The FRF Shock Shootout! All pre event details and discussion here

[BigJ]

You can get the alignment perfect, actually. Depends on who's doing it (experience level), how they go about it (measuring/marking before disasembly and time spent making sure its right after install), and if the truck was in good shape to begin with or not.

 

[Madcowranch]

You can get the alignment close... And in the dirt it's a non issue. It's your drive home that's going to possibly cause the issues and increases tire wear. How far is your drive home on-road?

About 500 miles.

 

[Hockster]

So I assume everyone who upgraded to 3.0's, regardless of manufacturer, also changed out the rear leafs for a progressive one? (Deavers or Nationals). Also wondering if I have one of the vendors do my install at TRR, how important is the alignment- since I won't be able to get that done til I get back home?

I am running the stock rear springs right now. I want to get a feel of how they react with the Icons before I change.
You must/should get the alignment after the change unless you are only driving a few miles after the change. Camber and toe will be off and both will cause excessive tire wear if driven hundreds of miles.
Let me add this...
Camber shouldnt be changed with out a machine reading the change but toe is easily changeable using a tape measure and will get you close enough to make the drive. Mt camber was only off .5 which really wasnt that must but added with the toe it will cause wear.

 

[BIRDMAN]

You can get the alignment perfect, actually. Depends on who's doing it (experience level), how they go about it (measuring/marking before disasembly and time spent making sure its right after install), and if the truck was in good shape to begin with or not.

If you went the route I did with my ICON install (middle perch height+ and UCA's), your truck will absolutely need to see an alignment rack prior to hitting the trails. The only way to get it to factory alignment spec after lengthening the UCA is to take the lower arms almost all the way out. To me this is the most desireable route because you can retain most of the front track width and dial camber in perfectly as opposed to just installing the shocks and losing track width.

If you don't do the UCA's (adjustable or longer- non brand specific), you'll be around +1.1 camber near top perch and toe will be off. You could live with that camber for a weekend and toe is adjustable in the field with a tape measure. Your steering wheel might be at 2 o'clock but that's more of an annoyance than anything.

My .02

 

[BigJ]

If you went the route I did with my ICON install (middle perch height+ and UCA's), your truck will absolutely need to see an alignment rack prior to hitting the trails. The only way to get it to factory alignment spec after lengthening the UCA is to take the lower arms almost all the way out. To me this is the most desireable route because you can retain most of the front track width and dial camber in perfectly as opposed to just installing the shocks and losing track width.

If you don't do the UCA's (adjustable or longer- non brand specific), you'll be around +1.1 camber near top perch and toe will be off. You could live with that camber for a weekend and toe is adjustable in the field with a tape measure. Your steering wheel might be at 2 o'clock but that's more of an annoyance than anything.

My .02

And in contrast, after installing the RPG UCAs, tie rods and going top perch, Corey was able to put the alignment right back in check. Even verified by the dealership who asked me "why are you here?" after taking it in and asking them to make sure all is well.

It all depends, I guess.

 

[keatonskidmore]

And in contrast, after installing the RPG UCAs, tie rods and going top perch, Corey was able to put the alignment right back in check. Even verified by the dealership who asked me "why are you here?" after taking it in and asking them to make sure all is well.

It all depends, I guess.

Another plus for RPG lol..

 

[BigJ]

LOL lets not get carried away

 

[keatonskidmore]

LOL lets not get carried away

Haha couldn't help it. Boring day in the office

 

[BIRDMAN]

And in contrast, after installing the RPG UCAs, tie rods and going top perch, Corey was able to put the alignment right back in check. Even verified by the dealership who asked me "why are you here?" after taking it in and asking them to make sure all is well.

It all depends, I guess.

Right on, but the RPG uppers aren't adjustable and presumably are produced at a length close to what is necessary for middle to top perch height. I am talking about adjustable ride height 3.0s and adjustable upper arms, there are many more variables involved that will put stuff out of whack quickly if you deviate from off the shelf settings. Even still someone as experienced as Corey could get it close enough without the need for an alignment right away. It's still a good idea to do what you did and at least get it on a rack to be sure.

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk 2

 

[BigJ]

Right on, but the RPG uppers aren't adjustable and presumably are produced at a length close to what is necessary for middle to top perch height. I am talking about adjustable ride height 3.0s and adjustable upper arms, there are many more variables involved that will put stuff out of whack quickly if you deviate from off the shelf settings. Even still someone as experienced as Corey could get it close enough without the need for an alignment right away. It's still a good idea to do what you did and at least get it on a rack to be sure.

Sent from my thumbs using Tapatalk 2

Yup. "It all depends, I guess."