Alignment help

[Renhalt]

First off I admit I'm not the most knowledgable suspension guy so I need a little advice.
i have an 08 fx35 AWD, and I have all of the Gt spec braces and BC coilovers and right now running on my stock winter setup. when I did the coilover install I did not slam it and it still tracked straight and didn't pull either way so I have put off an alignment. Now that the ice and snow is here while driving it seems as if the rear end is not completely tracking as it should. While driving in a straight line in the snow it feels like the rearend is a little squirley. My question is this: I want to take it in for an alignment, but I don't know if I should go to the stealership or an independent shop to have the work done. I'm concerned that with the coilovers and such the stealership will not dial it in right or have the knowledge to make things right with the coilovers. Again, I'm no suspension guy and need help and or advise as to where to have the work done. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[shadow191]

Take it to an independent shop, the better ones use the same machines as the dealer. But I would recommend finding a specialty shop that does a lot of alignments. Anyone can read the machine and make the adjustments, but an expert can understand what the numbers say and maybe fix your problem. I take my cars to a local shop that does a ton of road race cars; they know how adjustments affect the car. Keep in mind that the tolerance is pretty wide so just because the numbers read green doesn't mean your problem is fixed. And just because a number is red doesn't mean it's bad (ie. my camber on both cars is out of tolerance, but that's intentional).

Unless you're having the shop raise or lower your car, the coilovers have no impact on alignment. The adjustment bolts on the rear are on the suspension arm, not the shock or spring. On the front, it's 4 allen keys on the camber plate, any monkey can adjust it.

 

[Exotich]

Check the bushings on your rear camber toes (left and right). Are the bushings seized in the camber toes? May need new bushings or toes. But yeah never go to the dealership. I wouldn't even go to Goodyear or Firestone. Find a reputable mechanic in your neighborhood that has an alignment machine and go to him or her!