I remember Wheel Works quoted me $27 for regular allignment and $107 if it needs shims.[sm=smiley29.gif]

 

Wow, that's slightly rediculous. I mean, it's difficult...but not that difficult.

 

That price schedule might be reasonable if you need to get the rear toe corrected on a newer car. In that case, the shim is a tapered piece that requires some disassembly to install.

Shims for front end alignment normally are flat U-shaped pieces that you can slip in once the control arm cross shaft bolts are loosened.


Norm

 

What I meant was before you put the shims back in, check to make sure the control arms clear in a worst case scenario. My control arms had plenty of room when I installed them after the shelby drop (they happened to have a big stack of shims before), but when the tech went to align it, he had to take out a bunch of shims which pushed the control arm into the shock tower. Like I say though, you may not even have to clearance anything.

 

why are we talking about shims? everyone knows what a shim is or they shouldnt be dealing with cars then. anyway, if i make my own template, how perfectly do the holes have to be drilled? in other words, if theyre a 1/16th or so of an inch off is it gonna matter? or do they have to be DEAD ON PERFECT? i just dont want to screw it up and have to buy new shock towers.

 

As perfectly as possible, and I'd try to get closer than 1/16". This is partly why templates make life easier.

 

Thats kind of aodd statement given the nature of this site.

 

... and a center punch and a small pilot hole.