04-04-2020, 07:30 PM
|
#1
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
Avoid Pep Boys like the Plague
I was Sold a Lifetime Alignment at Pep Boys for 149.99. I asked many questions to Bill about the Stores ability to complete the alignment work to the Specs I needed that went beyond Factory Specs and Settings pertaining to Caster angles to fit bigger tires and lifting/leveling the Vehicle. I was told by Bill that that would Not be an Issue at all. I proceeded to explain to Bill that I would be installing new upper and lower control arms as the bushings on mine were rotted out he mentioned nothing about the fact that would be an issue. Bill said it would be No Problem at all. Bill said they could set things however I wanted them done. I proceeded to Purchase the Lifetime alignment based on Bill's answers to my questions as he said No Problem to All of my questions. Alignment #1 was done. Months later I had an ASE Certified Mechanic install my New JBA Upper and OEM Lower Control Arms and 275-70 BFG AT's. I Brought vehicle in for alignment #2. Explained that New upper and lower control arms were installed and all angles were in need of Adjustment per the Mechanic that did the work. Nothing was mentioned about who did the Work. Had rubbing issues on passenger side fender by Body Mount. Alignment #3. After explaining and Showing in Great Detail to another Tech that I needed Caster Pushed out to be equal to Drivers Side as I was having Major Rubbing issues that I was asked "Did Pep Boys Do the UCA's and LCA's. I said No. It was at that time I was told that Not having Pep Boys do the work voided my lifetime alignment contract. Nothing was asked at time of Alignment #2. Also told me they would only do the alignment out of Courtesy. Really? Not only that they made the problem worse by bringing the wheels further towards the fender instead of pushing them out. As now drivers side is Rubbing. Tech proceeded to tell me he would do nothing else to my vehicle and would not give me a refund. He proceeded to tell me that Bill was fired for his business practices. He also told me I should take my vehicle to a body shop to have my "Frame Pulled". Interesting as it has never been in an accident. My Caster before alignment #3 was at 5.0 on drivers side (No Rubbing at all) and 4.0 on passenger. Now its 3.4 on drivers and 3.6 on passenger side. Rubbing on both sides now. Tech also admitted that his tech did not do a good job on alignment #2. He stated he can only align to Factory specs and his machine was Not Capable of anything else. Avoid these Ass Faces like the Plague. They Lie like Mother F'ers. I went across the Street to 4WheelParts where they said they would set my Caster to what I Wanted. I got my 149.99 back only after filling a complaint with Pep Boys Corporate and the BBB. Now i am considering going to the 2.5 notch on my 5100's and going to some Dobinsons Rear Springs. Not sure if I should set Caster at 4.5 or 5.
__________________
2003 V8 Limited 4x4 Black. JBA UCA's, TRD Pro Wheels. OEM LED Tails, 2012 FJ Springs F/R 5100's F/R 1.75 Cooper AT3 4S 265-70-17. Bye X Reas, Wet Okole Seat Covers Weathertech liners.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 09:17 AM
|
#2
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 17
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 17
|
They don't call them Moe, Larry and Curly for nothing.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 01:02 PM
|
#3
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
Unless you are going to a place that specializes in aligning lifted truck, I would avoid.
The only thing my alignment guy does is alignments. He does it by hand, and knows precisely what he is doing.
In regards to the "general auto shops" ... I dont know if you have ever seen one of these newer alignment machines in operation, but it takes little to no skill to operate. The entire process is guided, the technician just follows on screen directions until the computer tells them they are in the "green". If it's not in the green they dont know what to do...
