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OFDPOS's avatar
OFDPOS
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015

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.
The old tires were some off brand name, they had a kinda choppy wear pattern if that makes since , not worn on the sides, middle or ? just had the choppy wear like it bounced down the road wear.
(saw that on alot of the used MH's we looked at)...

I put on new Bilsteins shocks front and rear, new Michelin's all the way around. Called the local place here that has a nice following of customers and they were recommended by alot of people.
I go in for my scheduled appointment, he writes me up for $80.00
I'm ok with that. He drives it around starts to pull it inside and it won't fit inside their shop overhead lights etc too low.
Backs it out , says sorry can't do it.

I call up the next place on the list witch was rec. and over the phone its $150 for starters I'm told :E No going into detail after I ask what all is done , just $150 and we go from there... I didn't like his tone saying "and we go from there"!
I kindly reply back thank you and end phone call.

I then call up a place where I used to live close in Redding Ca. Talked to the guy there and he quotes $115 for a standard alignment which includes what they use to call a thrust alignment where as not only are they checking the front out ,they also check the rear end as well to make sure its running true with the front end.

So curious to know what others have paid or quoted ?

12 Replies

  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    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.
  • A place here quoted me about $140 for alignment and tire rotation