Lower and Raise - Alignments?

[BradsPGT]

Hopefully this is the correct section to post this...

I've lurked for a long time, I just enjoy seeing what other people are up to with their cars and how they push the envelope. I own a '96 Ford Probe GT and have been slowing doing modifications as Im going through school for a degree in Architecture. This summer Im thinking of spending money on a set of coilovers, however I live in Canada and raising it in the winter would probably be needed.

My question is, if I lower it in the summer (eliminate wheel gap, I think its like 2" all around would do it) and raise it back up in the winter, would I need an alignment after each time? So an alignment in the summer (when I lower it) and an alignment in the winter (when I raise it). Im just trying to figure out if its a feasible option for me to do this while going through school, 2 alignments a year is like $150, plus I get it sprayed for the winter to prevent rust so that another $60 a pop.

I figured you are the people to ask because low is a lifestyle here on Stanceworks.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[mrg7243]

Look around for places with Lifetime alignments. I have one through Firestone and use it all the time. the only thing that I know changes drastically upon raising and lowering is camber

[flexwagon]

your toe will also be affected. i am going through the same thing. but just wheels and camber. i just put my summer wheels on and adjusted the camber thinking I just got an alignment. my toe is way out of whack. so far that i had to adjust my steering wheel a tooth till i get another alignment. so now i'm looking into the firestone alignment as well. but need to read the fine print about it being lifetime.

[rexxdoggy]

Anytime you mess with the height or camber, you should get aligned. Toe is a big factor when it comes to suspension being adjusted, and a bad toe mixed with, well, just jacked up toe in general, will eat away at your tires way more than camber will. Unless, of course, you're running like, >-6* of camber or something like that.

[NorCalFocus]

Or learn how to do them yourself. A few basic things and about an hour is all you need.

[soab]

Or learn how to do them yourself. A few basic things and about an hour is all you need.

Ive been debating this for a long time.. any advice?

[NorCalFocus]

Ive been debating this for a long time.. any advice?

Sure, first you need a level surface, most driveways won't work. Then get a ruler that has 64ths' on it.

Here's the one I use http://www.lowes.com/pd_186495-56005...ler&facetInfo=

Lastly you need to know the track width of your car. If you have staggered wheels or spacers that will affect your measurements of setting up the strings. So either figure the stagger or spacers into setting up the strings, or take them off while you do the alignment.

[BradsPGT]

Ok, this is what I thought. I knew camber would change, but from talking to other people who have lowered probes they handle camber pretty well and dont change drastically, it was the toe I was worried about.

So how hard is it to adjust the toe to be correct using the driveway method? This could be something worth learning...

And as far as lifetime alignment goes, I havnt found a spot in Canada that will do that.

EDIT: I googled for some info on this, and found that it is quiet easy. I've read a few write ups, they all seem to be basically the same. But if any of you are home alignment experts and want to write up a short process you do for setting toe in/toe out feel free to share. Or if there is a specific website you learned from.

The concept of setting camber is very simple, a straight edge (such as wood) and a level against the rim seems to be the general conclusion from what I've read so far. Im not too worried about camber anyways because I have talked to other lowered probes and camber isnt an issue.

[StatusRacing]

A friend of mine got tired of paying for alignments and learned how to do his own. He's the only one that aligns my cars now.

[FreshLikeSushi]

i do all my own alignments.

isnt too hard honestly

[BradsPGT]

Okay, thank guys. I'll be getting into coilovers this spring, it wont be quiet as stanced as what people on here have done. I will still lurk to see the insane stances on this website.

If anyone is interested, this is what it looks like now.

http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff387/BradsPGT/Car4.jpg

[mariathomos123]

Or learn how to do them yourself. A few basic things and about an hour is all you need.