Couldn't get Wheel Alignment because of Modifications? Options

[DIONYZUZ]

The modification I have gotten were KYB GR-2 Struts and Tein lowering springs with 225 45 17" wheels. I tried getting a wheel alignment today but the mechanic said my suspension and wheels were "unsafe" on my celica. He went on stating that the wheel alignment machine could not align the wheels because of the lowering which affected the camber and caster. He said it requires a new bolt for the caster , but the caster is so so far off that the replacement wont even help the caster. Then he suggested to go back to OEM suspension and said "I owned a Celica GT before and those suspensions are already a sport suspension." Then he said the tires will rub and thats the main reason why there is a pull on the vehicle's steering which is what I believe is the reason it needed an alignment, but it doesn't even feel like theres rubbing. Should I get the new bolts and try another alignment? From what the mechanic said, it seems like nothing will help the alignment.

[trdproven]

go somewhere else, these are couple scenarios

1. your setup right now is not even that low so they should be able to align it assuming, you don't have worn suspension parts/steering parts. < ideal
2. Some places charge more to do lower cars, they remove warranty, and they'll still align it but only get it as close as they can but not exact, if you get the camber bolts, etc. it would help but then you would have to have really bad camber, or slammed on coilovers.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Oct 21, 2011 - 6:28 PM

[xrav22]

go somewhere else, these are couple scenarios

1. your setup right now is not even that low so they should be able to align it assuming, you don't have worn suspension parts/steering parts. < ideal
2. Some places charge more to do lower cars, they remove warranty, and they'll still align it but only get it as close as they can but not exact, if you get the camber bolts, etc. it would help but then you would have to have really bad camber, or slammed on coilovers.

Your camber should not be off, I lowered mine 1.5(more like 2) and it just brings the strut together closer no angle change. Now on the other hand my car was pulling left when i bought it and I had an alignment which didn't work. I found my strut bottom and top plate were twisted throwing off my wheel angle o the pass side. After I changed shocks and got everything in order I was going straight as an arrow. Keep in mind I had to put the rear tires up front to go straight as the fronts were worn at an angle
from the shock problem. What I am saying you need to use new tires to see if it is fixed. Or at least good ones.
Good luck

[trdproven]

go somewhere else, these are couple scenarios

1. your setup right now is not even that low so they should be able to align it assuming, you don't have worn suspension parts/steering parts. < ideal
2. Some places charge more to do lower cars, they remove warranty, and they'll still align it but only get it as close as they can but not exact, if you get the camber bolts, etc. it would help but then you would have to have really bad camber, or slammed on coilovers.

Your camber should not be off, I lowered mine 1.5(more like 2) and it just brings the strut together closer no angle change. Now on the other hand my car was pulling left when i bought it and I had an alignment which didn't work. I found my strut bottom and top plate were twisted throwing off my wheel angle o the pass side. After I changed shocks and got everything in order I was going straight as an arrow. Keep in mind I had to put the rear tires up front to go straight as the fronts were worn at an angle
from the shock problem. What I am saying you need to use new tires to see if it is fixed. Or at least good ones.
Good luck

His camber should not be off so much if any at all with a 1.5" drop. again you must be slammed or slammed on coilovers, those with full coilovers know when it is slammed what it does to our camber. for the rears especially, its not about the strut going together closer with no angle, with the new coilovers with the bottom adjusting nut, it shortens the strut way more than a stock one that there is no tolerance of the angle, it must stretch and angle no matter what thats why you have camber bolts. you are just talking minor drop height or just drop spring setup. I had both. My coilovers are dropped over 3" for sure. BUt you also cannot assume what camber is just by eye-ing it. thats why they have computerized alignment down to the exact.

This post has been edited by trdproven: Oct 22, 2011 - 6:12 AM