Anyone in Connecticut recommend an alignment shop?

[87RangerXLTct]

Trying to get my 1987 ranger 4x4 aligned but nobody seems to know how to align it. Stock height, all new shocks, tie rods,ball joints, radius arm bushings etc.

 

[Shran]

So I assume that you've taken it to several shops and they've done what... not done it correctly? Refused to do it at all?

It's not rocket science, you put the truck on an alignment rack and take measurements and go from there. Usually the only thing that may need to change on these trucks is the camber bushings (either because the springs have sagged or because the truck was lifted.) I would be really surprised if any major changes were needed given that your suspension is stock height.

 

[87RangerXLTct]

I took it to one shop, they had it on the rack for 2 hours got everything in the green except camber. They want me to come back next Monday when the old school guy is there. This is one of 2 shops in my area that will attempt to align it. I can’t imagine my springs have sagged that much? Should I got with explorer springs or adjustable camber bushings? I have stock bushings now I think, not sure how many degrees I’d need?

 

[87RangerXLTct]

I’ll throw the bushings in myself, I just did a whole suspension/steering rebuild short of doin front springs

 

[Shran]

I took it to one shop, they had it on the rack for 2 hours got everything in the green except camber. They want me to come back next Monday when the old school guy is there. This is one of 2 shops in my area that will attempt to align it. I can’t imagine my springs have sagged that much? Should I got with explorer springs or adjustable camber bushings? I have stock bushings now I think, not sure how many degrees I’d need?

Your springs will sag with time but it can usually be corrected with bushings. There is a really good chance that even if you put new springs in it, your current bushings would not be correct... if it were me, and I was happy with the ride height, I would drop the adjustable bushings in and have them put it as close to the preferred numbers as they can get it. Or let them figure out exactly what degree of fixed bushing you need.

The exact degree of bushing you need depends entirely on how far out of spec it is - for example if your target number is 0°, and your initial camber measurement is -1°, you would use a 1° bushing. The adjustable ones will let you fine tune it without having to purchase multiple bushings.

 

[87RangerXLTct]

Right on, I appreciate the help man!

 

[Fast Eddie]

Try reading from here on out, or the whole thread if you're trying to avoid the wife

Camber Eccentric #'s

Does anybody know if there is a company that makes camber bushings for the 88 and earlier trucks that has more than just the + or - 2 1/4 degrees? Everywhere I've looked has those as the limit, Summit, Autozone, and Advance. Any other place I can try?

www.therangerstation.com

 

[87RangerXLTct]

Was able to get it aligned. If anyone in Connecticut is having trouble finding an alignment shop I recommend Flanders alignment in Hartford’s south end.

 

[spaceranger]

Bookmarked. Thanks for the post, also in CT with an 86 4x4 that will need alignment after I replace the springs.