Tire Shop Won't Align My Jeep?

UFMech · 05-18-2009, 05:34 PM

Hello,

I have a question related to tire and wheel alignment. I recently had a 2" budget boost installed and new skyjacker hydro shocks as well. After the install I took my Jeep to Firestone and they said they couldn't do an alignment on my Jeep because my tire beads were sticking out a bit from my rims. I have the BFG A/T 31"x10.5" tires on a 15x8" rim...

Has anyone had this problem before? If so how did you get your tires / wheels aligned? I've read some posts on adjusting the toe-in yourself but am not sure this is the best option.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,
Jason

**xjfever** · 05-18-2009, 05:39 PM

I would take it to a different shop, and have it done, or do it yourself.

mcg311TJ · 05-18-2009, 05:41 PM

What a PITA. Take it to a mom and pop garage ( not some shady place, Someone you can trust ). Goodyear, Firestone, etc. just wont do it because of insurance issues. Good luck

Aldo258 · 05-18-2009, 05:41 PM

Im an Alignment tech. at Goodyear tire center and sometimes we get cars in there with no rim lip, therefore forcing you to use a special adapter on the alignment head to squeeze in between the rim and tire. Although it is very tough to do sometimes ( especially with those bfg at's) it can be done. Sounds to me like someone is lazy, i'd try a different shop.

mcg311TJ · 05-18-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aldo258

Im an Alignment tech. at Goodyear tire center and sometimes we get cars in there with no rim lip, therefore forcing you to use a special adapter on the alignment head to squeeze in between the rim and tire. Although it is very tough to do sometimes ( especially with those bfg at's) it can be done. Sounds to me like someone is lazy, i'd try a different shop.

Or what he said^^^^^^^^

**RnEmOvr** · 05-18-2009, 05:54 PM

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/end-all-all-tj-alignment-thread-long-read-663777/?highlight=alignment

do it yourself

**willydigger** · 05-18-2009, 06:31 PM

I had the same problem. Took it to Merchant's and they didn't have the right clamp. They told me to go to an NTB five minutes up the road. It was a bigger shop with the right clamps. NTB did a great job. The tire balance and alignment cured my death wobble twice.

little4x4 · 05-18-2009, 08:39 PM

i do them all the time at our body shop... they are a PITA but have not had one that i couldn't do. go to a shop willing to do work and you'll get a better job every time.

Aldo258 · 05-18-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little4x4

i do them all the time at our body shop... they are a PITA but have not had one that i couldn't do. go to a shop willing to do work and you'll get a better job every time.

I definitely agree, its really not that hard to take a little extra time to get it done right. Ive even sometimes had to have a co-worker push while i tightened the alignment head down, not really a big deal if you have the right adapters.

UFMech · 05-18-2009, 08:48 PM

I have read several how-to's on doing the toe-in alignment myself... should I just follow those guidelines and adjust the toe-in then the steering wheel, and call it a day? Seems fairly simple unless I'm missing something... let me know.

Thanks.

**Unlimited04** · 05-18-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFMech

Hello,

I have a question related to tire and wheel alignment. I recently had a 2" budget boost installed and new skyjacker hydro shocks as well. After the install I took my Jeep to Firestone and they said they couldn't do an alignment on my Jeep because my tire beads were sticking out a bit from my rims. I have the BFG A/T 31"x10.5" tires on a 15x8" rim...

Has anyone had this problem before? If so how did you get your tires / wheels aligned? I've read some posts on adjusting the toe-in yourself but am not sure this is the best option.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks,
Jason

I've got those same tires on 15x8 stock Ravine wheels and Firestone did my alignment without issue. Tire beads didn't effect the alignment at all. Your shop doesn't know wtf they're doing, find someplace else.

**mudb8** · 05-18-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aldo258

Im an Alignment tech. at Goodyear tire center and sometimes we get cars in there with no rim lip, therefore forcing you to use a special adapter on the alignment head to squeeze in between the rim and tire. Although it is very tough to do sometimes ( especially with those bfg at's) it can be done. Sounds to me like someone is lazy, i'd try a different shop.

that's the dumbest excuse I ever heard...

you don't need a special stinkin tool... just push em in.. you can also set the bottom and turn the clamp down past the lip, push and use the prongs on the tool to lift up the bead while pushing em in to hook the rim..

I do em all the time... yes it takes an extra 20 seconds.. big deal.

Jeepster83 · 05-18-2009, 09:32 PM

when i had mine aligned - 33x10.50 BFG AT's - i was in and out within a half hour. go somewhere else.

TexanTJ · 05-18-2009, 10:55 PM

it is a wast of money to pay anyone to align a wrangler for you. just get a socket set and a tape measurer and do it yourself.
follow the writeup at 4x4xplor.com

ArchStanton · 05-18-2009, 11:20 PM

I recently purchased the same tires and had the alignment done. Pep Boys didn't have any problem. I too have the 15x8 Ravine rims. Next, I'm planning on getting the Skyjacker Hydro Softrides and installing a BB. How do you like your Hydros? Which BB did you install? I'm looking for a quality American-made set of spacers. Good luck.