Alignment in Pittsburgh

[Kbike230]

Hello all,
I've been through a few alignments since I put my Dobinsons lift on last year and I'm struggling to find someone who can get me the results I want. I'm asking for the magic 4 degrees caster that's popular on the 5th gen forum so I can clear my 33's a little better and keep highway stability. I had an awful experience in Johnstown PA at Monroe muffler the day I put the kit on and they were the only ones who had a rack open. I knew I was pretty much asking for poor service when I walked in the door of a budget shop but I was desperate. Then I tried my luck at Spitzer Toyota and the tech there was confused on what I even wanted when I said "caster". Same experience at Highland Integrity Alignment in Natrona Heights. JMA Collision Center of Johnstown did as well as they could after I hit a deer, but alignments aren't really their thing so I cant blame them.
I'm running the Dobinsons UCA's as well as a fresh set of OEM LCA's that have been bathed in marine grade anti-seize. Everything will move so hitting 4* should be possible. If anyone can point me in the direction of someone who has experience with aligning 4Runners it would be much appricated. I'm willing to drive for the right shop. I want this to be the last time I need to visit a shop.

* Note.. Calling out these shops is in no way a personal attack. I'm only giving my single experience.

 

[meder24]

Hello all,
I've been through a few alignments since I put my Dobinsons lift on last year and I'm struggling to find someone who can get me the results I want. I'm asking for the magic 4 degrees caster that's popular on the 5th gen forum so I can clear my 33's a little better and keep highway stability. I had an awful experience in Johnstown PA at Monroe muffler the day I put the kit on and they were the only ones who had a rack open. I knew I was pretty much asking for poor service when I walked in the door of a budget shop but I was desperate. Then I tried my luck at Spitzer Toyota and the tech there was confused on what I even wanted when I said "caster". Same experience at Highland Integrity Alignment in Natrona Heights. JMA Collision Center of Johnstown did as well as they could after I hit a deer, but alignments aren't really their thing so I cant blame them.
I'm running the Dobinsons UCA's as well as a fresh set of OEM LCA's that have been bathed in marine grade anti-seize. Everything will move so hitting 4* should be possible. If anyone can point me in the direction of someone who has experience with aligning 4Runners it would be much appricated. I'm willing to drive for the right shop. I want this to be the last time I need to visit a shop.

* Note.. Calling out these shops is in no way a personal attack. I'm only giving my single experience.

The only alignment I have had done on mine was right after I purchased my brand new 4R. The vehicle did not track straight and steering wheel was slightly off center. I purchased new and had the alignment done by Baierl Toyota in Mars/Cranberry Township, PA. Granted my 4R was completely stock but they were able to get everything in line and within spec and I have not had problems since. They even offered me the option to come back in any time if it seemed off to make it right. Not sure if this was because it was new or not but their service was great for this issue.

 

[techno]

Perhaps you could call 4WheelParts in Monroeville and see if they're willing to help out. Since they install suspension, I would assume they're knowledgeable on post-lift alignment issues and would have an alignment machine.

 

[redshift83]

That stinks to hear that the Spitzer guys weren't helpful, I usually have a great experience with them. I don't know if they work on trucks, but Green Apple Auto Works on rt. 8 in Glenshaw are used a lot for things like autox and other racing stuff and are recommended by a lot of locals. They did my Celica and i was really happy with the results. They even asked me what camber/caster settings i wanted when i scheduled an appointment, so they at least know what it is, haha.

 

[Tooch]

Sounds crazy but the NTB in Monroville used to have some really good alignment guys, but that was a few years ago, but maybe check them out. They would always check and set caster, camber and toe where adjustments were available on every car.

On a side note, I live in Pittsburgh and have a stock TRD. If you know of any local trails or anything and feel like meeting up, I'm down. A buddy and I are heading to Phoenix ORP Monday

 

[shadow247]

Firestone Lifetime Alignment is worth every penny. I've had my 3rd Gen aligned at least 6 times in 6 years, so it's completely paid for itself.

 

[RandyBobandy]

If you are willing to get on the turnpike and drive out towards seven springs there’s an alignment guy out here who has been the only one to ever properly align my lifted 3rd gen, and only charges $45 too

I spent $100 at firestone just to have the guy claim my LCA bolts were seized because he didn’t know how to adjust them, not to mention all the places that don’t even know what caster is

This little shop in the mountains made my rig drive like a whole different vehicle, and as a bonus he will let you stand there and tell him exactly what specs you want while he’s doing the alignment

 

[antony1103]

If you are willing to get on the turnpike and drive out towards seven springs there’s an alignment guy out here who has been the only one to ever properly align my lifted 3rd gen, and only charges $45 too

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I stumbled across this from a random google search. I'm looking for a good shop to align my lifted f150 and haven't found any near Pittsburgh. Are you referring to Knopsnider by any chance? I'd gladly drive out that way for a good alignment.