Wheel Alignment Question

[josh220]

I have read this information before, but cannot seem to find the thread to save my life. After I lift my 4runner, I will be getting an alignment. I have 2 questions. First, the 4runner is solid in the rear, and only needs a front end alignment correct? Second, should I get it aligned either the same day or the next day (as soon as I can), OR does it matter very much if the alignment is off slightly for a while? Much appreciated.

 

[keylay31]

I have read this information before, but cannot seem to find the thread to save my life. After I lift my 4runner, I will be getting an alignment. I have 2 questions. First, the 4runner is solid in the rear, and only needs a front end alignment correct? Second, should I get it aligned either the same day or the next day (as soon as I can), OR does it matter very much if the alignment is off slightly for a while? Much appreciated.

First of all, Did you put it on yet!?!! Good Luck! It'll look great.

1) Yes, you can only get a front end alignment.

2) As soon as you can. I wouldn't drive over 50 miles without one.

 

[josh220]

Alright thanks. I'll be driving over there in about an hour to install it, so hopefully we don't have any trouble. I'll take some pics before I leave, then pics after I get home. I'll post them tonight if all goes well.

How long does an alignment take, I may be able to just do it today.

 

[Even Steven]

I would wait a few days to get the alignment. It's pretty common for the suspension to settle a bit after lifting, so it wouldn't hurt to wait a while.

With a mild lift, your alignment wont be so terribly off that you'll wear your tires by waiting for a few days.

 

[00328]

I agree w/Steven.

I haven't lifted mine yet, but will be installing an OME setup very soon.
I have read where it is best to drive it for a few days to let the susp articulate and settle in and then get an alignment.
Waiting a few days more or less will not have any adverse effect and will probably make for a more precise alignment.

 

[josh220]

Okay, new question. It took us 3 hours to finish the front driver side, and although the front passenger side only took about 40 minutes, neither of us had time to do the rear. Should I wait until I install the rear spacers before I do the alignment, or does it not make a difference since the back can't be adjusted anyways?

 

[keylay31]

Okay, new question. It took us 3 hours to finish the front driver side, and although the front passenger side only took about 40 minutes, neither of us had time to do the rear. Should I wait until I install the rear spacers before I do the alignment, or does it not make a difference since the back can't be adjusted anyways?

I'd wait. BTW, the back is a lot quicker than the front. IT'll take you 2 hours max

 

[josh220]

I think I can do it by myself in under an hour and a half. One question about it since you already installed yours.

Where is the rear differential that it tells you to use the floor jack under?

 

[keylay31]

I think I can do it by myself in under an hour and a half. One question about it since you already installed yours.

Where is the rear differential that it tells you to use the floor jack under?

You're gonna want to put two jackstands about halfway back on your vehicle, closer to your back tires. The floorjack will go under the differential. Thats the thing that looks round, is in the center of the axle, between the tires. Make sure you jack the jackstand up high, because odds are you'll have to do it again because you didnt put them high enough.

Though I would have someone help you, just for safety reasons and because:

Where is the rear differential

 

[josh220]

I wont be literally alone if I decide to do it. I'll have help around if I need it. After the front, the back should be easy. Any work that doesn't require using coil spring compressors again is PERFECT if you ask me.

 

[Even Steven]

If you don't get around to doing the rear soon, you can go ahead and get a wheel alignment without any problems. The rear wheels don't adjust, so it really doesn't matter if you installed your lift in the rear or not.

 

[josh220]

Okay, besides I'm getting Nitto's soon so i'm not too worried about uneven wear on my dunflops. Also, when I let go of the wheel, it doesn't stray to either side noticeably so I don't think we tweaked it very much. Regardless, I will most likely do the back spacers tomorrow.