Time for a Sears Alignment

Bruzilla · Mar 16, 2017

So, after being bitterly disappointed with the kids at the local tire shops, who can't seem to figure out how to align a 2008 car correctly, I figured I would follow in my Dad's footsteps and take the Roadrunner to Sears Auto. That, plus I got a Groupon voucher for getting it done for $49, but mainly because my Dad always went to Sears.

I scheduled an appointment for this Saturday, and thought I better call them up and make sure their system knows what a 74 Roadrunner is or if I need to bring the numbers with me. Some kid answered the phone and I asked to speak with the oldest tech they have working. After ten minutes on hold, an older-sounding chain-smoker got on the phone. I told him I was bringing in a 74 Roadrunner in on Saturday and asked if the system could handle it.

He told me their system goes back past 74, so that was no problem. Then he started asking me "what have you done to the car? Any new suspension components?", "Is it the original engine size?", "Has it been resto-modded with those ridiculous huge wheels?" and "What shape is the steering box in?" So it definitely sounds like this guy knows what he's about and he told me he would do the work on Saturday. He said he'll do his best but if for any reason they can get the alignment done, like my sickly steering box, then they will refund my money.

So hopefully I'll either have a good alignment or some extra money to put towards a steering box.

MarPar · Mar 16, 2017

nice! cant wait to hear a full report!

plymouthman72 · Mar 16, 2017

Thats good to know! When the time comes I will take my car to them if they are till open. I have been asking around and no-one in my area seems to know how to check and align older cars.

Billccm · Mar 16, 2017

I've been lucky that I discovered a local regional chain brake shop that is managed by a real motorhead. He is not into MOPARs, but loves classic cars and appreciates the hobbyist.

Please do update us on the Sears workmanship and experience. With Sears having one foot in the grave, I'm sure this guy will be looking for a job soon. Get his contact info just in case.

PurpleBeeper · Mar 16, 2017

I've had good luck with a "lifetime alignment" at my local Firestone & I have taken it in for a free re-alignment after a wheel change (hey, I bought lifetime).

EVERY mechanic can set the toe... just adjusting the tie rod ends. The problem I've seen is that some don't understand (or even do) caster/camber. And if they do know about caster/camber, they've never seen the Mopar offset upper control arm bushings used to make those adjustments. It's not "too bad" once you understand them, but most mechanics have never seen that setup.

One BIG thing I'd suggest is to buy a new set of upper control arm offset adjuster bolts & adjuster offset washers. They're relatively cheap (maybe $20-$25) and tend to rust & break if the alignment hasn't been done in a while. That way, if the shop breaks one (very possible) you won't have to leave your car there for a week while they try to find new ones....since you'll already have them. If they're not needed, then just return them to the parts store.

Moog makes them... PartsGeek is where I found these. You need one set for each side (2)

Moog Alignment Caster Camber Kit - Front Upper

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(1 Reviews)
Moog K8243A
Alignment Caster Camber Kit
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Our List Price: $16.08

Quantity:
(>35) In Stock
Part Number: 16760-05575447
Notes: Alignment Caster / Camber Kit -- Bushing Not Included; Plus Or Minus 2-1/4 Degree Camber And/Or Caster
Features:

Designed as stock replacement
Improves chassis performance and durability
Easy to install

Position: Front Upper
Condition: New

Shipping Options:
Ground

This Product Fits the Following: Catalog: B
Vehicle

oldbee · Mar 16, 2017

"Bru"- I took the specs with me just in case,don't forget the ride heigth setting for t.bars either. I went to 2 shops before I found a guy I was comfortable with. First guy couldn't figure out what I was talking about with the 1/8" diff(?) between balljoint&"blade" on inner part of lower control arm.2nd guy-no problem. Course he got to test-drive after he was done!!! Paid $80, but his smile was worth it!

Darter6 · Mar 16, 2017

It was 1974 when I started on a Beam Visuliner and was on that machine daily for the next 5 years.Many a frozen rusted cams and such + winter slush and muck.It made the shop a good bit of money.(cost was $14.95 I was making $4 bucks a hour)Now-a-days I do my own with old school bubble gauges,turn tables and a trammel bar to set the toe.Easy when all the front end parts are new.I still enjoy the one or two a year now.

