maintainence that affects front end alignment

[trail_turkey]

On the last two trucks I owned (99 Sonoma and 95 CK2500) any front end work affected the alignment. The ball joints were factory rivited and replacements were bolted. A couple of weeks ago I changed the inner and outer tie rod ends on my 03 Silverado. I'd like to get it aligned now before I change the rubber and I figured I'd change the ball joints too before I do so. But this truck has press in ball joints. I've never worked with these before.

 

So my question is, does changing press in ball joints affect alignment? Its a machined part in a machined hole so my gut feeling is, no. I'd rather not drop $200 on ball joints if I can do them down the line.

[txab]

Yes, a ball joint change can affect alignment. No matter bolted or press fit.

[trail_turkey]

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess I should have expected that. Have to put ball joint change on the agenda before I align and change rubber.

 

btw, txab: Love that pic. Sweet view.