[remodelboy]

Can anyplace do the alignment or am I better off at a dealership?

I have my TSB appointment next Tuesday. I was about to install my 5100's all around and save myself the cost of an alignment, but I have some concerns.

I feel like if I wait on installing the 5100's until after the TSB (rear leaf) is complete, then the dealer will be more likely to remedy any vibration/noises that may result from the leaf spring change out. I know that this is not happening to everyone, but for anyone facing this issue, it is a stubborn problem that requires many trips to the service dept. If I put the 5100's on first to try and save myself the cost of an alignment, I'll be pi$$ed if the dealer says that he can't try to track down any noises/vibrations because I lifted my suspension.

I've seen threads where the dealer claims that they are off the hook for warranty work on suspensions that have been modified (5100's). The response is "there is a law that prevents them from voiding your warranty", but I really don't want to have to pursue a tough legal fight.

So now I am thinking of holding up on the 5100's until well after the TSB. I'll either have no noise/vibration or I'll be able to pursue the issue with the service manager without him trying to pin the noise on the 5100's. In either case, after I finally put the 5100's on, I will just be out the cost of an alignment. How much is an alignment?

 

[fgochuico]

Techs at dealership usually has problems aligning lifted trucks. BTW, the TSB is not a lift.

You are better of going to a place like http://www.socalsupertrucks.com/ to get alignments.

Check them out. A lot of SoCal folks have gone to them, and they do quality work.

 

[Trail Gator]

The TSB is not going to cause any vibes. The lift that you get out of it will settle in a couple weeks to the point you can barely tell it was done. But the truck will drive much better.

Magnuson-Moss Act

Just show them that if they try to give you shit. Your best weapon against a stealership is intelligence. Much like how I was screwed out of an alignment after I got the rear TSB done because I forgot to check the TSB and I believed what I was told.

 

[nibbs]

had to bite the bullet myself so to speak- talked in circles with the dealer- ended up getting the TSB, and doing my billies afterwards- yeah, it would've been easier to have them install them while doing the TSB- plus getting my "free" alignment would've been nice- but some things aren't worth fighting over... especially with a 72k mile warranty and with a local dealer... i'll save my tongue for a better fight on a better day if need be. Shops charge different amounts for alignments- expect probably around 50-80 bucks or so on average... pending where you live...

 

[remodelboy]

Thanks for the replies!

Here's some info I found out for the So Cal members. There is a Bear Frame and Wheel shop in Glendora. I spoke with Greg and he said that it would cost $170 to install the front 5100's and do an alignment.

Alignment only - $50
Front 5100's only - $120
Bring in the stock shock assembly and let them compress your springs and install the new 5100's - $20 per shock

I wish that I could just have these guys do the TSB. Maybe this will be where I take my truck if Toyota does the TSB, creates the noise/vibration, and can't fix it.