Install 2" Levelling Kit, Drive 3.5hours Without Alignment?

[Grip72]

so i'm driving to go visit my dad 3.5 hours away

and we're goign to install my rough country 2" levelling kit..thing is..no shops are avaible to do a front end alignment after the installation...

 

will I be ok to drive 3.5 hours (about 380kms) home before getting an alignment done or is this frowned upon?

tahnsk in advancec

[Vmax225]

i did mine a week ago and still havent gotten it aligned. Your "supposed" to, but frankly to me it isnt going to hurt anything.

[Zembonez]

Worst that could happen is a little extra tire wear from the increased toe in. I think an alignment is needed but a few hundred miles shouldn't do any major tire damage.

[Draenor]

Shouldnt be any concern. If anything rotate the tires to the rear..it should even the wear out.

[silverbullet2005]

Probably won't add much but you may have changed the TOE and Camber!!! My GM dealer did my complete front end alignment for $44 OTD.

[Ranger]

I have about 3,000 miles on my lift with no alignment, can't see any real abnormal wear but I'm gonna rotate the tires soon cause I've been burning up the rears too much.

[2000 Z71]

so i'm driving to go visit my dad 3.5 hours away

and we're goign to install my rough country 2" levelling kit..thing is..no shops are avaible to do a front end alignment after the installation...

 

will I be ok to drive 3.5 hours (about 380kms) home before getting an alignment done or is this frowned upon?

tahnsk in advancec

I've got a 00 Z71 with Ford keys cranking the T-bars for a 2" lift up front, with no ill effects going on 30K miles. No excessive suspension or tire wear. No alignment here. Is it wrong...

[compulynx]

so i'm driving to go visit my dad 3.5 hours away

and we're goign to install my rough country 2" levelling kit..thing is..no shops are avaible to do a front end alignment after the installation...

 

will I be ok to drive 3.5 hours (about 380kms) home before getting an alignment done or is this frowned upon?

tahnsk in advancec

 

 

Before I installed my 2" kit in my 2008 Sierra, I checked all alignment measurements. Here is what I came up with:

 

The only noticable change was the toe in.It increased by 5/8 ". All I had to do was turn each tie rod OUT one turn, and all was back in specs. If you want the peace of mind, get an alignment, but if it is out except for the toe, It probably was out before the kit was installed.

 

I also used 10.8 grade 10x80mm bolts to replace the softer ones with the kit.

 

Two notes to help you all:

 

1: Go to Autozone and get their loaner tool for macpherson struts. There will be 2 pieces in the kit. You just use one to hold the spring compressed enough to give you room to slide in the spacers. I did this by jacking the truck up, removing the wheel. Then with a small jack under the lower ball joint stud,just jack up the lower A-frame about 3 inches. hook the strut tool on the spring and hand tighten the tool. Let off the jack and it will hold the spring compressed for you.

 

2: You WILL have to take loose the upper ball joint to do it right. There is not enough clearance to put the bolt through the top on the rear hole if you do not. DO NOT run the bolt from the bottom, as the threads sticking above the nut will rub on the axle shaft.

 

Also, watch the brake line and the traction sensor wires. Do not let them get hung up on anything.

 

Good luck, it is not that hard of a job. If you are mechanically inclined, one hour for both wheels should do it.