What alignment do you need after lowering spring and shock/strut install? - Toyota Yaris Forums

detroiter · 05-07-2009, 01:26 AM

Just wanted to make sure what alignment it is that you run with after installing lowering springs and upgraded shocks/struts, is it just the regular factory alignment specs? And how soon after is safe to get an alignment? Last thing I want to do is get one too soon then have to go get another once the springs settle in more.

cali yaris · 05-07-2009, 01:34 AM

I've waited months before. A little negative camber in the front would be good.

YarisSedan · 05-07-2009, 02:02 AM

been like 9 months still havent got a alignment lol

detroiter · 05-07-2009, 09:57 AM

I can understand installing the springs that you might be able to go without one for a while, but what about the shocks and struts too...changing both wouldn't throw the alignment off big time right away? I'm changing bother springs and shocks this weekend hopefully....and again, is it factory specs that you run with when it's time? Thanks guys

YarisSedan · 05-07-2009, 10:56 AM

Well your alignment is oing to be slightly off either way cause u stil have to remove the struts to change the springs. The rear is solid axle so no adjustments anyways nor should they go out of spec.

Front i used a angle finder that is magnetically held in place to the brake rotor so you install the strut in the exactly same position so you wont really need alignment when your done.

Loren · 05-07-2009, 11:10 AM

The rear alignment doesn't change with ride height or with replacement of shocks. Unless you've bent something or are going for an extreme performance alignment, you don't need to worry about it.

The front camber will change anytime you change the ride height of the front of the car. Changes in camber create changes in toe. Improper toe settings are really bad for tire wear.

Back to the OP's question, the alignment you need depends on how you intend to use the car. If you're the average driver, then stick with the factory specs. If you corner aggressively or drive mountain roads regularly, or autocross regularly, then you would benefit from more negative camber in front. How much depends on you and your driving style. -2 to -2.5 degrees is not unheard of, but it is on the "extreme" side. -1.5 or so is probably a good place to start.

Always go with a little bit of toe-in up front to keep the car from wandering too much in a straight line.

detroiter · 05-07-2009, 11:21 AM

I'm just going to be driving it "normal" on the roads with some AGGRESSIVE fun every now and then. I'd imaging the factory specs will be just fine. Thanks for your guys insight, appreciate it.

fuji · 05-07-2009, 12:23 PM

Do a search for one of Loren's previous threads. There was a thread previously which did a fantastic job describing toe, camber, etc.

05-07-2009, 01:26 AM	#1
detroiter Drives: 2008 Polar White LB Auto Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,238	What alignment do you need after lowering spring and shock/strut install? Just wanted to make sure what alignment it is that you run with after installing lowering springs and upgraded shocks/struts, is it just the regular factory alignment specs? And how soon after is safe to get an alignment? Last thing I want to do is get one too soon then have to go get another once the springs settle in more.

05-07-2009, 01:34 AM	#2
cali yaris ULTIMATE View User's Garage Drives: 07 Yaris Turbo Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canoga Park, CA Posts: 14,859	I've waited months before. A little negative camber in the front would be good. __________________ Micro Image forums, online store and shop are now closed. It was a great eight year run, but it was time to focus on other things. I'm still selling parts on eBay under micro*image seller ID and customers can still make requests for anything specific.

05-07-2009, 02:02 AM	#3
YarisSedan Drives: 08 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: California - Bay Area Posts: 2,773	been like 9 months still havent got a alignment lol __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3210549

05-07-2009, 10:56 AM	#5
YarisSedan Drives: 08 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: California - Bay Area Posts: 2,773	Well your alignment is oing to be slightly off either way cause u stil have to remove the struts to change the springs. The rear is solid axle so no adjustments anyways nor should they go out of spec. Front i used a angle finder that is magnetically held in place to the brake rotor so you install the strut in the exactly same position so you wont really need alignment when your done. __________________ http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3210549

05-07-2009, 11:10 AM	#6
Loren What? Drives: 2007 Yaris LB Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Safety Harbor, FL Posts: 1,006	The rear alignment doesn't change with ride height or with replacement of shocks. Unless you've bent something or are going for an extreme performance alignment, you don't need to worry about it. The front camber will change anytime you change the ride height of the front of the car. Changes in camber create changes in toe. Improper toe settings are really bad for tire wear. Back to the OP's question, the alignment you need depends on how you intend to use the car. If you're the average driver, then stick with the factory specs. If you corner aggressively or drive mountain roads regularly, or autocross regularly, then you would benefit from more negative camber in front. How much depends on you and your driving style. -2 to -2.5 degrees is not unheard of, but it is on the "extreme" side. -1.5 or so is probably a good place to start. Always go with a little bit of toe-in up front to keep the car from wandering too much in a straight line. __________________ ----------------------- Loren@InvisibleSun.org -----------------------

05-07-2009, 09:57 AM	#4
detroiter Drives: 2008 Polar White LB Auto Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,238	I can understand installing the springs that you might be able to go without one for a while, but what about the shocks and struts too...changing both wouldn't throw the alignment off big time right away? I'm changing bother springs and shocks this weekend hopefully....and again, is it factory specs that you run with when it's time? Thanks guys

05-07-2009, 11:21 AM	#7
detroiter Drives: 2008 Polar White LB Auto Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 1,238	I'm just going to be driving it "normal" on the roads with some AGGRESSIVE fun every now and then. I'd imaging the factory specs will be just fine. Thanks for your guys insight, appreciate it.

05-07-2009, 12:23 PM	#8
fuji Drives: Polar White Yaris HB Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Honolulu Posts: 263	Do a search for one of Loren's previous threads. There was a thread previously which did a fantastic job describing toe, camber, etc.