Expecting more from a lifetime alignment shop just a bit unreasonable to be honest. That's where you take your bone stock Honda Accord, not a modified truck.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 01:49 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: MA
Posts: 1,141
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: MA
Posts: 1,141
|
interesting choice of words for your post-title, because people are literally doing that because of a plague.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 02:24 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
Convenience was part of it as there a stones throw from my House. With the lifting of my Rig with future plans of lifting more is why I figured it would be a decent Idea for the lifetime set up. Thats why I asked so many damn questions. The best part is them telling me to have my Frame Pulled. Getting it done tomorrow morning the way I want it done. They F'ing like Shit to Peoples faces. Shame on them
__________________
2003 V8 Limited 4x4 Black. JBA UCA's, TRD Pro Wheels. OEM LED Tails, 2012 FJ Springs F/R 5100's F/R 1.75 Cooper AT3 4S 265-70-17. Bye X Reas, Wet Okole Seat Covers Weathertech liners.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 02:34 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: MA
Posts: 1,141
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: MA
Posts: 1,141
|
i wouldnt have been able to keep a straight face if a generic mechanic told me to have my frame pulled
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 02:48 PM
|
#7
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
I'd never let Pep Boys wrench on anything, just buy parts.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 02:52 PM
|
#8
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed_C
I'd never let Pep Boys wrench on anything, just buy parts.
|
I can just visualize you beating someone down with a pork roll after a botched alignment.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 02:59 PM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Glendale, AZ
Posts: 1,032
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by hinmo24t
i wouldnt have been able to keep a straight face if a generic mechanic told me to have my frame pulled
|
I couldn't. Big Dummies
__________________
2003 V8 Limited 4x4 Black. JBA UCA's, TRD Pro Wheels. OEM LED Tails, 2012 FJ Springs F/R 5100's F/R 1.75 Cooper AT3 4S 265-70-17. Bye X Reas, Wet Okole Seat Covers Weathertech liners.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 03:00 PM
|
#10
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
Just put your frame in a frame stretcher to extend the wheelbase enough so your tires don't rub.
__________________
2005 4R Sport 4WD "The last of the V8s!" - Custom TIG'd SS Dual Exhaust - King 2.5" +2 LT. - ARB Front & Rear - 37's - Dana 60 - Build Thread
2005 Tundra 2WD Regular Cab V8 - Chopped Frame - Short Bed Swap
1977 Celica Liftback - LFX Swap - Build Thread
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 03:01 PM
|
#11
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bumbo
I can just visualize you beating someone down with a pork roll after a botched alignment.
|
And waste a perfectly good sandwich? No sir!
My dad unfortunately went to PB to get a battery replaced instead of waiting for me to do it the next day. $10 for a FREE installation because they claimed the battery that was right in front of your face when you open the hood and only needs a 10mm socket to replace required extra labor
PS thanks for the new signature LOL
Last edited by Ed_C; 04-06-2020 at 03:03 PM.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 04:09 PM
|
#12
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed_C
And waste a perfectly good sandwich? No sir!
My dad unfortunately went to PB to get a battery replaced instead of waiting for me to do it the next day. $10 for a FREE installation because they claimed the battery that was right in front of your face when you open the hood and only needs a 10mm socket to replace required extra labor
PS thanks for the new signature LOL
|
I knew Ed'd be un in this piece to defend his precious P Boyz!
__________________
2006 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4WD
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 04:52 PM
|
#13
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,836
Real Name: Ed
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Drift Monkey
I knew Ed'd be un in this piece to defend his precious P Boyz!
|
LOL maybe they can figure out your retrofit issues
Sometimes it's just cheaper buying from them instead of Rock Auto once you factor in shipping
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 05:05 PM
|
#14
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 3,528
|
Someone has to help keep these retail outlets open...
While I like Rock Auto, there is some value being able to drive someplace local and get parts.
When you are in the middle of a project, even 2 days via Amazon Prime or buying from Rock Auto feels like an eternity
I have particular soft spot for local electronics and electrical supply shops like this... Places like that are a dying breed so I try and support them.
It's good to try and support those guys before they turn into a Radio Shack.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
04-06-2020, 05:20 PM
|
#15
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
|
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 618
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed_C
LOL maybe they can figure out your retrofit issues
Sometimes it's just cheaper buying from them instead of Rock Auto once you factor in shipping
|
What issues?
Advance Auto has some nice coupons from time to time and my CVs are from Napa with a coupon. The chains can work out sometimes...but we all know you're a Pep Boys loyalist! Maybe they can help you match your headlight colors?
__________________
2006 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4WD
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|