After replacing shocks..alignment?

[purevilpleasure]

For those of you that have replaced the shocks in your LS...did you need to do an alignment.

My rear needs an alignment bad...it's cutting the insides horribly, but I also want to get new shocks in but that takes some time for me which is rare these days, don't want to pay someone to do it either.

 

[oddball]

No, the alignment does not depend on the shocks at all. As long as you don't undo something that doesn't need to be undone, at least.

 

[joegr]

Yep. The LS is coils over shocks, not struts, so there is no need to do an alignment after replacing the shocks.

 

[purevilpleasure]

Thanks guys....I know about the struts, I've never had to put new shocks under a car with IRS.

Thanks again all.

 

[jmtiseo]

For those of you that have replaced the shocks in your LS...did you need to do an alignment.

My rear needs an alignment bad...it's cutting the insides horribly, but I also want to get new shocks in but that takes some time for me which is rare these days, don't want to pay someone to do it either.

I thought the rears were not adjustable? As mentioned just replacing the shocks doesn't warrant an alignment. Then again, if you haven't had one in a while, it's probably wise to have it checked.

 

[jarrett88]

If you get the shocks done definitely get the alignment because from what I understand you will need it. Depending on the year of your LS too you may only be able to get aftermarket shocks. Also if you do those two things you mine as well get the struts done as well while your car is gutted down there.

 

[joegr]

I thought the rears were not adjustable? As mentioned just replacing the shocks doesn't warrant an alignment. Then again, if you haven't had one in a while, it's probably wise to have it checked.

Yes, no alignment needed when replacing the shocks.

No, the rear wheel toe is very adjustable. You should always do a 4-wheel alignment on the LS when doing an alignment. The rear is not a solid axle like some rear wheel drive cars.

 

[joegr]

If you get the shocks done definitely get the alignment because from what I understand you will need it. Depending on the year of your LS too you may only be able to get aftermarket shocks. Also if you do those two things you mine as well get the struts done as well while your car is gutted down there.

He may need alignment, but it's not related to the shocks. Unlike struts, they don't hold anything in position. They also do not determine ride height. As long as the springs are put back on the new shocks correctly, nothing will change. (If they are put on wrong, then alignment won't be able to fix that.)

 

[Hawk03]

If you're insides are wearing fast, you may want to replace your lower control arms. If the bushing fails completely, they will make more camber.

 

[jmtiseo]

Yes, no alignment needed when replacing the shocks.

No, the rear wheel toe is very adjustable. You should always do a 4-wheel alignment on the LS when doing an alignment. The rear is not a solid axle like some rear wheel drive cars.

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[purevilpleasure]

It is getting alignment Thur due to it cutting my rear tires insides....I just put a used set on due to them cutting in to the cords.

I am ordering shocks and shock mounts....not sure if I really need them, but the squeaking says otherwise.

Didn't want to get it aligned, replace the shocks, and need to do it again.

Hate wasting money.

 

[joegr]

...
Hate wasting money.

I'm generally anti-chain, but...
Firestone offers a lifetime alignment. You break even or better on your second alignment.

 

[purevilpleasure]

I have an old guy that is excellent at it.

I don't really live near a big city, unless I drive about an hour and a half.

This old timer is one of the best I've ever delt with.

Now I think I have a rear wheel bearing acting up.

I know the creaking I hear has to be from the rear shocks, I push down on the bumper it doesn't really come back up. I get out of the car it creaks bad....telling me I'm too fat.

Ahhhh!!! I'm about to put it to pasture tonight....lol