So I'm planing on lowering my g35x. I was wondering where is everyone going to do alignments and are any shops (Firestone, Pep Boys, etc.) able to do this with the aftermarket SPC camber kit, etc.?

 

I used the sears auto center alignment only because it's a 6 month/6K mile warranty. This way every time the springs settle a little I just bring it in and they fix it. Just remember, if you do chose to go sears, make sure to have all of your parts installed already, don't buy the alignment then do the springs because alteration after the purchase voids the warranty.

 

Ask locally. Find a shop that has a tech skilled with working with lowered cars. Most can't or won't do a good job if you are lowered more than about 3/4" or so. Depending on your height, you might not even be able to drive onto their rack.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm in the military and was trying to look into being able to get a lifetime alignment where I'm able to move and still be able to get an alignment done at another shop/same company type deal.

I'll be doing a coilover and camber kit installation all at the same time before the alignment, so the only thing I'll be doing later on that might need another alignment is adding some new wheels and maybe adjusting wheel gap.

 

Seems like most chain stores are quite unfamiliar w/ aftermarket camber arms, they're used to just turning cam bolts on OEM arms/bolts and adjusting tie rods. Take Black Bettys' advice and find a shop that's accustomed to lowered Gs. Might even post in the regional folders, someone might have a particular shop near you that's good. If you have to go to a chain store be sure to show the tech the kind of camber arms you have and ask if they've done work on them before. this is one place where the time taken to find a proper shop is time well spent. And also like BB mentioned, many shops have racks that only stock vehicles can navigate.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it.

 

I totally agree with everything said so far but.. Just wanted to chime in again and say that I am 1.5" lower and have autokits sideskirts that make it even lower and sears was able to ride it up their ramp no problem. Additionally, the lead tech who worked on my car knew exactly how to align it and I have front and rear SPC arms and toe bolts. Lastly, if they put your car up and cannot align it properly, they cannot and will not charge you for trying. I wouldn't recommend sears auto center for pretty much anything else but I was happy with my 6 month alignment.

 

Nice to hear ^^^^ there's always exceptions and looks like you found a good tech
Also, there's ways to get lowered cars up some of the racks but most shops would rather not bother w/ a tougher align job so it's an easy way to deny service (IMO).

 

You're absolutely right I told the salesperson to be careful and please not to step on the sideskirts and he said "Oh we probably won't be able to get that on our lift, sorry". I told him to try anyway and sure enough no problems.

 

I guess I'll be doing a little bit of hunting around my area and see what place will be best. I'll probably be dropping between 1-1.5" so I'll take that into consideration.