[Ofmalik]

I've asked around a bit regarding this topic and have gotten very little dependable input (no offense to anyone ).. and so I figured I'd throw a thread:

After having a drop installed, what is the next step in terms of wheel alignment? I know people who have had an alignment done immediately after, and others who wait either a "full tank of gas," 2 weeks or ~100 miles for everything to settle.

I'm guessing the latter, having it done right after seems premature? If so, does the new setup matter? -- a spring swap on stock shocks vs. new springs + shocks vs. coils.


Thanks in advance

[gizmo335i]

I did mine a couple months ago and still haven't gotten an alignment..but I'm being stupid...and I don't really care about the wear of the tires that are on it....but I know other things could be getting damaged....so I'm getting it done next week..

Anyway, I'd let it settle for just a few days and then get it done...

[joec500]

I have lowered many cars....Generally I do mine 1-2 weeks after the install. In terms of gas, I wouldn't worry too much, perhaps just make sure you have at least 1/2 tank, but don't worry about that too much. Also I have my done at wheelworks, and they have a 12 month warranty, so I have them do the alignment and then I re-check 2-3 months later.

[Alan@PYSpeed.com[retired]]

get an alignment with a full or empty tank of gas. it does matter.

[mike3000fl]

i waited 2 weeks. my tires were pretty much shot before the drop, barely an tread left and bald in some places. After the drop while waiting to settle it affected my alignment to the point that a 10 min drive to work and back would leave noticeable wear on the rear tires, after one week i had steel belts showing and i could see how short drives to work would wear the area down more. My rear toe must have been way off.

So i would wait to let it settle but limit your driving during that time because it will eat up your tires. I didn't care about my tires because they were done before the drop, was just waiting till after the drop settled to get a good alignment done at the dealer with the new tires and the settled springs. I figure after the dealer does the bmw alignment and dials it all in, i can let firestone do them from there on since they will just be making minor adjustments and i have the lifetime alignment deal up there.

[Ofmalik]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I had the drop installed last week, and will have about 300miles on the new setup before I'm in for alignment later this week. I'm sure driving that much ate through my tread but I was told without a few hundred miles or at least a weeks worth of time, the new springs and shocks wouldn't have settled enough.

I plan on filling up before the alignment just for peace of mind