Is there absolutely ANY reason an alignment should cost this much?
09-20-2013, 12:08 PM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 127
Is there absolutely ANY reason an alignment should cost this much?
Having my suspension installed (basics, springs/shocks/bolts/usm). The shop doing the installing sublets their alignments out to another shop that charges $170. Ford around the corner here charges $79.
Is there absolutely any reason for the almost $100 difference? I don't mind paying but I cannot imagine what the difference would be.
Is there absolutely any reason for the almost $100 difference? I don't mind paying but I cannot imagine what the difference would be.
09-20-2013, 01:41 PM
#3
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
No way it should cost that much. It's $80 from Ford here too.
You are probably paying the 'reach-around' price....the sublet reaches around to your wallet to make a grab for it while kicking back about half to the shop they sublet from.
You are probably paying the 'reach-around' price....the sublet reaches around to your wallet to make a grab for it while kicking back about half to the shop they sublet from.
09-20-2013, 01:56 PM
#6
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 67
I paid that amount ONCE at my Ford dealer, I will never go there again for an alignment. I Asked why so much and they said they charge by the hour, and the tech spend well over an hour on it. Ridiculous!
I have a place I take it to with a laser 4 wheel alignment system and only charges about $60, always does a perfect job!
I have a place I take it to with a laser 4 wheel alignment system and only charges about $60, always does a perfect job!
09-20-2013, 02:00 PM
#7
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 127
Sorry, should have mentioned that. 1/1.25 inch drop front to back. Daily driver. 275/40/19 tires all around. I'm looking for superior handling without abnormal tire wear. I don't need/want anything extreme.
09-20-2013, 02:07 PM
#8
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Stock specs should be fine then, or see what the GT500 is running since your drop equates to what the stock ride height for a GT500 is from the factory.
P.S. shocks/struts are nonadjustable? Caster/Camber plates at all? If they are nonadjustable with no Caster/camber plates then ok, if not, then there's more to consider and stock (or GT500 stock) may not be good for you.
P.S. shocks/struts are nonadjustable? Caster/Camber plates at all? If they are nonadjustable with no Caster/camber plates then ok, if not, then there's more to consider and stock (or GT500 stock) may not be good for you.
Last edited by Derf00; 09-20-2013 at 02:09 PM.
09-20-2013, 02:08 PM
#9
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 127
I got Koni STR.Ts so they're non-adjustable. I went with eibach bolts as opposed to the plates, I don't want any popping/clunking going on. Had that before, got annoying fast.
Last edited by Ranzo; 09-20-2013 at 02:24 PM.
09-20-2013, 03:23 PM
#10
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 3,666
After 100 miles (give time for springs to settle) of driving with my new Eibach Pro-kit springs, I went and had an alignment done at Kaufmann Tire and they charged me $99.
Last edited by kevinmalec; 09-23-2013 at 10:09 AM.
