Do You Need an Alignment After Installing a Leveling Kit?

Every week we hear from truck owners who installed a leveling kit and skipped the alignment. Within a few thousand miles, their tires are worn unevenly, they're chasing a pull to one side, and they're spending more money fixing the problem than the alignment would have cost in the first place.

Yes, you need an alignment after installing a leveling kit. Every time. No exceptions.

WHAT AN ALIGNMENT DOES

A wheel alignment sets three key angles: Camber — the vertical tilt of the tire (positive = top of tire tilts out; negative = top tilts in). Toe — whether the fronts of the tires point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out) relative to each other. Caster — the angle of the steering axis viewed from the side of the vehicle. When your truck is at stock ride height, these angles are set to factory specification. When you change the ride height — even by as little as 1 inch — those angles shift.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SKIP THE ALIGNMENT?

Uneven tire wear: Incorrect toe causes tires to scrub sideways as they roll, wearing the inner or outer edge prematurely. On a new set of tires, you can destroy the tread in 10,000 miles or fewer. Pulling to one side: If the caster or toe is unequal side to side, the truck will pull or drift. Steering issues: Poor alignment can affect steering return-to-center and general handling feel. Accelerated wear on suspension components: Incorrect geometry puts extra stress on tie rod ends, ball joints, and wheel bearings.

WHAT TO TELL YOUR ALIGNMENT SHOP

Not all shops are familiar with lifted truck alignments. When you call, tell them: You installed a leveling kit and the front ride height has changed. You want a full front-end alignment to factory spec. Ask if they can adjust caster — not all shops have the right tools or know-how for this. If you're running an aftermarket upper control arm (UCA), make sure the shop knows that too.

CASTER AND LEVELING KITS

Adding a leveling spacer tends to reduce positive caster, which can make the truck feel less stable at highway speeds and reduce steering return-to-center. Quality shops can adjust caster using eccentric cam bolts or adjustable UCAs to restore or even improve factory caster specs.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ALIGNMENT COST?

A standard two-wheel alignment (front only) typically runs $80–$120. A four-wheel alignment runs $120–$180. It's a small price to pay compared to a set of tires worn out prematurely.

THE BOTTOM LINE

An alignment is not optional after a leveling kit install — it's part of the job. Budget for it, schedule it before or right after your install, and your tires and front-end components will thank you. Shop MotoFab leveling kits at motofablifts.com and always finish the job right.