alignments...

i live in a shit hole town and need an alignment done on my truck.... it was wrecked in the front end so it threw everything outta wack.... but every shop here says that the truck can not be aligned because it is on air... and that as soon as i raise or lower the truck the alignment will be out of wack again... is there something you could tell me to tell these guys so that i can get alignment on my truck so i can drive it...i would appreciate any help...

They probably still won't touch it.  No matter what any one says.  What kind of truck do you have?  How bad was it wrecked in the front? How good are your mechanical skills?  You and another buddy might be able to do it.

it is a mitsubishi mighty max.... i just really dont have much time right now and gotta get the truck up and going.... i work around 100 hours a week right now... but the wheels are out of camber and tow in all different directions....

all i can say you could tell them is "here is my ride height, this is where i drive it at. will you align it as close to stock as possible at this height? i will sign a release forgoeing responcibility on your part for bad tire wear at other heights. im a young kid, help me out guys."   other than that, maybe borrow something from somebody til you can get to a bigger shop somewhere else on a trailer. or do it yourself with a friend.

We have a hole in the wall place here in town a old man runs and he aligns air or hydraulic vehicles.  Does very good work for a reasonable price.  If you can persuade a shop to do it I would tell them the same thing this is my ride height set it for this.  Most or any well known shop or chain of shops won't touch them because of liability and the risk of being sued.  Hope this helps.

Edited: 1/30/2009 6:33:44 PM by OrangeSdime

YEAH ME TOO! NO ONE IN TOWN WANTS TO TOUCH IT! I'VE TRYD ASKIN EVERY ONE!

Have you had the frame and all checked?    It's pretty easy to adjust the toe.  It takes atleast two people to do it. You'd need two pieces of straight, square tubing, that's a few inches wider than the tire.  You would also need two tape measures that are the same brand and size.  Set the truck at the desired ride height.  Have your buddy go on the other side of the truck with one piece of the tubing.  Have him hold it horizontal across the tire.  You'd probably would have to do it near the ground.  Then you need to take the other piece of tubing and put it in the same exact spot, except on the other side.  Start pulling out the measuring tapes and slide the under the truck one in front of the tire and one behind the tire.  Have your buddy put each end of the tape measure on top of the tubing, one in front and one in back of the tire.  Then you pull it tight lay it on top of the tubing and take the measurents and then subtract them.  Toe'd out would be greater in value in front of the tire than the rear measurement.  And then the opposite for toe'd in.  It's kinda a pain doing it this way.  It takes more than one person and you have to constantly check it when adjusting.     

I just give the shop the car tell them that's where I want it aligned and if they give me any flak I tell them that I know all about suspension and that I just need it the best that they can get it. I try to start a working relationship with one shop if possible so that I don't have to play that game too often.

i wish i could do it myself but like i said besides me not having time about the only time i can get with the guys is late at night and i dont have a shop to work in.... i think im just gonna have to kiss one of the guys asses.... to get him to do it... maybe offer money to do it after hours....