Alignment Post Lift

[JJHTX]

Installed Ford Performance lift on 5/31 by a local shop and had alignment performed by local dealership on 6/4 (Friendly Ford of Crosby). I used the dealers complimentary valet service and they picked up and dropped off the vehicle. I wasn’t home to take delivery, when the vehicle was dropped off, but I noticed alignment paperwork was missing. I drove it to work this morning (6/5) and noticed wheel slightly off center (pointing to the right) and Bronco pulling a bit to the left. I called the dealership to share my observations and them know I’d need to bring it for realignment. Service Rep asks why did I need an alignment in the first place. I said I had the FP lift installed and wanted to make sure vehicle was aligned to Fords Specs - hence why I chose dealership for alignment service. He said I’d have to agree to a potential charge of $225 before they could look at it again, because the misalignment could be due to workmanship of the lift install (they charge me if they conclude that they didn’t along my vehicle improperly). I said my wheel was not off center prior to their alignment service and I expressed that I paid (~$130) for an alignment - so id expect for dealership to make sure my vehicle is aligned properly. Rep said not without my agreement to be responsible for a potential charge of $230 for issues potentially caused by external factors like my lift, also it may take a week, so I’d have to leave my vehicle there. I told I don’t agree with the possibility of having them tell me they did nothing wrong and charge me $230 for it, and that this felt like an ultimatum. He said yes it’s an ultimatum “one thousand percent”. I told him to send me proof of alignment. The “proof” is below. Honestly - I’m not sure why I even bother with my local dealerships. I’ve had nothing but bad experiences seemingly no matter which dealership I try. Wish I was lucky like some of you with good dealerships and good reps/techs. Given my experience, I don’t feel like taking it back would result in my desired outcome; the rep was already leaning on an excuse, giving me an ultimatum, and honestly didn’t seem to care about my concerns.

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[Aonarch]

WTF.

I'd immediately contact the Service Manager/ Director. That is insane.

A call to Ford Corporate can't hurt either.

If you paid with Amex, I'd do a charge back as well. Try to communicate via email and text.

 

[JT58Bronc]

Some dealerships are good and some not. The one you took it to, obviously not. I'm surprised the lift shop did not have an alignment machine? It's nice when you can get everything done at one shop that way no one is pointing fingers. Some shops won't even do an alignment when someone else does the initial work of a lift or installing struts, tie rod ends, etc. I have run into this before. I would try and find a qualified shop that you know will do a proper alignment.

 

[rtaylor]

Installed Ford Performance lift on 5/31 by a local shop and had alignment performed by local dealership on 6/4 (Friendly Ford of Crosby). I used the dealers complimentary valet service and they picked up and dropped off the vehicle. I wasn’t home to take delivery, when the vehicle was dropped off, but I noticed alignment paperwork was missing. I drove it to work this morning (6/5) and noticed wheel slightly off center (pointing to the right) and Bronco pulling a bit to the left.

View attachment 645324

If you take it to a different alignment shop, be sure to tell them to use the sasquatch (adrenaline rush) specs. The Ford dealer used the base alignment spec, so even if they had done a good job it would not have been optimal for the new ride height.

 

[JJHTX]

WTF.

I'd immediately contact the Service Manager/ Director. That is insane.

A call to Ford Corporate can't hurt either.

If you paid with Amex, I'd do a charge back as well. Try to communicate via email and text.

Thanks. I’m debating whether going back through dealership is worth the effort. I’m generally a patient and reasonable person, but I’m about fed up with the shotty service. That’s the only part that’s been consistent about my experience with Ford - the service is shitty where I’m located.

 

[JJHTX]

Some dealerships are good and some not. The one you took it to, obviously not. I'm surprised the lift shop did not have an alignment machine? It's nice when you can get everything done at one shop that way no one is pointing fingers. Some shops won't even do an alignment when someone else does the initial work of a lift or installing struts, tie rod ends, etc. I have run into this before. I would try and find a qualified shop that you know will do a proper alignment.

Hey there. The lift shop did have a machine but didn’t have the exact spec. They dialed it in as best they could but still recommended official alignment. Honestly, it was solid before I took it to Ford, but I wanted to have alignment documented from Ford and proper spec. Go figure…

 

[JJHTX]

If you take it to a different alignment shop, be sure to tell them to use the sasquatch (adrenaline rush) specs. The Ford dealer used the base alignment spec, so even if they had done a good job it would not have been optimal for the new ride height.

Hey thanks for that information. See, this is why appreciate this forum so much. Lots ok experience and knowledge here. This also reveals more opportunities about dealership service. They should know what kind of alignment to apply, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking. Not surprised though. I submitted my service request online and indicated I wanted oil change and alignment. When the vehicle first arrived at dealer, they called me asking why I needed to bring my truck in. The rep I spoke with earlier today indicated they just did a “quick” alignment, which is guess is code for basic. And I have a hard time believing tech drove the vehicle or he drove it simply didn’t care to readjust and made it my problem now.

 

[Brian_B]

I did something similar not too long ago - took my Bronco into Les Schwab to do the alignment after I had done shocks. Drive down wasn't bad, didn't feel out, but I had pulled the camber adjusts out, so wanted to make sure.

