I'm putting in new shocks and lower ball joints within a few days. My Terra Grapplers 325/60/18s have at least 5k good miles on them before they become unsuitable for driving in the rain. Just wondering should I get an alignment now after the shocks and ball joints or should I wait to get my tires? Will I need to get another alignment with new tires?

 

Wait for the new tires, as long as it feels safe to drive. You're ready for new tires anyway, as far as I'm concerned. Bite the bullet and get it all done.

 

Yeah I was contemplating just getting a whole new set of tires at the same time and then maybe sell the used ones for a few bucks.

 

I would get it now. The new ball joints are reason for an alignment, (shocks are not). Why wear out your current tire. If aligned now, it will still be aligned in a couple of thousand miles, assuming you do not hit and damage anything.
You will not need an alignment just because you bought tires.

 

Really? Did not know. What if I buy just a little bit bigger tires like 325/65/18s?

 

When you put the money out for a new set of rubber, you always make sure the alignment is proper. It's only common sense to protect your investment, unless you want to take a chance at possibly getting another new set of rubber in a short period of time.

I think you already knew this.

 

Size of tires does not matter. the way the wheel/tire sits is still the same. No aspect change, just taller. It is when you change suspension components, not including shocks, that you need to worry about alignment. Tie rods, ball joints, etc. Things that can change the camber, caster, and toe. Just putting a different tire on does not matter. You replaced ball joints for a reason. The old ones probably had some slop in them. Now you have put new tight ball joints in, which could change the alignment.
Should you get alignments on occasion, in my opinion, yes. I do them about every 20k. Others will argue you never need them, but that is their opinion.
I think the one thing that everyone will agree on is if you change the suspension components, get it aligned.

 

Not to be a knit pick, but a taller tire is a tire with a different aspect ratio. I agree however that this will not change the alignment.

 

Okay thanks guys. I get the alignment with the joints and then some tires later.

 

it depends on how the old tires look if they a chopped up or have uneven wear
then dont get it now ....wait for the new tire
the tires must have level (not wore to much on inside or out) tread on them to align right

 

If you only have 5k left on your tires, wait until you get new tires to align. In 5,000 miles of travel, the new ball joints will take out maybe 100 miles. Big deal. You will get a better alignment with new tires. spend your money there.