Need some advice on issues I've run into while taking my 2009 LC in for an alignment and to see if others have experienced similar issues:
I have the basic 2702 OME lift, installed by Slee two years ago, including new UCAs. Alignment has been great since the lift, no drivability concerns. This week I had some new tires installed, going up a size, so I thought it would be a good time for an alignment.
Today I took the truck to a reputable 4x4 shop here in Boulder, instead of Slee for a number of scheduling/convenience reasons. They are telling me they can't do the alignment because the "tie rod end jam nuts are seized to the tie rod, adjustment is not possible." They also found that the eccentric alignment bolts are seized in the control arms, preventing adjustment. They are recommending new inner and outer tie rod ends and eccentric bolts, all to the tune of around $1600 (with about $1000 of that for labor). And then they will do the alignment for another $262.
First, the labor estimate seems steep to me. But I'm no mechanic and am not sure what's involved. Second, it surprises me that all of these parts are seized now when Slee just installed the lift and did an alignment two years ago with no issues. The truck lives a pretty pampered life in sunny and dry Colorado, and is regularly washed underneath when I do drive it in winter conditions (which has not been frequently in the last two winters).
Anyone else had these issues when doing an alignment? Reasonable estimate or not? Take it to Slee for a second opinion?
I have the basic 2702 OME lift, installed by Slee two years ago, including new UCAs. Alignment has been great since the lift, no drivability concerns. This week I had some new tires installed, going up a size, so I thought it would be a good time for an alignment.
Today I took the truck to a reputable 4x4 shop here in Boulder, instead of Slee for a number of scheduling/convenience reasons. They are telling me they can't do the alignment because the "tie rod end jam nuts are seized to the tie rod, adjustment is not possible." They also found that the eccentric alignment bolts are seized in the control arms, preventing adjustment. They are recommending new inner and outer tie rod ends and eccentric bolts, all to the tune of around $1600 (with about $1000 of that for labor). And then they will do the alignment for another $262.
First, the labor estimate seems steep to me. But I'm no mechanic and am not sure what's involved. Second, it surprises me that all of these parts are seized now when Slee just installed the lift and did an alignment two years ago with no issues. The truck lives a pretty pampered life in sunny and dry Colorado, and is regularly washed underneath when I do drive it in winter conditions (which has not been frequently in the last two winters).
Anyone else had these issues when doing an alignment? Reasonable estimate or not? Take it to Slee for a second opinion?
