new wheels means new alignment??

one of the local shops near me had told me that if i get a new wheel setup then i would need an alignment to prevent any premature wear and tear.. does this sound like bologna to you folks? TIA!

 

Your caster and camber will be the same. I'm thinking the toe could change if you change tire size. This would explain why my tires wore funny when I went to 33s without an alignment. I would think just the wheels wouldn't matter. I ran the same tires when I went to a negative offset wheel and I went 30000 more miles with perfect wear

 

It would be a good idea to have the alignment checked after you get new wheels or tires.

It might not need a major adjustment, but get it checked.

 

A change in geometry- wider wheels or different backspacing would suggest a need to align for me.

 

more context*
i plan to use the reuse my current tires. i am simply just installing new wheels with different backspacing.

 

The hubs are what's being aligned. IE the wheel / tire combo just goes where the hub tells it to.

OTOH, if it's been some time since your last alignment, and depending on use of the truck, it might be time anyway.

 

If your tires carry a mileage warranty a lot of the big box tire places require an alignment or no warranty.
I’m sure they offer a package for rotation and alignments also.
Most of these shops have low paid employees also beware.

 

I’d get one. Your lower control arms are mounted by rubber bushings so more backspacing = more leverage on those bushings so they might flex and tweak your alignment a bit

 

discount tire doesn’t do alignments unfortunately Lol

 

Changing wheels AND/OR tires does NOT change your alignment settings.

You do not need to get an alignment if you only replace your wheels and/or tires. But, if your current tires are wearing funny, it's been a long time since you had an alignment or otherwise think you may need one then go for it. But, the change you're making doesn't require you get one.

 

so you do suggest following through with an alignment.. correct?

 

Maybe. Consider the rest of my post. Only you know those conditions..

 

Wheels aren't changing any of your alignment settings so do you HAVE TO get an alignment? No. But if it's been a while since you had one or you want to have them add some caster to push the front wheel and tire forward for clearance from the cab mount or mud flaps then it's a good idea.