Alignment after New Wheels/Tires

Does one need to have an alignment done after new wheels and tires are put in?
I read somewhere on here that its beneficial to do one since the thicker tires changes the angle or whatever. cant find that post anymore for some reason.

 

Nope. Not needed.

 

The hubs are what are being aligned.

Most people have one after new tires because they feel they are 'protecting' their new tires.

Which is true, if the vehicle was in need of an alignment.

 

You know, it's a good practice to get the vehicle aligned occasionally. I would think a new set of tires would be an ideal time to do so.

 

Unless it wanders or starts to wear funny I don't.

 

well in my case i only have 2000 miles on my truck, got the new tire/wheel set up like around 1500 miles, would it still even make sense to do one for a new truck?

 

I do, mostly because after spending $800+ on tires, I want them to last as long as possible.
Plus, I have proof that it was done in case the tire wears prematurely.

It can’t hurt. Then you’ll know you’ve done all you can to get them to last as long as possible. If you had 10k-15k on them, I’d probably say not to. Because the tires would likely show signs of a problem by then.

 

I have a friend who does them yearly. I've had three alignments done ever. Each time it was because I replaced front suspension/steering components.

 

In that case I would probably skip it and do an alignment at my first tire rotation.

 

I have never had an alignment on any of my Toyota trucks. Check air pressure and rotate every 5k. All my trucks have been stock and if I was lifted, I would probably have an alignment when replacing tires...Which is what I do on my GMC Sierra. As mentioned, if your tires are not wearing well, then I would have it done.

 

What are the specs on the new tires and wheels?

 

Forgive my blunt reply...

Hell no, don't align it. The factory sets it way more accurately than *most* techs would and frankly, there's nothing to adjust unless you've done cruel and unusual things like slam curbs or hit potholes that should have blown a tire. 2k? You're fine, run 'em. Only mess with alignment if you have wear issues or an apparent pull as stated above.

Informational disclaimer: if your new setup has either way less offset and the wheels poke outward or the tires are way wider than stock, you're definately going to feel WAY more tracking from the road surface but that doesn't mean your alignment isn't perfect. Nature of modding vehicles, you'll have that. Part of the deal. If you're doing 265/75-16s on Pro wheels or something equally mundane, you won't notice anything but placebo. Enjoy the truck man, worry a little less.

 

It's because you change the scrub...this can make toe go off under dynamic conditions; you have to compensate for it in the static condition...the alignment.

Stock toe is +0.05. With stock tires and wheels this will go to 0 when driven. Tire/wheel combos with increased positive scrub will go negative toe when driven.

What are your wheel and tire specs?

 

I got Method NV305 17"
0 off set
BFG KO2 265/70/17

 

I got Method NV305 17"
0 off set
BFG KO2 265/70/17

 

That's adds 1" of positive scrub.
I'd do at least +0.07 for toe.

But, alignment is a +/- tolerance. You would be "within spec" technically, because the tolerance is so great.

If you have at least couple thousand miles on the truck, I'd put 500 on the tires and take them in for alignment. The factory alignment sucks or goes to suck after things loosen up and settle in.