Firestone not honoring lifetime alignment because of custom parts?

Hey y’all,

I’ve seen some alignment threads on here with individuals using the Firestone lifetime alignment for their lifted trucks.

Recently just had 6112s with SPC UCAs put in the front and was told they could not honor the lifetime alignment because of custom parts.

Not trying to fit massive tires, standard 265/70/16s that were on at stock height.

Definitely not upset at all, as I needed an alignment and they could fit me in, but was just curious others experiences with their lifts and this program and whether it differs from location to location.

 

I bought that lifetime alignment years ago when I was always messing with my suspension. Probably had it done half a dozen times. After a few years of not touching it, I recently replaced ball joints so I had the LCAs completely off. Took it back in and the guy immediately said they couldn't do lifted trucks. He started talking about programs and specs and all that junk. I said "sure you can, you've done it a bunch of times. I don't care about stock specs. Give me 0 toe, 0 camber, and max caster.". "Oh, ok sure, no problem"

 

That’s lame. But I have a lifetime alignment at Firestone too and originally thought it was only once every 6 months but the guy said just come by whenever and doesn’t care why I’m getting one.

 

Which location did you go to?


I have never had anyone question it at about 5 shops in Colorado. They have computers that share your visits and have always found my lifetime and such maybe try another location.


Last time I took it in the guy let me stand there and check it out on the lift and diagnose some other stuff while he closed down and finished the alignment.

 

I went to the one in Aurora. The employee was upfront with the situation when they got my truck in the bay.

All the other Firestones I called around downtown were booked for availability. Do you have any recommendations of a particular location I should try?

 

I use the guys in Parker with no issues. Look for the store on Copperhead trail.

 

Im pretty anal about havin a straight wheel, I live in socal (los angeles) id be interested in a lifetime alignment. How much is it? Wonder if they can align mine since its lifted 2 1/2” w/ tc uca’s.

 

Unless you know the techs doing the work, alignments at big box franchises are a gamble, especially if you want custom numbers.

While they can save a lot of money, just be sure you're getting quality work.

 

Definitely agree about a bit of a gamble.

Since I am not looking to run anything especially custom (outside of the lift), I was hoping this would be a decent solution for the time being

 

I got the lifetime alignment back when I got my truck, added 5100s and eventually Kings and they (Firestone) didn't complain. However they never gave me the alignment numbers I asked for, and they will not touch your UCAs if you have adjustable ones. Again it probably depends on the store and who's running it.

I haven't been back there in 3+ years at this point. I get my alignments done at a 4x4 shop and it's pricey but they do a great job.

 

I have always used Tires Plus on all my lifted trucks and never had any issues with them telling me they won't align my vehicle. There is even a 4x4 shop down the road from them that uses them every time they install a lift on a vehicle.


Since Firestone and Tires plus are owned by the same company ( BSRO Bridgestone Retail Operations) you should be able to use your lifetime alignment purchase at either store.

 

It really depends on the location, it's probably worth calling and asking to talk to them about lifted trucks in advance. They don't really want you to talk to the techs but if you can get one on the phone they can give you an idea if they or one of their coworkers is familiar.

FWIW I've been a customer at 2 different Les Schwab locations and the managers/techs were wheelers themselves and had no concerns about aligning my truck outside of spec -- I added 2 degrees of castor on my leveled Ford to help with death wobble and both locations were familiar with the fix and didn't bat an eye about aligning it. As far as my tacoma is concerned... what's an alignment?

 

Its prob because of the aftermarket uppers. I have firestone's liftime too. 5100's and 2 inches in the front. But I have stock upper control arms. I have used the lakewood locations

 

Thats horse shit. Depends on the location i guess, my Firestone always honored mine on my heavily modified Xterra.