lifted applications (a lot of places can't do trucks with lifts) and they offer 6 mo/6000 mile warranty on their work.

I have brought it back and had no troubles or complaints.

Interesting about your caster though, my caster has the same reading, but I am running an icon coilover cranked to 3". I heard tacomas do not have the ability to adjust caster, but I could be wrong.

Even with my caster a full point over the 2.8 (max allow) mark, I do not have any wandering in my steering wheel...

 

I just have to say that I am a fan of the Dealership. They charge $10-$20 more but I have better success.

I am just saying.

 

Anyone have any input as to the caster being the issue with the steering vibrations?

 

if you all are running stock ucas and lifted 2.5"+, you're not going to get caster within specs. you'll need aftermarket ucas to get back in spec.

please read this thread if you haven't already:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40470-ucas-alignment.html

 

No I'm not running stock uca's

 

really? if you have aftermarket ucas (like light racing, total chaos, icon, etc) then the alignment shop should've been able to get the caster setting right. if they couldn't get within spec, the tech doesn't know what they're doing.

 

PM Chris4x4. He has some insight on alignment specs and lives in Tempe, so he may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

i pm'd him already and he mentioned the caster wouldnt do what i mentioned. i think i bumped something out of alignment cause right after the shake wasnt there. im having a very hard time getting them to put it on the lift and check the numbers and fix something that might not be right

 

Ahh, Sounds like crappy customer service to me.

 

3.6* of caster isnt all that bad.. I ran around with 3.4* of caster for over a year with no issues at all, and the truck drove fine. FWIW, you should have tried to take the truck to an alignment specialist, rather than some corporate chain, that offers low paying positions to their techs. All of your firestone, big o, Midas type chains are a real hit or miss situation on getting the job done right.

How was your toe and camber specs?

 

camber is -.02 right -.03 left

toe is 0 on both side

i would take it to like network alignment but i dont really have the 85 bones to go there with a chance of it getting done correctly then going to big o, show them and demand a refund.

right now im just trying to get back to get a warranty alignment because i really think that just might be it, because i dont remember the vibration right after the alignment.

and yes chris im running tc uca's. might have to pick you up this weekend if your available to go for a drive and possibly have it happen on that drive.

 

would you possibly be available to take a ride and maybe figure something out over this weekend?

 

It is possible the vibration is something to do with hub centric versus lug centric wheels. And the problem starts because the wheels are taken off and replaced during the lift and it actually not the lift or alignment?

I am asking. I keep hearing people say the truck shakes after a lift and I just cannot see why the lift would cause shaking.