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$1800 to install AEV spacer lift

Rozik169

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When I did my lift I paid $100 for the alignment I would rather be safe then wear out my $1700 tires early
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Jeeperjamie

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Everyone keeps adding “alignment”

The only alignment that is done on the gladiators is resetting the toe and centering the steering wheel. Unless they’re changing your arms out theyre not messing with adjusting your caster. And even if they are, I somehow doubt most of the shops are actually going to give you the measurements.

A space or lift is incredibly easy to do on your own and well worth the $ savings and time. Resetting your toe only takes 10 or 15 minutes to do in your driveway with a basic lift and two jackstands and a measuring tape. You can even recenter your steering wheel while you’re there.
Most shops in my area want do any kind of lift without the alignment added in even on a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator. Stupid really but they normally only charge $49 for the alignment so still no way a shop can justify a $1800 charge for a spacer lift that cost $500 or less.
 

Gren71

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Most shops in my area want do any kind of lift without the alignment added in even on a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator. Stupid really but they normally only charge $49 for the alignment so still no way a shop can justify a $1800 charge for a spacer lift that cost $500 or less.
I suppose I can see it as a CYA thing for a shop. But really, they’re just taking money out of our pockets every time they do the “alignment “.

Heck ..if you have an adjustable track bar, you can even recenter your own axles in a couple of minutes.
 

Jeeperjamie

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I suppose I can see it as a CYA thing for a shop. But really, they’re just taking money out of our pockets every time they do the “alignment “.

Heck ..if you have an adjustable track bar, you can even recenter your own axles in a couple of minutes.
True and that's why I opted to throw my Rubicon Springs and shocks on myself. The same shop told me $250 with another alignment and I was putting the adjustable track bar on so I figured I had the time to do it and help. The alignment is really pointless but it is what it is. I lined up my steering wheel and it drives straight with even tire wear.
 

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I suppose I can see it as a CYA thing for a shop. But really, they’re just taking money out of our pockets every time they do the “alignment “.

Heck ..if you have an adjustable track bar, you can even recenter your own axles in a couple of minutes.
the shop i mentioned earlier would actually put it on the alignment lift and get measurements. Printouts of before/after measurements were always included in final paperwork
 

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j.o.y.ride

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$852 for my Readylift 2.5" SST lift kit, install and Alignment that was everything included. My buddy just had the same lift kit put on his 2019 JLU and it was now $1025 for the same thing so it's went up in the 3yrs since I had mine installed but not like that. $1800 for a spacer install is just plain crazy. It's like 2hrs worth of work for a shop with a lift.
Maybe the shop just isnt interested in doing it
 

SIG551-A1

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It took me about 7 hours to do mine on my own. No way I would pay $$$ for someone else to install it. Not unless I had money to burn.....
 

Gren71

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I got a quote this morning for $450-$600 (3-4hrs) without alignment (he recommends but it would be extra).

This seems very reasonable.

$1800 is F'IN crazy.
Nice!!

here is your “alignment” haha super easy DIY



 

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Bjeepz

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just because you ‘can’ do it without an alignment doesnt mean you should. I would much rather look at the numbers and adjust on a lift rather than guess, have terrible handling or even a wreck, only to have to guess again…. Besides it could show other issues if by some chance one exists.
no matter which of the three holes selected on the AEV drop brackets is chosen it will not cause terrible handling or a wreck….
 

SageOverland

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I got a quote this morning for $450-$600 (3-4hrs) without alignment (he recommends but it would be extra).

This seems very reasonable.

$1800 is F'IN crazy.
What shop did you end up going with? I've seen a few people recommend ACI auto group in East Windsor.
 

Bjeepz

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I got quoted $740 for the same lift kit yesterday, that included an alignment and headlight adjustment.
Headlight adjustment ........ seriously?!?!? haha
 
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Gren71

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Headlight adjustment ........ seriously?!?!? haha
to be fair if their only lifting the front of the JT a head light adjustment is a good idea.

But it ranks in there with a steering wheel centering / toe setting in that its an easy enough thing to do your self.
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