What are you guys thoughts on when this needs to be done? How many miles?
Also is this needed when you change from stock to aftermarket tires?
Thanks...

 

Just watch your tire wear. That's a great indication of a problem with the alignment. I have about 46K on my truck with only one alignment (Autospring install, toe-in). I recently put a larger set of tires on it with no need for alignment after 5K. Let the tire wear signs indicate when an alignment is warranted.

 

Last time I took my truck to the dealership for an oil change the guy told me every 15k.I almost pissed my pants when he said that.

 

On a truck it lasts about 75k - 100k.

 

I do it once a year, which is 15-20k. Cheap insurance over having excessive tire wear.
And no it does not last 75-100k, unless all of your driving is on super highways with not pot holes.

 

For once I am siding with Manual150... While I think 75 is a bit much I have 48 on my f-150 now and she tracks straight as can be. Tire wear is great also. In my 10 years of driving I have aligned 3 vehicles.

 

Thanks for the responses guys, I figured there would be varying opinions on this one. What is the average cost of a alignment and is the dealership the best place to go for it or somewere else?

 

They are cheap (80-100) but they take FOREVER! Usually they have a line and it takes every bit of 2 hours to get one of these aligned. Honestly I wuldnt mind doing it every year or so but I dont have the patience to wait that long

 

My cost is usually $50-$60. And they usually have to tweak it a bit. Maybe not a lot, but it also doesn't take a lot to screw things up.

 

Drop it off and ask for a printout so you know they did it.

Not every car is as easy as these f150s

I aligned mine at 3.5k.. about to do it again at 8k

 

I've only done it 2 times in 10 years. both times were due to a lift kit or Autospring spacer.

save your money unless:

1. the truck is pulling to one side or the other (make sure the tires are aired up evenly and have same amount of wear)
2. tires are wearing weird

 

Yeah, right. That's why my stock tires wore out due to inner wear prematurely. I'd recommend every 20,000 miles at least.

 

my front Tire had a light feather to it and it's driving me nuts

I don't pay.. I do it myself

 

I used to do that back in the day...but it's only good for left/right straightness. I don't even pretend to be able to figure out Toe and Camber

 

Is it good to have it done if you have put on new wheels and tires?