Is alingnment to be expected for change to 265/70/17 from 265/65/17?

[VaWoodpecker]

Have a date to get new shoes later today - I'm going with 5 Firestone Destination AT 265/70/17. I was wondering if folks have generally needed an alignment when going from 265/65/17 to 265/70/17. They do a free "check" but I wondered what the odds of that needing an adjustment are.

I have 4x4 FJ springs & toytec spacer, along with endlinks and swaybar bushings in-hand to put on in the next week or two - I know I'll need an alignment then. But I want to put that off until I do that, If I can get away with about 750 miles without an alignment.

Opinions are welcomed and may be honored at my discretion..:lol:

 

[Jed]

Most people like to do an alignment when they get new tires, so it's probably a good idea if your alignment is off.

But just changing tires sizes doesn't require an alignment. It has nothing to do with the alignment...

 

[VaWoodpecker]

Most people like to do an alignment when they get new tires, so it's probably a good idea if your alignment is off.

Agreed

But just changing tires sizes doesn't require an alignment. It has nothing to do with the alignment...

I guess that is my question. Does changing the tire size necessitate an alignment?

If it does not (as you said), then any out of spec would be from some other source than tire size change.

 

[Jed]

I guess that is my question. Does changing the tire size necessitate an alignment?

If it does not (as you said), then any out of spec would be from some other source than tire size change.

If your alignment is within specs, it will still be within specs after you install new tires, same size or different size. In other words, tires don't affect alignment specs. Same thing is obviously true if your alignment is out of specs....it will still be out after installing new tires of the same size or not.

One thing I can tell you is that most reputable alignment techs will suggest that you get an alignment done AFTER you have your new tires installed. The reason for that suggestion is simply because your old tires may have some really funky wear pattern on them and if it is severe enough it can have a small effect on the adjustments they make during the alignment.

If you don't have any abnormal wear on your current tires and your steering wheel is straight when you're driving on a straight and level road, then you might not even need an alignment in the first place.

 

[VaWoodpecker]

If your alignment is within specs, it will still be within specs after you install new tires, same size or different size. In other words, tires don't affect alignment specs. Same thing is obviously true if your alignment is out of specs....it will still be out after installing new tires of the same size or not.

One thing I can tell you is that most reputable alignment techs will suggest that you get an alignment done AFTER you have your new tires installed. The reason for that suggestion is simply because your old tires may have some really funky wear pattern on them and if it is severe enough it can have a small effect on the adjustments they make during the alignment.

If you don't have any abnormal wear on your current tires and your steering wheel is straight when you're driving on a straight and level road, then you might not even need an alignment in the first place.

Ok - Thanks for the input. I know I'll need one in a week or two when I do the level/lift. Just want to avoid the double dip on that for now. Hopefully the tech is reputable and honest, and it is close enough to wait until then.
Seems OK on the road now - tires weren't wearing in any notable visible pattern.
rant: other than what is generally observed on the OEM Dunflops:gun5

EDIT: It is in the shop right now for all five 265/70/17, so I guess we'll shortly see....

 

[CJ3Flyr]

:iagree: with the others but have a question, was it aligned post-lift? If it wasn't then you'll be just barely out of spec and they'll want adjust it, I would let them...
:cheers:

 

[Jed]

:iagree: with the others but have a question, was it aligned post-lift? If it wasn't then you'll be just barely out of spec and they'll want adjust it, I would let them...
:cheers:

I think he said that he's lifting it soon after getting his tires. So I believe he's on a 100% stock suspension at this point.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I think he said that he's lifting it soon after getting his tires. So I believe he's on a 100% stock suspension at this point.

Gotcha... My GPA through all my skoooolin would have been a full point higher if I just RTFQ'd better:lmao:




VaWoodpecker, If it's not late skip the alignment until after the lift.

 

[Jed]

Gotcha... My GPA through all my skoooolin would have been a full point higher if I just RTFQ'd better:lmao:




VaWoodpecker, If it's not late skip the alignment until after the lift.

Yeah, even if the alignment is off, he's talking about driving only a short time before doing the lift and then getting it aligned anyway. I'd wait no matter what rather than pay for an alignment twice.

 

[VaWoodpecker]

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it!
It is a stock suspension (for now).
Well I guess I'm a sucker, and it's a moot point since I went ahead and paid for a lifetime alignment. It was cheaper than 2 alignments and they don't care if I level/ lift it before I go back. That way I can hit them up whenever I change things. It was a bit out of spec - I had never had it checked since I bought it anyway, and with 30K it was probably time.

New shoes are on now 5x 265/70/17 Desti ATs..

I'll have to get a pic..

Next step - FJ springs, toytec spacer, energy suspension bushings, Airlift 1000, & scuba mod (gonna do all that at once - parts in-hand and ready to go.)

 

[Jed]

A lifetime alignment deal can definitely end up working to you advantage, especially if you hold on to your vehicle for a long time. I think that was probably a good idea. How much does something like that cost?

 

[VaWoodpecker]

A lifetime alignment deal can definitely end up working to you advantage, especially if you hold on to your vehicle for a long time. I think that was probably a good idea. How much does something like that cost?

It was $129 with the tires. Like I said I'm a sucker - I'm sure they'll use it to fish for other work, but I can resist that since I do most of that my self.....

I tend to hold onto vehicles for a long time now (like 10- 20 yrs :biggrin2
Guess that could work out in my favor.