Struts/alignment - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

TA-Rocks · 07-09-2009, 09:38 PM

I have some questions about replacing my front end parts. Stuts and tires and alignment questions. I need new Tires on the front of my car and also need new struts. I think I may need a front end alignment.
Do I need to replace the struts before performing the alignment?
I dont want to have to redo the alignment if I am soon changing out the struts. My car pulls to the right.
Im not so sure about the alignment because I have two different name brand tires on it. I was told it was possible two different tires can cause a difference like that. I have Pirelli P7000 unidirectional tire that I replaced because I had a flat on the Eagle F1 tire. Both tires are unidirectional but I wonder if the different tires are possibly causing the pull. Should I replace all at the same time or will my struts not affect the alignment. I realize it would be best to do all at once but my budget is a factor.

//<86TA>\\ · 07-09-2009, 10:04 PM

if both tires are the same size, they wont cause much of a pull, if any. Maybe in a race application, but not on the street.

wait until after you change struts to have the alignment.

DJP87Z28 · 07-10-2009, 12:11 PM

My opinionis having two different brands and tread pattern is not a good idea.
It might affect the handing, I said might because I never ran different brand tires next to each other, (P7000 &F1).
Second question: I would wait until after the front strut replacement and correcting your tire situation.

1ATony · 07-10-2009, 04:28 PM

You shoudn't need an alignmet after replacing just the struts,however as others have stated I'd do that last just to be on the safe side.

thirdgen88 · 07-12-2009, 09:36 AM

Seeing as how most aftermarket struts have slotted lower mounting holes, you can still drastically change camber at the strut without moving the strut mount, so I would get the alignment after you replace the struts (as mentioned already).

tom86iroc · 07-13-2009, 08:25 AM

does your car pull when hitting the brakes or normal driving ? mine does that sometimes cause of the road has 2 grooves from alot of heavy traffic and it will just follow the road casue of the size of the tires but you should get an alignment after the struts since they are not just swap ins they have slotted holes for the bolts for the caster camber