Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Front end alignment question

I have recently placed new wheels(18's) and Tires on my CSVT. I also installed H&R springs on the vehicle. Since It was Lowered, I need To have it realigned. Here's the thing, I have gone to my ford garage, and several other places, they say they can't do it because it is too low. They can't get it up on the ramp because the bumper will hit. Also inspection is the same thing, I have been denied do to the lowering. Garages can't get the vehicle on the lift. Has anyone had this issue and how did You deal with it??? Thanks

i had a friend that had a 94 accord that he had over 20 grand in, he had it so low they could not tow it, it would have ripped his kit off

as for them not being able to inspect it, and align it because it is too low, dont know if i believe that, can you drive over a speed bump?? if so i dont think it is too low

The dealership I used to go to has a lift that can take lowered cars. It's just a matter of finding a place that has the lift. Good luck.

thanks people. I thought if I can't find someone with a lower lift I could maybe take off the ground effects on the rockers. i would definitly be able to get it on a lift then. how hard is it to get those side skirts off????

They don't need a specail lift, just some wood is all. But some alignment machines hoist are a little higher than others. They could do it if they tried, but I understand not wanting to be responsible for possible damage.

Jmat, the guys are right, you shouldn't need to remove the ground effects, just use two (or more) pieces of wood. Typcially it's not the approach height that's the actual problem, but rather the approach angle.

The SVT is the second lowered car I've had and both have had numerous aligenments done. My alignment guy has a couple of short pieces of 2x6 to put under the ends of the ramp a couple of inches under the ramp ends and about 1-2 feet sticking out toward my approaching car. Because the ends pivot the wood reduces the approach angle but increases the approach height. When the front tires go up on the wood this brings the approach height back to normal.

On some ramps I've run into clearance problems on the angle after the front wheels have gone on the ramp and the car would bottom out on the frame around the position of the front seats. We solved this by backing up a little (front wheels just past the ramp and on the hoist itself) and placing two more pieces of wood in front of the rear tires so as the car moved forward the rear end raised.

You need to make sure you don't run off these rear ones before the ramp as you might still not have enough clearance.

If your alignment guy doesn't have these sophisticated precision pieces of wood , you could always go to Home Depot or equivalent and get them to cut an an 8 foot piece of 2x6 into 4 pieces (easy to carry in the trunk).

Regards, Alan

I'm going to get my car aligned on wedsnesday. I ws looking at the alignment rack at the shop. They had a tri axle dump truck on it at the time. it sat level with the ground and was located in a pit so they could work under the car. I don't care how low your car is you should be able to get an alignment.

thanks alot my brethren!!! I think the Wood will work. I have also located a garage that still has a pit. so I will have my CSVT aligned sometime in the near future.

peace to all