Alignment Worries

[97 Octane]

. . . . . . . . or am I just over analyzing :shifty: ?


My '97 is now lowered and it is ready for a four wheel alignment. I also have
a new set of Saleen replicas from Brad at The Custom Wheel Shop.

Can you tell me your opinions if it is okay to use my Octastars or Snowflakes
when I take it to the alignment shop and not have to worry about affecting
tire wear once I put the Saleens on with 285-40s?

What can I expect after I make the switch if I use wheels other than
the Saleens on the car when the alignment is done?

I've seen how careless some of techs are or are in a rush that they sling tools around
in complete disregard for your property. My main concern is
I don't want the shop to scratch the finish on the Saleens and I would rather
not have them on while they work on it.

The new tires are Nitto NT555 285-40-18.

Tire size calculator says overall factory diameter is 26.63".
The NT555 overall tire diameter is 26.98". A difference of 0.35"

I really do not know if 0.35" more in wheel diameter is going to make a
big difference during alignment.


Your thoughts?




Ren/Octane

 

[LaserSVT]

Wont make a difference. Cars suspension will still be the same in relation to the suspension mounts.

I agree with the tech issue. I have seen them jab the wheel sensors into the wheels and scratch them before.

I was never able to find a 285/40, guess I didnt look hard enough. I went with 275/40 because they are very close to stock tire height.

 

[Lownslowlsc]

To keep yourself sane while they do it i'd just leave them off till it's completed. I had my 19's on while they did my alignment and didn't have any issues.

I know how you feel though, i'm dreading taking my car in for tint friday in fear that they'll break something. Screw up my modded rear deck panel, ect...And i felt the same way getting my wheels balanced a month back, everything ended up ok though..

Some people, myself included, just hate taking there cars in for work cause mechanics/installers can be very careless.

 

[DieselDan]

Ya, put your less favorite rims on the car. Even if you are careful, I know the hunter optical alignment rack we had had metal feet on the heads. Even if you try be careful, the heads can slip and make a small scratch. And, which wheels are on the car won't affect the alignment procedure.

 

[97 Octane]

Thank You for all the suggestions everyone.

I had a bad experience one time before when I took
another one of my cars (4WD truck) with new polished aluminum deep dish.
An employee of the shop used the lip of my new
wheels as his stepping stool so he could reach over the roof
and left deep gravel gouges made by his shoes on three of the four
wheels until I saw him. Had to yell at him from across the shop.

I wasn't a very happy camper since I knew the wheels would
never look the same.



Ren/Octane