I am starting to plan out my lowering project for my box. I want to put in a set of Hotchkis springs and am debating on whether I should get TRD dampers or leave the dampers stock. TRD seem to be the most cost effective, other than the Monroes, but I'm not sure I trust using Monroes for a lowered box.

Sorry, I'm degressing from the origional reason for this post. I am going to buy from Sparks and they have instructions for alignment? Has anyone ever done this on their own or have y'all left it up to the professionals?

 

You have to have equipment to do allignments. It is worth it to get it done right.

 

take it to a shop. that is your best bet. I grad from UTI , and you dont want to mess with that stuff unless you got the machines to do it high and have the least amount of tire wear

 

I have set the "rough alignment" myself many a time. But in almost every instance I have taken it to an alignment shop within a day or two to have it checked and aligned to spec. In most cases I am either within spec doing it by eye, or within a degree or two.

On the xB, you really aren't going to have much of an alignment issue. But with the fact that you will be changing struts and springs, I would get it double checked. Do the work yourself, and then schedule and appointment with an alignment shop. It won't hurt to go by the dealership first to get them to print you out a copy of the alignment specs. Some shops are pretty slow at getting specs for the newest vehicles.

 

The alignment specs are in the service manual, and I think you can download them here on ScionLife. If not, you can download the manual from Toyota for a small fee, though it can be a PITA.

 

I've done my own at the dealership before.