No aligment needed after 1" level?

I had a shop install 5100 F and R today. For the front, I just kept it at the lowest setting which lifted it about .75" or so. Not much but had them check the alignment anyways.

They said no adjustment was needed. Is that possible where a lift is small enough where no change is needed? Just wondering if shop is being honest since I still had to pay for the alignment. Thanks

 

Not typically, when lifting independent front suspensions it alters camber, which directly alters toe. I've never lifted a truck and not made adjustments. Even stock shocks after the check will show wear caused alignment changes.

Try driving it and see how it feels, watch tire wear and maybe get an alignment at a specific alignment shop down the road.

 

I’d still get one, even though the numbers may still be in tolerance, they can be favoring one side or the other, opposing each other, or far enough out of straight that they will cause bad tire wear or even bad handling characteristics

 

The thing is I did get an alignment at the shop. The said they put it on the rack, but everything read within spec so no adjustments were made. They still charged for the alignment since it was labor putting it up..etc

Just dont know how if they just said that to make easy money thinking I'll prob never notice or if it really is possible that a short lift left it within spec still.

 

When I raised mine to the 1.1 mark- my numbers were pretty good. They were still in the "green", except for toe on one side was alittle out, and i mean...just bearly like a "cat" hair. I would have been fine for quite a while like that, probably would have had alittle more tire wear (my tires were shot so i didnt give a shit).
Long story short- i still did an alignment. Was it absolutely needed at the time? no. That was my case though. Yours may be different.

 

If its within spec leave it. The shop could have charged you to move those numbers anywhere else within tolerance which some shops will do. Within tolerance is within tolerance (its a range) unless you really want to get picky.

Then they will likely just make some adjustments that really only impact your wallet.

 

I've messed with the front end twice,once to put in the lift and once to change LCA's and both times I've been within tolerance so no adjustment necessary.

 

Did the same on mine all 5100s with 1.1” lift on front but settled back down with a slim bumper and synth winch. Now closer to stock so I didn’t do the alignment.

Although, I added an AAL in the back so I’m up 1.5” in the rear, added 1/2” rake which drops with all the stuff in bed.

This is a light load

 

Imo, whenever you make changes to the front suspension, the alignment should be checked. Why risk wearing components out when it is an easy check?

 

Did they give you the alignment spec sheet?

 

Id get one. Anytime you remove and replace a front suspension component it should be done. If the shop loosened your cam bolts to help get the new/longer strut in, your alignments been messed up.

 

At about a grand for a set of tires 75-100 bucks is pretty cheap insurance for peace of mind if you don't have the ability to check it yourself. Or check it before you make a change then you have a baseline and won't want our opinion after you make a change .

 

+1 to that, alway good to have peace of mind. If you are lifting and making adjustments, moving tire sizes, etc. Then something like a Firestone Lifetime Alignment for $200 might be a good investment.