Do I Need a Wheel Alignment After Lift Kit Installation?

When it comes to personalizing your car or truck, there are many options, and one of the most popular modifications is installing a lift kit.

The main aim of lifting your truck is to enable you to install larger tires, gain better ground clearance, and give your vehicle a more aggressive look. After installing a lift kit, you need to align your vehicle's wheels, so it's important to understand how lift kits affect wheel alignment.

After installing a lift kit, we will explore whether wheel alignment is crucial and discuss why it may be necessary, as well as how to do wheel alignment after lift kit installation. When you need additional hints about automobile, check out here.

What Happens to the Wheel Alignment After Installing a Lift Kit?

Wheel alignment is the relative position of your vehicle's wheels concerning each other and the vehicle's body. Proper wheel alignment ensures that the tires are perpendicular to the ground and rotate evenly.

A lift kit alters the suspension height of your vehicle, which significantly impacts the wheel alignment. In most cases, a lift kit leads to a positive camber, which means the wheels incline outward at the top and inward at the bottom.

As a result, the tire wears out unevenly and faster, reducing the tire's lifespan and affecting the vehicle's stability, steering, and braking.

When Do You Need a Wheel Alignment After Installing a Lift Kit?

Although a lift kit significantly impacts the wheel alignment, it is not necessarily required after every installation. The wheel alignment depends on the type of lift kit installed, the size of the tires, the type of terrain, and your driving style.

A suspension lift kit often requires a wheel alignment as it alters the suspension geometry, while a body lift kit may not require an alignment as it does not impact the suspension.

It is recommended to get a wheel alignment after every lift kit installation or whenever you replace the tires or suspension components.

Also, if you experience any unusual vibrations, poor steering, or uneven tire wear, you need to get an alignment.

Symptoms of Misaligned Wheels

If you have installed a lift kit and have not performed a wheel alignment, your vehicle's wheels will likely be misaligned, which can cause several problems. One of the most common symptoms of misaligned wheels is uneven tire wear.

If you notice uneven tread wear or an unusual tire bulge, it's highly likely that your wheels are misaligned. Another symptom of misaligned wheels is a car that pulls to one side while driving, which can be hazardous while on the road.

The Process of Aligning a Wheel after Installing a Lift Kit

After installing a lift kit, it is important to conduct a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling, tire wear, and overall safety. Here is a step by step process on how to do a wheel alignment after lift kit installation:

Step 1: Gather the Required Tools and Take Measurements

The first step is to get all the necessary tools to do the job. You will need a measuring tape, an alignment gauge, a wrench, and a jack.

Start by measuring the height of both the front and rear fender wheel openings and note down the readings.

Also, measure the distances of the front and rear between the center of each wheel. These measurements will give you a baseline to work with during the alignment process.

Step 2: Adjust the Camber Angle

The camber angle measures the tilt of the wheels concerning the vertical axis. Adjusting the camber angle tends to be a bit challenging and it requires a technician to get it right. Having the right tools and knowledge is crucial for a proper adjustment.

Step 3: Adjust Toe-In or Toe-Out

This is an essential step in the wheel alignment process whereby the wheels are adjusted along the steering axis.

If the vehicle's wheels point inward, it is called a toe-in alignment, and outward alignment is called a toe-out adjustment. The goal is to have the wheels move straight.

Step 4: Test Drive and Make Necessary Adjustments

Take the vehicle for a test drive and listen for any unusual sounds and vibrations. Suppose you experience such issues or notice tire wear, adjust the alignment again until you achieve the desired result.

Benefits of Wheel Alignment after Lift Kit Installation

There are several benefits of having your wheels aligned after installing a lift kit. First, it ensures the longevity of your tires, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Proper alignment significantly impacts your vehicle's handling, steering, and stability, ensuring a smoother ride.

Proper alignment offers greater safety by improving your vehicle's braking performance. An alignment after a lift kit installation ensures that your vehicle complies with the manufacturer's safety standards.

How often should I have my wheel alignment checked after installing a lift kit?

It is best to have your wheel alignment checked immediately after installing a lift kit, and regularly thereafter.

Since lift kits change the way a vehicle behaves on the road, it is critical to ensure your alignment is perfect for optimal safety and performance.

It is recommended that you have your wheel alignment checked every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, adjust this based on the specific usage and conditions of your vehicle.

How soon after installing a lift kit should I get a wheel alignment?

Wheel alignments should be performed immediately after installing a lift kit. Many shops will include a wheel alignment as part of the installation process, but even if it's not included, it's a good investment to ensure your vehicle operates safely and efficiently.

Will a lift kit affect my vehicle's alignment and handling?

A lift kit can affect your vehicle's alignment and handling. If not properly aligned, you may experience uneven tire wear, steering instability, and even unsafe driving conditions.

Also, larger tires and a raised suspension can increase the likelihood of body roll and swaying, making proper alignment and adjustment critical for safety and performance.

Can I do a wheel alignment on my own after installing a lift kit?

While it's technically possible to do a wheel alignment on your own, it's generally recommended to have a professional perform the service.

Proper wheel alignment requires specialized equipment and expertise to measure and adjust the angles of the wheels correctly, ensuring proper vehicle handling, stability, and safety.

A trained technician can also diagnose any potential issues and recommend appropriate solutions.

Conclusion

Getting your wheels aligned after installing a lift kit may seem unnecessary, but it's crucial. Lift kits can significantly impact your vehicle's alignment, leading to uneven tire wear, unstable steering, and other safety concerns.

Therefore, it's essential to get a wheel alignment to improve your vehicle's stability, steering control, and tire life.

A wheel alignment can help prolong the life span of your vehicle's tires, saving you time and money in the long run. So, if you have installed a lift kit in your vehicle or plan to do so, ensure you get a wheel alignment for improved driving performance, safety, and comfort.