STL

I plan to install the A-Spec suspension this Saturday (June 3rd), and I also plan to take a small road trip the following weekend (leaving Friday, June 9th). So how long should I wait for this new suspension to settle before having an alignment done? Specificaly, should I get it done before or after my road trip?

jackacc

It really depends on how much you drive it and how hard you drive it. I think most springs, under normal driving conditions, will settle within 2 weeks.

You should definately have an alignment done right after you lower it since everything will be way off, especially in the rear. Then within a month, get another alignment to make sure it is AOK. The A-spec should not settle too much where it would throw your settings way out of whack. If you get an alignment b4 your trip, you'll be just fine.

jlukja

I had mine aligned right after the A-spec suspension install. I haven't had it looked at since. To my untrained eye it doesn't seem to have settled much at all.

joerockt

Same here. Marcus (Mr. Heeltoe) did my alignement the same day he did the install of the Tein basics and I havent had any alignment issues...

xizor

IMO none of my springs or coilovers "settled" after installation, I'm starting to think its just a urban myth

A Cake On

I would get an alignment done as soon as you can. Drive it around for about a month and take it in again. My alignment comes with a 6 month, 6000 mile warranty, and most places have similar.. And that is exactly how I am going to get them to align the car again with my camber kit, if I choose to get one (No one has to know that it wasn't on there the first time)

Tsx536

I would wait a couple of days, and a day before your road trip. Just drive it for a couple of days and go over a lot of bumps and stuff so that springs get compressed.

You don't wanna put a lot of miles on your without an alignment.

waTSX

A-Spec here and zero settling after 6 months. More fun to drive though

STL

Mmmmmmmmmm, Mac & Jack.

Thanks for all the info guys! I think I'll initially do a simple string line alignment to get it close enough to limit tire wear. Then have a full blown alignment done in a couple weeks.

If any of you guys with A-Specs suspension have them on an '06, do me a favor and give me the measurement from fender to the ground (both front and rear) so I can compare it to what I have after the install.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

It is a myth. What happens is when you put the car on the ground after working on it, the tires prevent the suspension from compressing all the way. Once you drive the car out of the garage the height is where it is going to be. If it drops more, then you have a problem.

Marcus

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

A month is the extreme maxiumim amount of time. I recommend 1-2 weeks at the most.

Not only are tires a concern, but the car handles funny the whoe time it is not aligned. For the best driving happiness, get that alignment. Don't lower the car until you can afford to finish the job.

Marcus

A Cake On

^ Right, get it done as soon as you can. Like within the first couple of days. Don't wait a month to get the first alignment done. But if you want to be anal about it like I am, take it in a second time in a month or so. And I agree don't lower the car if you can't get it aligned.

MrHeeltoe

iTrader: (1)

A second alignment is kinds pointless, unless the first one was no good or something....

Marcus