Alignment after lift

[glock56534]

I was just talking with the guy at one of the local 4x4 shops about an alignment after a lift.

Right now I have 265/65-17 Yokohama Geolanders on the truck and are in the final stages of their usable life (but still have more than 2/32" tread left).

I am planning on getting some Hankook Dynapro ATM RF-10 255/75-17 when I am done with the Yokohamas.

If I get the alignment now and then put the new tires on, will I need another alignment after I get the new tires? That is, should I just get the new tires now and just align it once?

Also, the guy at the 4x4 shop was telling me that I should get a "true alignment" rather than a regular "green and go" alignment. Anyone know what the difference is?

Thanks in advance.

 

[fourwd1]

If your current tires show irregular wear patterns, it may be worthwhile to get an alignment just to prevent bad wear on the new tires.

As far as the type of alignment, it first helps to know what year your truck is.
A 1st gen 84 with a solid axle has different specs than a 93 with t-bars, which is a different suspension from a 4th gen, etc.

 

[Bundles09]

Did you get the lift on glock?

 

[glock56534]

If your current tires show irregular wear patterns, it may be worthwhile to get an alignment just to prevent bad wear on the new tires.

As far as the type of alignment, it first helps to know what year your truck is.
A 1st gen 84 with a solid axle has different specs than a 93 with t-bars, which is a different suspension from a 4th gen, etc.

Thanks for your input. I have an '05 V8 4x4.

Bundles09, yes I installed the lift over the weekend, only two bumps in the road along the way. PM inbound.

 

[08medic4x4]

that's a good question, one the one hand, the old tires show the wear pattern, but you're getting a whole alignment, not trouble shooting tire wear, I know after my 3/2 spacer lift, the alignment was more expensive because of what had to be adjusted. good luck and let us know what they say.

 

[cali_axela]

Also, the guy at the 4x4 shop was telling me that I should get a "true alignment" rather than a regular "green and go" alignment. Anyone know what the difference is?

Thanks in advance.

"Green and go" alignment means they just make sure everything is "within spec" -- the acceptable range is quite large, and just because it's "within spec" doesn't guarantee both sides are exactly parallel, or ideal. Small adjustments can make a surprising difference in the way the truck drives. He means that you want someone to actually take the time to get everything as even as possible so it drives better, not just "close enough" that it's not dangerous or causing excessive wear.

 

[glock56534]

"Green and go" alignment means they just make sure everything is "within spec" -- the acceptable range is quite large, and just because it's "within spec" doesn't guarantee both sides are exactly parallel, or ideal. Small adjustments can make a surprising difference in the way the truck drives. He means that you want someone to actually take the time to get everything as even as possible so it drives better, not just "close enough" that it's not dangerous or causing excessive wear.

Thanks for the info, I had the local guy explain that to me today. I'm all set to get a "true alignment" once I get my new tires on at the end of the week. Until then, I'm just going to drive on my old tires w/o an alignment (they said I should be just fine, as long as my truck isn't pulling to the right or left, which it isn't).