Hey guys,

Firestone is having a sale this weekend on their lifetime alignment. Are they a good place for alignments for the 4th Gen 4Runners or do u recommend the dealer only?

Thanks!

I have sued Firestone once over an alignment that ruined a set of tires.

Car in question was 2003 Subaru WRX AWD. The alignment printout said FWD. I told the store manager when I went to pickup the car that I didn't think it was right, he assured me it was. 250 miles later brand new tires were ruined. He wouldnt take responsibility, so I sued. Firestone corporate rep who showed to court settled with me outside the courtroom for 4 brand new tires, and refunded my lifetime alignment payment.

I have also had to literally yell at and demand the alignment on the same car be redone (at a different firestone.) Circumstances were clunking in front end driving home from alignment. Inspection showed camber bolt was loose. Manager said we'll rack it and tighten the bolt. I demanded they redo the alignment, because if an eccentric camber bolt is loose and clunking the camber setting for the wheel is now totally off.

Use this info and make your decision.

I'd avoid them like the plague. They are not competent enough to align 4Runners or probably any vehicle. I have their lifetime alignment and wheel balance package, but not once have they aligned my 4Runner correctly. It would either pull to the side or the steering wheel will be off centered. You're better of going to the dealership, they are lesser of the 2 evil.

And to offer a different persective, we have used firestone in my family on all our vehicles for more than 10 years bow, and never had a single problem.

Hmmm... Looking at PolkManiacs post I'd say there's something magic about the 7th circle of Hell vs more 'normal' places


I think it's like anything else that's a big chain, certain locations and especially certain franchises may be the best of the best or the worst of the worst. Overall, 2 or 4wd, the T4R is really easy to align. There's nothing tricky about it due to the solid rear axle and front suspension design. If it's a competent shop and well run they should be able to handle it.

My friends worked there in H.S. To do an alignment, one guy would stand under the car and push the wheels out until the computer said it was in spec and another guy would print it out.
Of course, this could hapen anywhere.

I have their lifetime alignment and no problem at all. Actually, they are the only one aligned my lifted 4runner correctly. It took mine there at least once a year to make sure everything aligned.

It depends on location and the techs work there.

X2. I have Firestone do alignment on all my Trucks (past 17 years) and I never had any problems.

Thanks everyone