Random question - How long do you allow a lift to settle before...

having an alignment done on your truck?

I ordered an Icon shage 3 kit for my 2016 and it should be delivered in the next 2-3 weeks. The install instructions state to allow the new components to settle and then have an alignment done on the truck but the guy that's helping me with the install as well as the local stealership both recommended I do it at the time/immediately after the install.

What is the consensus? Why would the install instructions state to allow it to "settle"?

 

Install the lift, get an alignment, drive a couple hundred miles and get another alignment after it settles. Firestone has lifetime alignments.

 

I say an alignment should be in store within a matter of days. After my "level", I got an alignment the very next day. Let's just say that the less miles traveled is better considering it won't produce as much uneven wear on the tires. I drive 30+ miles a day, so I got the alignment as soon as possible. I wouldn't go over 50 miles without an alignment just to play it safe.

 

Yep, I agree with the two above posts. Find a shop that has free tire rotate, balance and lifetime alignment, and have all three done every 5k. You'd be surprised how many more miles you get out of your tires.

 

100% get an alignment done immediately, suspensions settle but you cannot drive with the toe out wildly. Get it checked again later on after some good miles. Alignments should be routine on Tacomas.

 

I just drove on rough gravel roads after to settle it prior to the alignment

 

ASAP after lift... usually takes a few days. The installer should be able to get things "close" at least to drive for a few days.

 

I honestly think it depends on the shop. Some Firestones couldn't care less about the lift and others are very strict.

 

Yeah I went to firestone for my other truck, asked them if they'd align it after I had a lift installed and they had no problem, the guy even told me there was a special on their lifetime alignment IIRC it was under $200...maybe $180

One thing I did not ask is if it is only for that particular vehicle. I assume it is.

 

Yup, do the initial alignment after the lift install to correct basic suspension geometry that WILL be thrown out of whack.
After a few hundred miles and the springs, bushings settle in with their new neighbors, you really should do it again as the new settled geometry will be different than initial install. If you off road the truck often, the impacts and extra suspension motion will throw things off sooner, so more frequent alignment checks are a good thing on the Tacos.

 

I had the same experience. They knew the suspension had been modified and had no problem with the lifetime alignment. I believe they quoted me $180 as well. I think a lot of it has to due with customer attitude. If you're polite and respectful, it can go a long way.

 

I agree with the installer and the guy at your dealership. It needs to be aligned immediately after the lift because itll be way off and youll cook your new tires if you dont. You also need to get it aligned after it settles which is a very real thing. It will be out of spec when you return after letting it settle.

As for how long? Id say 500 miles give or take

 

Changes in suspension on our race prepped street cars (and lowered, not raised) got about 20 miles driving intentionally on whoopee surfaces like speed tables, speed bumps, guttered drives, etc. then aligned.

Properly torqued bushings (with the suspension loaded, not drooped) and springs don't really 'settle' much to speak of. All you are really doing is making sure everything is in position and nothing is bound.

 

Interesting because I see a lot of folks report their initial lift dropping a bit after a month or several hundred miles. So if it isn't settling it's just because driving around on it is causing it to change the ride height for some other reason?

 

Can only site what I've experienced. I do suspect that leafs may settle (de-arch?) a bit more than coils normally do. Also suspect that coils that are preloaded via perch changes (like 5100s) may fatigue a bit as well.

If I were lifting, I'd drive it a couple of days to address the initial settling potential, have it aligned and measure it up on a flat level surface. If it remeasures lower over the next weeks/months, have it aligned again.

I'm in a semi unfortunate position of not liking any of the 'lifetime' alignment shops in my area. The crackerjack guy to go to is pay as you go shop. The good news is I don't really beat up the suspension, so I get away with long interval alignments most of the time.