Lifting a truck changes its geometry, affecting alignment more than a stock-height vehicle. Proper alignment keeps the tires in sync with the road, maintains a smooth ride, and prevents issues like uneven tire wear and poor handling. But with lifted trucks, alignment needs can change depending on several factors. Here, we’ll break down when lifted trucks should be aligned and why regular checks are essential.
Situations When Lifted Trucks Need Alignment
Immediately After Installation
When you install a lift kit, it’s crucial to get an alignment right away. A lift changes the angles of the wheels and suspension, meaning the vehicle’s geometry needs to be adjusted to prevent tire wear and handling issues. Skipping this step can quickly lead to a bumpy, uncomfortable ride and potentially dangerous driving conditions.
After Off-Roading Trips
Lifted trucks are built to tackle rugged trails, but off-road adventures can easily knock the alignment out of place. Rough terrain, rocks, and obstacles cause significant stress on suspension components, especially for lifted vehicles. So, if you’ve taken your truck off-roading, it’s wise to schedule an alignment afterward. This ensures that any alignment shifts caused by uneven terrain are corrected before they cause bigger problems.
When Adding New Suspension or Steering Components
Modifications like adding larger tires, changing suspension components, or altering steering parts all impact alignment. Even minor changes to these parts can alter the geometry of the suspension, affecting your truck’s ability to drive straight and keep stable. After any of these modifications, a professional alignment keeps your truck’s handling precise and prevents uneven tire wear.
After Hitting Potholes or Curbs
Even one strong impact with a pothole or curb can misalign a lifted truck’s wheels. The bigger the lift, the more a bump or hard hit can alter your truck’s alignment. If you’ve recently encountered rough pavement or hit a curb, it’s a good idea to have the alignment checked. This prevents subtle alignment shifts from becoming costly repair issues down the line.
When Noticing Handling Changes
A truck pulling to one side, steering that feels “off,” or a noticeable change in how the vehicle handles can all be signs of misalignment. Changes like these are a clear indicator that it’s time for an alignment. Ignoring them could mean increased wear on tires and other suspension components. For lifted trucks especially, it’s critical to address these signs to maintain stability and safety on the road.
Generally, How Often Should Lifted Trucks Be Aligned?
So, how often do lifted trucks need alignment? In general, a lifted truck should be aligned every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Many drivers find that aligning with tire rotations is a convenient schedule to follow, which typically falls within this mileage range. If you drive primarily on highways or well-maintained roads, you may get away with alignments every 10,000 miles. However, if your truck frequently tackles rough terrain or off-road conditions, aiming closer to every 5,000 miles can help maintain smooth performance.
As a rule of thumb, an annual alignment check is also a good idea, even if you haven’t reached 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This way, any subtle misalignments can be corrected before they lead to bigger issues. Preventative alignment keeps your lifted truck performing at its best and extends the life of your tires. So all in all, aligning your lifted truck once per year is a good golden rule to follow.
Quality Lift Kits for Your Truck
At Reaper Offroad Lifts, we offer quality lift kits designed to simplify the lifting process. We believe that lifting your truck should be an exciting and hassle-free experience, so we provide fast shipping and dependable products that help you get back on the road faster. Our team is dedicated to educating truck owners, helping make the lift installation process as smooth as possible. So if you’re looking to enhance your truck with a reliable lift kit, Reaper Offroad Lifts has you covered. Our extensive selection of lift kits and accessories ensures you can find the perfect setup for your vehicle. Explore our range of options and elevate your driving experience today at Reaper Offroad Lifts. Why let your alignment drift into the unknown? Keep your lifted truck sharp and ready to conquer with our quality lift kits, and let it rule the road with precision and power.
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