Alignment after JBA install

Hello,

I plan to install some JBA upper control arms this weekend. I regretfully have the unlimited alignment package with firestone. I don't really want to take my truck there anymore, but it would be nice to save the $150-$250 that the specialty Toyota shops charge out here. Do y'all think Firestone would be capable of a proper alignment after I get the JBAs on? *Edit* Or will this be something a specialty shop will still be needed for

I have about a 2.5-3 inch lift and was mostly mostly needing/wanting better castor.

Also, both of those Toyota shops were 'unimpressed' when I told them I was putting the JBAs on. Saying they are fine and a good price point but not great. Or not the best. Maybe they are not enthusiastic about them because they don't sell them? I thought outside of adjustables, they are all quite similar and JBA is a pretty good option

Thank you
-Cullen

 

Quality work isn’t free. Free work isn’t quality

 

Quality AND Free reply here. Thank you.

 

Unlimited alignment isn’t quality work. Shop that offer that usually expect the customer to go elsewhere after a few attempts, which cost money after uneven tire wear etc.

So yes, 1 fee for an unlimited alignment shouldn’t be the go to

 

Yea you're right. I wish I hadn't done that deal to begin with. But I did. Therefore, was hoping/wondering if they could slap it back with better castor alignment.
I guess if anything I could have them put it up on the rack and let me know where it sits after the install.

 

They probably charge twice for "unlimited", knowing people rarely come in more than twice, if that. And it's surely only valid for the purchaser and that specific car. So basically it comes out as a single alignment for twice the cost, half of the time.

Thats how I'd do it anyway!

 

I talked to our local Firestone alignment tech and he was very candid with me. They are toe-and-go shops. I also just installed JBA arms and asked if they could max out the caster. He told me that if its within Toyota specs they wont change anything. It's crazy to me that they have these $50k+ alignment machines just to set toe. You could definitely use them for getting a printout of it as it sits.

 

I think it may depend on the tech and/or the store manager. I had Firestone do mine after I did a slight lift and UCA install. When I showed up for my appointment and tried to give them instructions, the manager wasn't happy and said that they usually don't do "modified" vehicles and would only align to OEM specs. But, he did talk to the tech. The tech was actually good and did what I asked (max out the caster), but he kept it within OEM specs. I was prepared to do a follow-up with a specialty shop but didn't need to.

 

That's awesome, your one of the few.

 

Bingo.

This is true of every shop, but even more so in the big box world.

I had a Goodyear lifetime on another vehicle. But I picked that shop because I regularly saw some unusual vehicles on the alignment rack. I stopped by one day and hung outside the bay for a bit until I could speak with the tech w/o interrupting his work. Told him what I was interested in and he said just ask for me when you make an appointment. Actually worked out pretty well for a few years.

The alignment place I use now is a long time shop with 3 guys and a lot of experience. Willing to discuss goals and working to meet those. And still under $100.

I know a few folks who have been disappointed at a local truck specialty shop who've been successful getting correction at this shop.

 

From the perspective of the customer it does not make sense why they wont max out your caster, from the perspective of the shop they dont want you back every week wanting it tweaked just a little. The expensive alignment machines are nothing more than a sales tool, they printout pretty colored pictures. For a solid axle rear wheel drive vehicle you can acheive a decent toe reading with some kite string as long as the vehicle hasnt been wrecked.