Tires/Wheel Alignment

[tomsawyer]

Hey Everyone - I have an 'O3 LX470 that just clipped 100k. It's time to get tires for the upcoming winter season. I'm looking for an all-season tire since I don't have a spare set of rims to get winter only tires. Truck is totally stock. Currently, there's Michelin Defender LTX M/S 18" on the truck.

2 things - are there any other tires you'd recommend besides the Michelin (Price is a factor - I'm not looking to spend a ton of money but don't want to sacrifice quality)? I have a BMW X5 and I've run Bridgestone Dueler Alenza & Continental LX 20 tires and have been happy with both. Are they any good for the Lexus?

Also, can any shop do an alignment on the LX, obviously assuming it's a quality shop, or should the wheel alignment be done at the dealer?

Thanks to all who answer!

 

[aging fleet]

Tire Rack is a great place to do research.

 

[Sandroad]

Tire and Wheel Tech

Tires. The Best Brands. Right Here.

 

[tomsawyer]

Thanks for the advice. Can anyone give me advice/direction on the wheel alignment? Thanks

 

[DirtDawg]

Thanks for the advice. Can anyone give me advice/direction on the wheel alignment? Thanks

Find a shop that you know will take their time, setting all cams to 0 then aligning, not just adjusting toe.

 

[abuck99]

It's a pretty simple alignment. If you have a stock suspension any reputable alignment shop can take care of you. When you start adding adjustable UCA's, spacers, more lift some shops are less cabable of providing a good result.

 

[PADDO]

There isn't anything unique about the alignment so any shop can do it; caveat being that if your steering wheel is off centered (after the alignment) whoever does the alignment needs Techstream to recal/reset your VGRS - your average Tire chain store isn't likely to be able to help here and secondly, you don't want them adjusting your torsion bars to "get the height right". It's unlikely they will but people's AHC has been thrown out by well meaning techs swinging off the torsion bars, not knowing that they are ultimately working against height sensors.
I've had great alignments done at my local Firestone for years and when/if the VGRS needs a reset I do that myself with Techstream. Steering wheel re centering can be done manually as per the FSM but it looks like a PITA whereas with Techstream it's just a couple of clicks on the screen.

 

[94SRUNNER]

We just put a set of 265/65R18 Michelin LTX M/S2 on our 06' LX470. In the short time we have had them, we've noticed a smoother and more quiet ride.