When it come to getting an alignment...

[CanadaCraig]

Hi Guys!!

I hope you're having a great day.

When it comes to getting an alignment - would any place I take my car too have the proper specs for my car? [I'd like to have it aligned where I'm getting my new tires] Or does it matter? Is an alignment just an alignment? In other words - an alignment doesn't have anything to do with specifics - it's just a matter of adjusting things until everything is aligned? lol Now I'm confusing myself. Do you know what I'm trying to say?!

The most recent specs for my car [that I have] come from a link I found here at 300cforums.

Chrysler Service Bulletin TSB - RE: Updated Alignment Specs

October 03,2007

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/LX/TSB/TSB_0200407.pdf

Should I bring that with me - or does it matter?

I know what I'm asking. I'm just not sure I know what I'm writing.

Craig!!

[joey]

Originally Posted by CanadaCraig

Hi Guys!!

I hope you're having a great day.

When it comes to getting an alignment - would any place I take my car too have the proper specs for my car? [I'd like to have it aligned where I'm getting my new tires] Or does it matter? Is an alignment just an alignment? In other words - an alignment doesn't have anything to do with specifics - it's just a matter of adjusting things until everything is aligned? lol Now I'm confusing myself. Do you know what I'm trying to say?!

The most recent specs for my car [that I have] come from a link I found here at 300cforums.

Chrysler Service Bulletin TSB - RE: Updated Alignment Specs

October 03,2007

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/LX/TSB/TSB_0200407.pdf

Should I bring that with me - or does it matter?

I know what I'm asking. I'm just not sure I know what I'm writing.

Craig!!

An alignment shop will have a computer database of all the alignment specs for most cars. The Chrysler 300/Charger/Magnum will/should be in their database. So you don't need to bring the TSB specs.

The fact is, our cars do not require a full alignment.
The only thing that will get aligned is the Toe, thrust, and maybe the steering wheel will get centered.

Camber and caster is not adjustable during a standard alignment.
Our cars are built and shipped from the factory without camber or caster adjustment points. Chrysler has built our cars so camber and caster adjustments are not supposed to be needed.

If your car has a stock suspension and is not lowered, than all the alignment shop will verify is your camber and caster is within spec. Most likely camber and caster will be within the spec range on a stock suspension.

If your car is lowered and/or your stock car is somehow out of spec in camber or caster, then additional specialty work is required that will cost more than a standard alignment. Usually a cradle adjustment to adjust caster, and/or a camber bolt adjustment, and/or camber kit will be needed.

[stevesrt8]

I would carefully ask and find out if they are familiar with this platform.

The cradle shift is something they won't normally do.

On the plus side, this made a great difference in my car. Really noticeable, and I had no clue that it was out of spec. But my shop owner is a retired road racer, so he tweaked my settings a bit to benefit me!

[CanadaCraig]

Thanks Joey and Steve.

[CanadaCraig]

Hi Everyone!!

I hope you're OK.

Just ONE more question.

The place where I'm getting my new tires put on has asked me to bring along the updated alignment specs just so they can be SURE that their computer has the latest info. So ..... ARE those October 3rd, 2007 alignment specifications found on the wkjeeps.com website - THE most up to date?!

Thanks,
Craig!!

[joey]

The alignment specs in the 2006 Service Manual are slightly different than the TSB specs. The pic below is from the Service Manual.

When my car has been aligned the specs were slightly different than the TSB and Service Manual.
I don't know if Chrysler changes the specs over time, or the model year matters.
Can't explain why the specs would be different.
But all the specs are close enough and it shouldn't really matter which one is used.

2006 Service Manual Alignment Specs

[CanadaCraig]

THANKS JOEY!!

I appreciate that. The specs in your message are a little bit different than the SRT specs. At least the updated ones. But pretty darn close. Then again - maybe with an alignment - a miss is as good as a - well - an improperly aligned car!! lol I'll bring the updated one with me to the tire shop to see if they're any different than the one's they've got on their computer.

I think a lot of first year LX owner's were having quite a few problems with their car drifting off to the right. That's probably the reason for the changes.

Thanks again,
Craig!!

[joey]

Oops! Gave you the wrong specs. Here are the specs for the SRT8.