Is alignment required when replacing shocks?

[testrider]

Hi all, sorry for the dumb questions. I have a 2003 2WD V8. I'm going to replace all front/rear shocks. Is an alignment needed when replacing shocks?
There is no alignment problem now.
Thanks!

 

[RonJR]

Maybe. You'll have the front shock/spring assembly apart to replace the shocks, and if the reassembled height of the new assembly is different than the old, the alignment will change slightly. Shouldn't really change if you re-use your springs and replace with identical shocks.

The rear shocks will have no effect on alignment.

 

[Bob22222]

Hi all, sorry for the dumb questions. I have a 2003 2WD V8. I'm going to replace all front/rear shocks. Is an alignment needed when replacing shocks?
There is no alignment problem now.
Thanks!

Maybe so. Maybe not so. Most Big Os, and others I'm sure, I know the dealerships in Colorado Springs will, do an alignment check for free. I you don't trust them have two shops do it and compare to see if you need a third opion. So it wouldn't hurt to have it checked.

 

[testrider]

Thank you so much. I'm going to replace the OEM shocks with Bilstein 4600 (will order from Amazon) so I guess I'll need an alignment to be sure? It's stock height and no lift. I will reuse the springs, I will just replace the shocks.

 

[ZebRuaj]

Most places offer free alignment checks, so it won't hurt but cost you some time.

Worth getting it checked out just in case, specially if it's been a while since the last alignment.

 

[testrider]

Thank you! The alignment was never done since I drove it off the dealer's lot in 2003 when I bought it new. It has 157000 miles now and the tire wears are even and it tracks straight.