Going Price For An Alignment ?
So what's the going price for an alignment ? I know when the word "MH" comes into the equation for some reason the $$ signs get higher.. Got the New to me 05 FW 5000. 25 ft with 29K on the OD. T...
Forum Discussion
Ford or Chevy?
Ford is aligned by taking the upper balljoint bushings out and replacing with either 1. Selected fits of fixed offset bushings from an inventory or 2. Adjustable offset bushings that you can't find for less than $25 and they retail for around $50. An E350/450 (any Ford Van, actually) takes more labor hours to set up than an 18-wheeler. Around here the base alignment is around $150 PLUS parts. Be sure fire certain parts like your bushings, ball joints and tie rods are all good. Also beware that some shops, all too many, look at a Ford Van and all they do, even at a sizeable price, is adjust the Toe-In. I can do that in my driveway and it doesn't do a thing for the other angles Caster and Camber. Make sure the shop knows that YOU know what needs to be done! Also, don't let them put CASTER to the center of the spec range which is about 3* positive. GET AT LEAST 5* POSITIVE!!! The max per spec is 7* positive. Here are the specs used by a nationally recognized RV chassis specialist: LEFT Camber 1/4+ and Caster +5. RIGHT Camber Zero and Caster +5.5. The right Caster is supposed to be +1/2+ compared to left Caster.
Chevy is aligned with alignment shims like most GM pickups and the older cars (big RWD Oldsmobile 98 etc.) with "wishbone" front ends. The upper wishbone is the upper control arm and the shims go in the shaft mount for that upper.
That Nationally Recognized shop is Henderson's Lineup over the border in Grants Pass OR. I'm sure their work ain't cheap but I think they can get Fords tracking right.
Ford is aligned by taking the upper balljoint bushings out and replacing with either 1. Selected fits of fixed offset bushings from an inventory or 2. Adjustable offset bushings that you can't find for less than $25 and they retail for around $50. An E350/450 (any Ford Van, actually) takes more labor hours to set up than an 18-wheeler. Around here the base alignment is around $150 PLUS parts. Be sure fire certain parts like your bushings, ball joints and tie rods are all good. Also beware that some shops, all too many, look at a Ford Van and all they do, even at a sizeable price, is adjust the Toe-In. I can do that in my driveway and it doesn't do a thing for the other angles Caster and Camber. Make sure the shop knows that YOU know what needs to be done! Also, don't let them put CASTER to the center of the spec range which is about 3* positive. GET AT LEAST 5* POSITIVE!!! The max per spec is 7* positive. Here are the specs used by a nationally recognized RV chassis specialist: LEFT Camber 1/4+ and Caster +5. RIGHT Camber Zero and Caster +5.5. The right Caster is supposed to be +1/2+ compared to left Caster.
Chevy is aligned with alignment shims like most GM pickups and the older cars (big RWD Oldsmobile 98 etc.) with "wishbone" front ends. The upper wishbone is the upper control arm and the shims go in the shaft mount for that upper.
That Nationally Recognized shop is Henderson's Lineup over the border in Grants Pass OR. I'm sure their work ain't cheap but I think they can get Fords tracking right.
