Just finished installing JC Whitney rear leaf springs. Fit well and pretty easy job with some help. My question now is... Do I need to go get the truck aligned?

 

uhhhh...
you shouldnt need to get an alignment.

 

yeah you can't align the rear anyway


the only time you NEED to get an alignment is after replacing steering components or major front suspension components like tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm, control arm bushings, ball joints, etc

aliments are not needed if any rear end work is done, or even front wheel bearing work


it is however a good idea to have it checked when buying new tires for instance

 

OK, I guess I must sound really dumb. I realize you cannot align the rear. My question is, when they align the front don't they line the tires up with the rear? I've watched them do it and they seems to attach gizmos to the rears and line it up with similar gizmos on the front tires. So that is why I asked. If alignment means (at least partially) aligning the front and rear tires in a straight line, and I moved the rears, do I need to realign?

 

nope, your leafs should have had center pins that go into the spring perches. I dont fully understand how alignment machines work but i think it uses the rear as a reference for the front?

 

Yeah they do have the pins, they just dont seem very precise.

Exactly, that is what I thought too. So if they use the rears for reference, and you move them around, do you need to realign the front.

I feel like a total rookie with the questions I am asking today. Take it easy on me ;-)

 

now that i dont know, i know you shouldnt have too.. like unless your rear end was so out it was dog trailing and then got a alignment to help it then added these new leafs thus making it out again.. but i highly doubt thats your situation. So you should be fine..

 

I think I'm just gonna drive it. Unless I notice some pull, or uneven tire wear.

 

The rear on most vehicles dont need to be aligned but their are some that do just to let you know like most honda cars need a 4 point alignment and what not. now most of the time only front ends need thrust angle alignments to kep the tires from wearing unevenly.

 

Well, if you noticed your rear wheels are angled...
Then yeah, you should probably fix that..

 

Caster and camber are fixed, can't adjust them on IFS and is going to take cutting and welding for caster on SA, camber is fixed.

I need to get my rig aligned. On my list of things to do.