Firestone Lifetime Alignment

[NB64]

I just purchased the lifetime alignment. I’m about to install Fox2.0 front struts using the factory springs. I was going to just add an inch since my RAS added two inches to the rear. I’m not interested in leveling the truck. Firestone said if I did raise the suspension by an inch I’d lose the lifetime warranty but would give me another alignment for free.
Would they even know if I raise it an inch? It’s not a big deal to have it at stock height but was wondering if anyone raised the vehicle and still got the alignment. I know if you ask them they have to give the official answer which was:
The Lifetime Alignment is only warranted so as long as your vehicle's suspension and/or body height has not been modified via a lift, lowering, air shocks, or air rides.

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[TheGoatman]

I used Firestone a lot for tires and alignments for the last 20 years. They don’t know what day it is, I’d bet you’ll be fine.

They did a lifted Tacoma for me on a lifetime alignment. They have done my last 2 f150s.

 

[Azstroke]

I just changed out my steering gear box on my '97 PowerStroke, bought new and currently for sale, the steering wheel was off by 45 degrees, took it to the local Firestone shop and they aligned it again for free. Bet they're glad I'm selling it. I think you'll be fine

 

[Gros Ventre]

If their tech is knowledgeable, he'll know you lifted your truck. They should look over the geometry of the steering before beginning an alignment. If it has been modified from the original or from what they guaranteed, it is legitimate to not continue to honor the warranty. Replacement of a steering gear alone does not alter the geometry as it only drives the parallelogram that is the critical geometry.

 

[EcoB259]

If you have a level front end with 2.5 fox and take it to them for alignment and they sell you a lifetime alignment I would think they would have to honor that.

 

[flatag]

I stay as far away from Firestone “service “ centers and Firestone tires as I can.

 

[22Platinum]

I stay as far away from Firestone “service “ centers and Firestone tires as I can.

Basically this; Firestone did not offer you a lifetime alignment because it was to your advantage.

Because the lifetime alignment pays the technician so little, I have seen the tech take it for a spin: if it doesn't pull left or right it's aligned. If it does pull, add or reduce air pressure in a given tire to alleviate the pull and park it.

At best you'll get a "toe-n-go", which is probably the most you'll get even for a non-lifetime alignment where the tech gets more time. Hell even my local Ford dealer tried to toe-n-go me (at full price) because the Quik-Lube techs "don't know how to do all three angles." Most cars now do not even have adjustable caster/camber.

If you want it done right your best chance is to go to a Ford dealer and pay a line tech full freight with a printout of the before and after; not saying the printout can't be fudged but it gives you the best chance short of forming a relationship with the tech beforehand.

In 2024 the car wash guys are next up for a tech position should one quit. I'm not kidding. Last time I was at the Ford dealer there was a new tech wearing his last job's work shirt; it was a lawncare company. There was a Raptor-R in the next bay over.

 

[Azstroke]

Basically this; Firestone did not offer you a lifetime alignment because it was to your advantage.

Because the lifetime alignment pays the technician so little, I have seen the tech take it for a spin: if it doesn't pull left or right it's aligned. If it does pull, add or reduce air pressure in a given tire to alleviate the pull and park it.

At best you'll get a "toe-n-go", which is probably the most you'll get even for a non-lifetime alignment where the tech gets more time. Hell even my local Ford dealer tried to toe-n-go me (at full price) because the Quik-Lube techs "don't know how to do all three angles." Most cars now do not even have adjustable caster/camber.

If you want it done right your best chance is to go to a Ford dealer and pay a line tech full freight with a printout of the before and after; not saying the printout can't be fudged but it gives you the best chance short of forming a relationship with the tech beforehand.

In 2024 the car wash guys are next up for a tech position should one quit. I'm not kidding. Last time I was at the Ford dealer there was a new tech wearing his last job's work shirt; it was a lawncare company.

IDK, I've used the same store since I bought the agreement a couple of decades ago. They always provide a detailed before and after printout, and the truck always rides better. Maybe it's just the location.