Speedbird · Mar 16, 2017

The figures are in the moesheen and he will use those as a guide.
Maybe adjust caster according to what he thinks is best.
I've never had any problem with my 73 and 74 cars.
From what little bit I know, it's the person doing the work that counts.
Set the ride height first and go from there.
The way I understand it, adjusting toe change in turns is what he will have to fiddle the most with.
It's all a balancing act on his part.

dan juhasz · Mar 16, 2017

To bad your not in NJ, I'd hook you up with a proper alignment on a hunter digital aligner. If anyone in NJ ever needs alignment help for their classic give me a holler.

SlinktRR · Mar 16, 2017

I go to a polish guy here in North jersey who worked on these when they were new. He just sold the shop to his nephew after he taught him the business for a year...kid is in his 20's and can do a torsion bar Mopar alignment with his eyes closed. Good thing because I have two mopes in the garage. I can get them close enough to drive to the shop but that's about it.

wagonman · Mar 17, 2017

Used to use the Hunter when I worked at the dealer. Was able to get 6+ caster on the chevelle with tubular uppers, only ran 3 though. Wish I had acess to one now. Bad *** machine. Plus their tire machine and ballancer are nice to. Road force and match mounting tires to the rims make all the differance.

Bruzilla · Mar 18, 2017

Well... Sears was a failure.

I got there at 0745 for my 0800 appointment, and everything was fine. Then the cashier gal came out to do her paperwork, and when she started the engine the line to the mechanical oil gauge picked just that moment to **** the bed and oil started gushing out. I told her to go ahead and take care of the next person while I sorted things out.

I yanked the line out of the gauge, folded it over twice, and used a zip tie to keep it folded. Problem fixed. I walked back in and the gal said "so do you want to reschedule?" and I said "Nope. Problem is fixed." She looked at me like I was insane and said "How did you fix that so fast?" and came out to make sure I had fixed it.

I told her these cars have lots of issues that pop up but they are usually easy to fix.

The second issue was between the front spoiler and low flex pipes on the exhaust, the car was too low to get onto their alignment table without damaging the car. I told them the exhaust was just temporary and I didn't care if they scraped, dented, whatever the pipes, but they said for legal reasons they can't damage a car in any way, so I it was a no-go at the auto center.

Now it's off to the exhaust shop to get those flex pipes off.

Darter6 · Mar 18, 2017

Legal crap everywhere now-a-days.I went to a Wal Mart to buy 4 tires,Said they were a carry out as I do my own mount and balance."Sorry sir,We can't sell them unless we install them."

69roadr · Mar 18, 2017

Bruzilla said:
Well... Sears was a failure. I got there at 0745 for my 0800 appointment, and everything was fine. Then the cashier gal came out to do her paperwork, and when she started the engine the line to the mechanical oil gauge picked just that moment to **** the bed and oil started gushing out. I told her to go ahead and take care of the next person while I sorted things out.

I yanked the line out of the gauge, folded it over twice, and used a zip tie to keep it folded. Problem fixed. I walked back in and the gal said "so do you want to reschedule?" and I said "Nope. Problem is fixed." She looked at me like I was insane and said "How did you fix that so fast?" and came out to make sure I had fixed it. I told her these cars have lots of issues that pop up but they are usually easy to fix.

The second issue was between the front spoiler and low flex pipes on the exhaust, the car was too low to get onto their alignment table without damaging the car. I told them the exhaust was just temporary and I didn't care if they scraped, dented, whatever the pipes, but they said for legal reasons they can't damage a car in any way, so I it was a no-go at the auto center.

Now it's off to the exhaust shop to get those flex pipes off.

I had the same problem as you when getting my car aligned the owner just pulled out a couple of two-by-fours to use as a helper to get it onto the lift no problem

oldbee · Mar 18, 2017

IT"S always something!!!!

Time for a Sears Alignment

Bruzilla

Well-Known Member

MarPar

If it weighs, it pays

plymouthman72

Well-Known Member

Billccm

FBBO Gold Member

PurpleBeeper

Well-Known Member

oldbee

Well-Known Member

Darter6

Well-Known Member

Speedbird

Bird of Pray

dan juhasz

FBBO Gold Member

SlinktRR

Well-Known Member

wagonman

Well-Known Member

Bruzilla

Well-Known Member

Darter6

Well-Known Member

69roadr

Well-Known Member

oldbee

Well-Known Member

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