Alignment Shops

[kaw550]

Last week I called a few places to try and get a weekend appointment. They all said they were busy and to call back mid week. Well it is mid week and now they are telling me that because it is an older vehicle they wouldnt want to do it on a saturday.

So here is my question. Do the chain stores have the proper shims and knowledge? Do I need to go to the locally owned and operated shopthat has been around forever? I would prefer the local shop but it's tough to get it there before work.

 

[Explorer]

I'd go with a local owned/operated shop. There is only one in my area with someone old enough to even do a kingpin. Of course you should have a ball joint, maybe a little easier to find.

 

[DirtDonk]

You can try either, but the local shop is likely going to be more energetic in their willingness to help.
Most places though, whether local or national, are only going to adjust toe-in for you. Camber and Caster are either beyond their ability (more like willingness), or you're going to get charged a lot of money to add shims and such.
For spindle shims, expect to pay near $200 just for the shim installation. For ball-joint eccentrics, they don't have to re-pack the wheel bearings and add new seals, but they still have to fight a stuck-on, rusted-in, bugger-of, a hard to remove adjusting collar. Unless they get lucky and they come right out. Expect to pay at least $50 for that. To add C-bushings, expect at least $100 extra.
Just guesses of course. Each store has their own methods of pricing, so just get all the info up front and you should be able to make an informed decision.

So if they say "time and materials" expect to pay several hundred bucks. If they give you a set price, good for no matter what, then you're in good shape as long as they promise to do what's necessary. I would think that last scenario more likely at a large chain operation that has set rules.

On a side note, what most here end up doing (I'm pretty sure), is just have the Bronco put on the rack, print out a sheet of their actual readings, maybe let them adjust the toe-in, and then go home to do the corrective work themselves.
Adding C-bushings, upper ball-joint eccentrics and spindle shims is a lot of work. And you might have to pay some serious money for that privilege.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[SteveL]

sure it's in the knuckles or is it just tie-rod adjusment you're looking for? If just tie-rods it's quick and easy to do yourself. BC has the DIY instructions in the tech section.

 

[joshd1971bronco]

Well I concur with the above but like to hear myself talk.

X2 on taking it to a shop, having them put it on the rack, checking the measurements but having them only adjust the toe-in. Adjusting the toe-in on Broncos is simple simple and shouldn't take them much time = not much money.

Then, you yourself can take a look at the camber and caster readings and determine if adjustments need to be made and do them yourself. Not hard, parts are pretty cheap, and not rocket science, just a little time.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I've had better luck taking mine to a chassis shop that works on motorhomes and trucks. These may not be rocket science but you need to be able to tweak the axle housing if it needs straightening. Not something I'd trust to a tire shop.

 

[DonsBolt]

What Degree C bushing are you running
Also do you have a pic of your frag link, tie rod setup you can post

Where in Mass are you??
If you just want your toe in set let me know. It is real easy to do, did mine myself, and when I had it checked when I got new tires it was dead on

give me a call 781-983-6677 we can set the toe in this weekend

 

[kaw550]

I did run through the toe in procedure last year. I am more concerned with caster and camber because the steering it still off. The steering is really sensitive. I find that when driving straight I have to constantly corrrect the steering. It can be a little unpredictable.

I changed the busings out a couple of years ago. I think I put in 4 degree bushings. It has a 2.5" lift.

I have used 33's that had some abnormal wear but the 32's I had on it did the same thing.

I have complained in a few posts about my rebuilt steering box. If an alignment doesn't correct the steering I am sending it back....again.

Don, I appreciate the offer but I think I have the toe in close.

 

[kaw550]

I missed DirtDonk's post. The good thing about the chain stores...the price was $69. I assumde I would walk away with a toe adjustment and a print out.

The alignment shops really didn't give out set prices. I had planned on getting the meausurments and making the changes myself. I then figured if it was included...why not have them install the shims.

Is there a shim for the ball joints? One shop mentioned them. I assumed that was included. If it came to installing spindle shims or C bushings I would take care of that.


Any write up on the ball joint shims or adjustable ball joints? I need pictures. I cant figure out how you can shim the ball joint if it is pressed in.

 

[DonsBolt]

read this
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182233&highlight=ball+joints

 

[dave67fd]

Take it to Sullivan Tire. Just google for their locations. Most are East Boston north/south. They are proffesionals with the best Hunters. They are experienced with lifted trucks.