Suspension Brakes Most liked posts in thread: New Shocks = Alignment?

  1. 1972Austin

    1972Austin New Member

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    #2 1972Austin, May 2, 2011
    Anytime you alter your suspension (guessing you are lowering some) you should get the alignment checked to be sure. I know, first post but I swear I might know something.

    Shawn
     
  2. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    #3 Dwight, May 2, 2011
    I am only changing shocks/struts. The car is already lowered 30mm and was re-aligned at that time to compensate. Thanks anyhow! :Thumbsup:
     
  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #4 Nathan, May 2, 2011
    Yes, cause you are pulling the springs and perches out to make the change. While it might look like it all goes back the exact same it doesn't.

    Give it a few days to settle in and then re-align.
     
  4. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    #5 Dwight, May 2, 2011
    Will do and thanks much. :Thumbsup:
     
  5. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    #6 DneprDave, May 3, 2011
    Last edited: May 3, 2011
    I dunno, the only adjustment I can see is the toe. If you haven't had the steering knuckles off, I don't see any reason to do an alignment.

    Dave
     
  6. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #7 Crashton, May 3, 2011
    +1 ^ :yesnod:
     
  7. grodenglaive

    grodenglaive New Member

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    #8 grodenglaive, May 3, 2011
    depends on how many potholes you hit since your last alignment:)
     
  8. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    #9 quikmni, May 3, 2011
    I do not think there is enough reason to spend $100 on an alignment after changing shocks (strut R&R) if you know the alignment was good before the shock replacement.
    I would instead use the funds towards camber plates. IE Fixed plates are only $180.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #10 Crashton, May 3, 2011
    If you install IE fixed plates (highly recommended) you will need an alignment. Adding them will cause your MINI to go toe-in.
     
  10. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    #11 quikmni, May 3, 2011
    Good point about the alignment after camber plates.
    Kind of negates my justification for Dwight to spend more money on mods.
     
  11. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    #12 Dwight, May 3, 2011
    I don't do camber plates. With the exception of the Koni shocks, the suspension mods I've already done (see sig.) have produced the results I wanted. Dead neutral handling.
     
  12. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #13 ScottinBend, May 3, 2011
    Get an alignment.......consider the cost of tires. An alignment is the same as a single cheap tire.
     
  13. 1972Austin

    1972Austin New Member

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    #14 1972Austin, May 3, 2011
    Regardless of whether your alignment was good you never know what might change. It's just piece of mind as tires aren't cheap as stated above. I have lifetime alignments through Firestone so anytime I do anything it's in for a free alignment! Pays for itself.

    Shawn
     
  14. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    #15 TGS91, May 4, 2011
    Dwight,

    I suspect you'll need one for the reason Nate outlines

    Drive it around a bit see how the car responds

    New Koni's? nice!
     
  15. Onramp

    Onramp Enjoy the Hiways of Life!
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    #16 Onramp, May 4, 2011
    I'm with Scott, especially if you are still on the run flats. A possible bit of ride height change, a bit of twist on the reinstall, and you will start some funny wear on those very expensive tires. I tend to have alignment checked every year. Western Washington roads aren't very good anymore, and two of our local tracks have some brutal sections. The before and after specs are enough to convince me. An alignment is cheap, improves mileage and drivability. Just do it.