The alignment was out a bit, they adjusted it, and provided the report. But the steering wheel was off-center to the left (it would drift right if you held it straight).

So I can see how a "good" alignment report can come out but the steering be off center, it happened to me.

In my case, Les Schwab corrected the problem no problem, and during the second alignment pointed out I had blown a CV (me being dumb in the sticks), then re-aligned it a third time for free after I replaced the front axle following them finding the blown boot - even though that wasn't their fault at all.

 

[userdude]

Hey there. The lift shop did have a machine but didn’t have the exact spec. They dialed it in as best they could but still recommended official alignment. Honestly, it was solid before I took it to Ford, but I wanted to have alignment documented from Ford and proper spec. Go figure…

Which part of Houston?

 

[Aonarch]

Thanks. I’m debating whether going back through dealership is worth the effort. I’m generally a patient and reasonable person, but I’m about fed up with the shotty service. That’s the only part that’s been consistent about my experience with Ford - the service is shitty where I’m located.

I just had a nightmare experience with one of my local dealers as well. They tried scamming me, commiting fraud for a warranty repair, by trying to make me pay thousands of dollars for something stupid simple, and again, covered by the warranty.

It made me want to go back to a Lexus, which I might in a year.

My daily driver is a leased Volvo, and the service experience and warranty support has always been spectacular. I've had many cars over my life, the "High line" dealers are usually very good.

The issue is these domestic and value brands are the same money as the high line brands. Broncos are what $55k+ for a Sasquatch, up to $100k or so for a Raptor? Yet you are getting treated like you own a 96 Civic

Shitty service experiences should not be normal at Ford, yet it is across the country.

Farley is kind of screwed, they don't really have the power over the franchised dealers.

With my issue, Ford corporate told me, if the dealer denied a warranty repair, Ford cannot overturn it. That is insane to me.

Slightly off topic, but Farley was trying to get away from the franchised model with the new EV models, but I don't think that worked at all. He was trying to make the EVs their own separate entity, so he could get around the existing dealer network.

 

[JJHTX]

I did something similar not too long ago - took my Bronco into Les Schwab to do the alignment after I had done shocks.

The alignment was out a bit, they adjusted it, and provided the report. But the steering wheel was off-center to the left (it would drift right if you held it straight).

So I can see how a "good" alignment report can come out but the steering be off center, it happened to me.

In my case, Les Schwab corrected the problem no problem, and during the second alignment pointed out I had blown a CV (me being dumb in the sticks), then re-aligned it a third time for free after I replaced the front axle following them finding the blown boot - even though that wasn't their fault at all.

Hey thanks for sharing your experience. Happy to hear your issues were resolved.

 

[JJHTX]

Which part of Houston?

Friendly Ford located in Crosby, TX

 

[JJHTX]

I just had a nightmare experience with one of my local dealers as well. They tried scamming me, commiting fraud for a warranty repair, by trying to make me pay thousands of dollars for something stupid simple, and again, covered by the warranty.

It made me want to go back to a Lexus, which I might in a year.

My daily driver is a leased Volvo, and the service experience and warranty support has always been spectacular. I've had many cars over my life, the "High line" dealers are usually very good.

The issue is these domestic and value brands are the same money as the high line brands. Broncos are what $55k+ for a Sasquatch, up to $100k or so for a Raptor? Yet you are getting treated like you own a 96 Civic

Shitty service experiences should not be normal at Ford, yet it is across the country.

Farley is kind of screwed, they don't really have the power over the franchised dealers.

With my issue, Ford corporate told me, if the dealer denied a warranty repair, Ford cannot overturn it. That is insane to me.

Slightly off topic, but Farley was trying to get away from the franchised model with the new EV models, but I don't think that worked at all. He was trying to make the EVs their own separate entity, so he could get around the existing dealer network.

I read your related post recently. I’m sorry your experience was less than satisfactory. The service experiences have made me consider other brands as well, but I do really enjoy the Bronco and so does my family.

On a separate note, your build thread aided with my decision to take the plunge on the Ford Performance lift. What a huge difference from stock. Rides great, and even the wifey noticed (which was surprising, lol).

 

[userdude]

Friendly Ford located in Crosby, TX

My brother used to live there by the golf course. My Dad was just talking yesterday that Baytown Ford has a good service center, he needs to get his truck looked at.

 

[JT58Bronc]

Hey there. The lift shop did have a machine but didn’t have the exact spec. They dialed it in as best they could but still recommended official alignment. Honestly, it was solid before I took it to Ford, but I wanted to have alignment documented from Ford and proper spec. Go figure…

Maybe you just need the steering wheel centered? I have had more than a good many alignments that the steering wheel was not centered and yet the vehicle tracked perfectly straight after an alignment. It's the tech not taking the time to center and hold the wheel straight while they make the adjustments. They even make or should have a tool to keep the wheel straight. When this happens I simply adjust the tie rod ends to make the wheels move ever so slightly in the same direction to re-center the wheel. You have to determine which way the wheel is cocked when the vehicle is going perfectly straight on a flat surface (not crowned), then adjust the tie rods in that direction. In other words if your wheel is cocked to the right, when you hold it straight it goes left, so you adjust to the right. Works like a charm every time for me. I had to do it on my Bronco when it was brand new LOL. Just an ever so slight adjustment.

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