Alignment after new tires

[ShellinMojave]

Just got a set of new tires put on my gladiator and the guy at the shop said I should probably get an alignment since I added larger tires. I went from the stock 33” (Mojave) to 285/65/20 (almost 35”). I have a tazer and have adjusted the tire size in that. In your experience, is an alignment needed after a tire size change or just smart to do? Thanks for the replies! Picture of my jeep, it’s dark out, I can take a better picture tomorrow.

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[azmojave]

You don’t “need” an alignment unless you think there’s an issue, but having it checked shouldn’t cost much.

 

[ShellinMojave]

You don’t “need” an alignment unless you think there’s an issue, but having it checked shouldn’t cost much.

He said if he didn’t have to make any adjustments, it would be $90. If he had to make adjustments, not sure how much it would be.

 

[ALT2870]

Lots of places should do a check for free. Just do some research what's in your area.

In regards to if it's needed, not really. I guess you could support the argument that going down in size you might get a more accurate result. I switch between 31/32's and 35's and haven't noticed any issues due to a size swap.

 

[Old Dogger]

No, not needed. The only adjustments that they can make is your toe-in and center your steering wheel.

 

[Renegade]

No need for an alignment unless it was out of alignment. How were the old tires wearing?

 

[ShellinMojave]

No need for an alignment unless it was out of alignment. How were the old tires wearing?

pretty evenly. Didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Janster]

Like most folks have said….probably not needed. However…

When was the last time you had an alignment done? If your truck is 5 years old and you’ve never had an alignment done ever since it was new, it’s probably a good idea to get one done. Regardless of the ‘bigger tires’. It’s just good maintenance……

I’ve always had alignments performed after installing new tires - about every 5 years or so.

If you’ve installed a lift kit with those bigger tires, its probably a good idea to get an alignment.

 

[BCB]

Agree with Janster, it's just good maintenance to have the alignment checked. It may or may not be out of alignment but a good alignment shop will also check other steering components (e.g. tie rod ends, steering stabilizer, etc.)

 

[Stan H]

Like most folks have said….probably not needed. However…

When was the last time you had an alignment done? If your truck is 5 years old and you’ve never had an alignment done ever since it was new, it’s probably a good idea to get one done. Regardless of the ‘bigger tires’. It’s just good maintenance……

I’ve always had alignments performed after installing new tires - about every 5 years or so.

If you’ve installed a lift kit with those bigger tires, its probably a good idea to get an alignment.

Yes if you have changed the tierod ends and or tie rod bar and ends yes , you should get them aligned.

 

[Dave D]

I had some had some feathering on the outside of my front tires. The toe in was 1/4 inch from the factory. Adjusted myself to 1/8 inch. There are videos on how to check it.
If you have no strange wear in your tires your probably ok.

 

[ShellinMojave]

I’m probably going to get someone to check it just to be safe. That’s something that’s above my abilities.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Toe and centering the steering wheel are the only things adjustable on a stock Jeep. Tire changes won't change either. $90 to do nothing and more if he has to loosen the single 15mm bolt and turn the adjuster? Hard pass.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

I agree with @Zachanadandy. Your tire tech likely doesn't know any better and just tells everyone that.

Alignments on these trucks are very different than an independent suspension or rear coil spring vehicle. Unless you buy adjustable suspension components, theres nothing you can adjust in the rear and the front is only toe and centering the steering wheel. If you had a Tacoma independent front suspension, then I'd say it's justified to check it.

If it tracks straight and tires wear fine, you don't need to bother with an alignment.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I agree with @Zachanadandy. Your tire tech likely doesn't know any better and just tells everyone that.

Alignments on these trucks are very different than an independent suspension or rear coil spring vehicle. Unless you buy adjustable suspension components, theres nothing you can adjust in the rear and the front is only toe and centering the steering wheel. If you had a Tacoma independent front suspension, then I'd say it's justified to check it.

If it tracks straight and tires wear fine, you don't need to bother with an alignment.

And even the toe and steering wheel centering is easy to do in the driveway with a tape measure and a 15mm wrench. Unless I'm installing upper and lower adjustable control arms I'm not taking the JT or JL in for an alignment.

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