prices on front-end alignments?

guido4475 · May 5, 2009

I have an appoinment to get the front-end aligned on my e-350 tomarrow morning.Ryder spent most of today putting new shocks, both tie rods, centerlink, and wheel bearings on the van. I put new springs in the front myself last week.So it will need caster/camber-toe alignment, so this requires the caster kit/wedges to be installed replacing the old ones.They told me it would be 250.00 to have this done, which would take 2 hours to do.I have never had to have an alignment done of this type on a four-wheel vehicle, so this is all new to me.I'm used to big truck rates for repairs.so what I am asking, is this a reasonable price? or should I show up with condoms and vaseline tomarrow? I want it done right, since I just put 5 new tires on it as well and dont want to tear them up.Thanks in advance for your input.

fastman_1 · May 5, 2009

Thats in the ball park.

Moot · May 5, 2009

guido4475 said:
so what I am asking, is this a reasonable price? or should I show up with condoms and vaseline tomarrow.

I don't know the price of condoms and Vaseline but it will add to your total alignment costs and probably is not tax deductible. Last year I bought 2 new tires and was charged $49 for a front end alignment.

RLENT · May 5, 2009

I paid $89 for the Sprinter when I had it done, technically only toe is adjustable, although there is an aftermarket kit available for either caster or camber. I didn't buy tires at the time from the shop where I had it done.

guido4475 · May 5, 2009

I appreciate the help, I feel a little better. I usually deal with certified alignment in detroit for the big truck, but I'm not driving up there just for an alignment on a van. once again, thanks for your advice, everyone.

bluejaybee · May 5, 2009

$250 is what I paid for a 6 wheel straight truck alignment. And it took about 2 hours. Rear axle on one side was out pretty bad.

guido4475 · May 9, 2009

Okay, so episode ll of the alignment.I went Monday to get it done and they gave me an estimate of what needs to be done.I call Ryder and fax them the estimate and they tell me to bring it in to Ryder in cleveland to get the work done under warranty.I get that done, and get out of there by 2;30,call Lou's and they say bring it in, knowing full well that I need the caster/camber alignment as well.I get there, and they put it on the rack, and then tell me they cant get it until Weds. morning.So i return on Wednesday, and the regular guy is off and Wednesdays.So, me not knowing this,(or not knowing it is his first day as well,) have him do the alignment.They get it done,I pay the bill that was 70.00 more than the original estimate on monday, argue with the guy about that,get out of there, and now it pulls to the left when I get on the highway.So I call peckerhead and tell him of this and he says bring it back tomarrow.So now I go back thursday.the regular guy is there.I pull up to the garage door and tell him, jump in, were going for a ride.So he watches and says it's not right. I say, no **** it's not right.So he tells me he needs to do the alignment over again.Half an hour later they come in the waiting room and tell me they cant do it till Monday.By this time I'm swearing at him in Italian, I'm so ****** off.He says no one has the caster/camber kits anywhere.So I call Napa 2 miles away and they have them.WTF? I ask him.no reply. just a dumb look and a worried look from the people waiting to get their vehicles worked on.Needless to say, it is absolutely perfect now.And I wonder why I cant quit smoking...