Firestone Alignment w/ SPC UCA...what a joke

FWIW Toyota wouldn't align my truck with SPCs and Kings. At least not my local dealership here in SoCal. They referred me to a custom alignment shop.

I think it really just depends on the technicians and what they're comfortable with doing, or maybe each individual dealership's policies on aftermarket parts.

 

I have seen it mentioned in my local toyota groups that Firsestone NO LONGER honors their lifetime alignment on modified trucks and that they were offering refunds even. Just sharing

 

Hmm interesting. Well like I said above I rarely use my lifetime package anymore because they won't give me the caster numbers I want at Firestone. Got a local 4x4 shop down the street from me that does it right every time, worth the $$$.

 

This was true with the OG SPC arms but it's no longer the case.

 

100% agree, and when I was leaving the guy mentioned that if he were to adjust the UCA's it would be an upgraded package to "Exotic Alignment", I was not about to spend any additional money there so I just said thanks and left.

 

They didn't even try to improve on the shitty caster and camber numbers. "It's in the green. Send it". I am confidant that a very nice alignment is possible on your truck just dialing in the cams. As I mentioned before, there's lots of adjustment left from where the cams are now. You'll even gain some tire clearance, at the back of the tire, in the process.

 

An alignment recheck on a bone stock Ford Fusion with just toe and go. =.8
A nightmare on a modified truck with multiple adjustments including aftermarket parts and upper control arm adjustments that suck. =.8
What would you rather do?

 

Honestly the SPC arms are really easy to adjust yourself using the install guide that comes with them (also on their website). With the front wheels off the ground and the top nut loose, you can turn the balljoint by hand to any of the settings shown on the guide. There's a slot for camber there too that you just have to eyeball. Would need to get a proper alignment afterward to make sure the numbers are where you wanted them but at least that way you can get the SPCs to the setting you want and have the alignment shop correct the rest.

 

I mean honestly I would find another shop to work at, with better pay structure since it is that big of an issue.

That being said you're in Cypress not far from me, can you do the alignment then? No shops to suggest in the area or anything else helpful?

 

I would, but I moved to Colorado. But I can give you some info of a few guys that are more than capable of doing a good alignment in cypress

 

While some may not agree, I believe the flat rate pay system does little or nothing for the tech. He IS the one doing the work. This system benefits the shop and and theoretically, the vehicles owner. A guy isn't going to kill himself for .8 with the rent due in 3 days.

 

The original camber numbers are from me eye balling adjustments on the UCAs prior to going in, I am comfortable with those, just not the cams yet. However I just purchased a digital angle gauge and protractor to DIY the rest of the alignment. nd4spdbh write up/amendment seems pretty easy to follow along with the rest of the information. I will post up results when I get to it, most likely this weekend once Amazon brings me everything.

 

Firestone did a horrific job aligning my truck then complained when i picked it up that it was un alignable. At the begining i was told the lift wouldnt be an issue so i assumed it would be fine. Ended up being a waste of time and money and had to find a specialty alignment shop who did an excellent job.

 

Nice! Yeah man I'll take some contacts if you want to send them my way!

 

It seems like you they gave you the cheap toe & go alignment. They did not bother to adjust the caster or camber at all. You should get +4° of caster on both sides with the right side being 0.5° higher if necessary for road crown. Your alignment seems like it will make your truck pull right most of the time.

 

Toyota dealers don't seem to be that expensive for alignments, only like $99 dollars from most of them around here. The national auto repair chains and mom & pop shops charge $120+

 

Bay area problems.


Ventura area, big brand is 50 bucks and they do a free check if you want. To go to an actual alignment shop its 90 bucks.

 

I just called Duggy's Garage in Houston, $144 for an alignment at their shop after tax, Javiers/Gulf Coast was pretty much the same price....DIY here I come!

 

JBAs seemed to be good UCAs as well for trails (anything that requires a jumps likely will need uniballs).

 

Nice license plate!