Is an Alignment Needed After Installing Coil Springs

Question:

I have a 1999 Ford Superduty with 7.3L. I have installed rear air bags to assist in towing a 10,000# travel trailer. The rear end is now sitting about 3 inch higher than front of truck. If i install the supercoils and raise the front end by 2, will the supercoils cause a problem with front end alignment or geometry? The front suspension is stock. This is a follow up.... The correct Air Lift bags were installed. They raised the rear an additional 2inch for a total rear end lift of 3. Weather I install Supercoils or 2inch lift bushings on the front end, will it change the geometry caster/camber of the front end requiring a 4-wheel alignment?

asked by: Mike P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The rear of your truck should only be raised while the airbags are inflated and the vehicle is unloaded. Once the vehicle is then loaded, the airbags should drop back down to stock ride height. If the rear of the truck is higher than stock while the vehicle is unloaded and the bags are deflated, then the airbags may have been installed incorrectly. I would clarify this before moving forward.

After installing a set of coil spring on your truck you will indeed need to do an alignment. However you will want to wait a few days for the springs to settle before you perform the alignment. It will take a few days of driving and weight bearing activity in order for a set of coil springs to settle in their predetermined ride height. If you decided to install a set of coil springs, I recommend the SuperCoils Custom Suspension Coils part # SSC-30. Keep in mind that you have a solid rear axle and a 2-wheel alignment is all that need be done. A 4-wheel alignment is for vehicles with an independent rear suspension.

Another measurement you will need to take into consideration when lifting a vehicle is pinion angle. Lifting a vehicle can throw off the pinion angle which in turn affects the vehicles steering. You will need to have the truck taken to your local mechanic in order for this to be checked and adjusted.

expert reply by: Conner L