 

[NB64]

I would think that’s a very general statement. I’m sure a lot of good tech work there and move on to different jobs. My 2010 Ram 2500 had the lifetime warranty for about 6 years ( out 12 years I owned it). They only could do the toe in/ out since the caster was fixed straighten out the steering wheel. Only one alignment shop I ever went to could straighten out the steering wheel. I had markings I put in place so, when I went home I’d center the wheel myself.
I’ve always gotten print outs. So far I have no reason to doubt their skill. They did sell me the lifetime warranty with the rear suspension modified with the RAS system that lifted the rear. So by raising the front an inch I’ll have the original factory rake.

 

[TheGoatman]

Basically this; Firestone did not offer you a lifetime alignment because it was to your advantage.

Because the lifetime alignment pays the technician so little, I have seen the tech take it for a spin: if it doesn't pull left or right it's aligned. If it does pull, add or reduce air pressure in a given tire to alleviate the pull and park it.

At best you'll get a "toe-n-go", which is probably the most you'll get even for a non-lifetime alignment where the tech gets more time. Hell even my local Ford dealer tried to toe-n-go me (at full price) because the Quik-Lube techs "don't know how to do all three angles." Most cars now do not even have adjustable caster/camber.

If you want it done right your best chance is to go to a Ford dealer and pay a line tech full freight with a printout of the before and after; not saying the printout can't be fudged but it gives you the best chance short of forming a relationship with the tech beforehand.

In 2024 the car wash guys are next up for a tech position should one quit. I'm not kidding. Last time I was at the Ford dealer there was a new tech wearing his last job's work shirt; it was a lawncare company. There was a Raptor-R in the next bay over.

This has been my experience exactly.

firestone only wanted to do a tow and go.
to get all three angles aligned I had to pay for two alignments at my Ford dealer and had their master tech do it. I totally got ripped off but I’m at their mercy. I don’t have a rack and wanted the alignment dialed. And by dialed I mean not some in red and others on the edge of out of spec. It’s sad really.

if you get anything more than a toe and go id be surprised. My comment wasn’t a knock on the workers but they are focused on cranking out work

 

[NB64]

My purchasing dealership couldn’t even figure out my vibration since new. The had the truck probably 10 weeks in total. They changed out my rear driveshaft twice, balance the tire and let my truck sit for seven weeks. I finally just took my truck back. I brought it to another who ended up rebalancing the tires and replacing the front driveshaft fixing the problem in about two days.
My point is all shop mechanics are under a lot of pressure to pump out these vehicles. They tend to spend time on the more lucrative issues.

 

[amschind]

I used this service on my old Exploder which had Rancho shocks and Aussie springs which pushed every corner up about an inch. It also had BFG KO2s for most of its life, and they never said a word about either of those "issues". They WILL try to sell you a new battery and new tires every single time that you go in, but they aren't pushy.

 

[NB64]

I don’t think they care unless you specifically ask them like I did. If you ask them you get the Official answer. Like I said I bought in my truck with a 2” lift from the RAS. They didn’t say anything.

 

[Eighthtry]

Lifetime alignments are another way to get you in the door so they can look for things to replace. These are NOT trustworthy shops. They are there to sell tires and parts, mostly to little old ladies.

My daughter bought tires along with the lifetime alignment. She hit a big pothole. The car was pulling badly to the right. Front wheel drive. 2018 Ford Fusion.

She went in and ended up with a $2,000 list of parts that needed replacement. I told her to get the hell out of there, took it to my local shop with up to date equipment, and they set it all back into place. My shop did not spend the first nickel on any of the parts list, not to mention any parts they deemed she needed.

5 years later tires are wearing normally. Car is handling well.

I had no clue that Firestone was that bad. I'm certain there are others that are honest, but you have no idea where they may be located.

 

[Ed21]

Biggest seller of shocks and front end parts, lol.

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