Hey guys, I just wanted to introduce myself real quick. I've been looking around here for a while but this is my first post. I have an 08 Flint Mica, with only a few things done to it (see profile).

Now to my question. I am actually having my TRD Springs and Rear Sway installed today. I know I'm supposed to get an alignment 3 or 4 weeks after lowering, but I am concerned about uneven tire wear before then. I have a pretty sizable amount of driving to do within those 3 or 4 weeks, and I don't want to kill my tires, because when I have to get new tires I want to get new rims, and I can't afford that yet. So, would it be beneficial or stupid for me to get an alignment tomorrow and then another in 3 or 4 weeks? Thanks for your help.

 

I would usually recommend an alignment in a week. I think 3-4 weeks might be excessive. And one right after and another in 3-4 weeks would be unnecessary. You could have one done after the springs are installed and should be fine. I wouldn't worry about a follow up. If you're concerned afterwards, just keep an eye on your tire wear and make sure to rotate them regularly.

 

I've never understood where the "wait a month" thing came from ... my springs settled nicely in a couple days.

Like you I drive a lot of miles and didn't want to chance any uneven tire wear. Had my alignment done a week after install (almost 2 years ago) and have had no problems, tire wear has been even all around.

 

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like I'll be getting an alignment in about a week then. I just picked the car up from the shop, the difference in handling is amazing. I just have to move the sway bar to the stiffer setting when I get a chance, I forgot to tell the guy so he put it on the softer one. Thanks.

 

yeah the most i would wait is 2 weeks.

 

Hell, buy the Lifetime Alignment available at most tire shops, get it aligned now and then.

In my experience, 2 weeks is about the "normal" wait, unless you drive a whole lot. The average person does 200-250 miles a week, so if you're well beyond that, you can get the alignment much sooner.

 

I wouldn't trust a tire shop to align my stock car much less a lowered car. Take it to a suspension shop that does work on autocross or roadrace cars. In my area they know suspension so well that depending on your needs and expectations for tire wear they either go more or less aggressive with the settings. Also, I have never had uneven tire wear after an alignment from them. The next time you take it to this shop they even make adjustments based on the tire wear to set it up perfectly for the way you drive.

I doubt any tire shop would do anything but put it at the stock settings.

 

If you get to know some of the smaller shops (like the tire shops) sometimes they'll work with you on the alignment if you like. I don't know about a lifetime alignment (I don't think any o the places around here do that).

Plus around me, there aren't really any "suspension" shops that specialize in that sort of thing. Then again, this area generally sucks anyway.

 

i was on S-Techs which are lower than TRD for like 8K i think and never once got an alignment and my tire wear was fine.

youll be fine.

 

so cal is where its at then because most places around here offer lifetime alignment!!

 

Yeah I'm not aware of any specialty suspension shops besides the chain tire places... but I'll definitely look into it, that sounds like the way to go. Thanks guys.

 

I was in the same boat as you. I just filled up the gas tank drove a little after the install then went ahead and got the alignment done the next day.