I will be putting a full coupe suspension on my car (struts & shocks), with coupe rear & Z front Springs. I've heard on the forum that you should wait a few weeks after dropping the car, to let the car settle prior to getting the alignment done. I've also heard from auto shops that you can do an alignment the same day.

I'm not even sure the process or how the shop actually does the alignment, but don't they do it when the car is on jacks or on the lift? If so, then the springs won't even be compressed anyways, since the car won't be resting on the suspension/wheels....right? Just seems like having the car settle first wouldn't matter then if that's the case, would it?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

alignment is done with your springs compressed, they drive the car onto a lift with an opening just in the center.
you should get one of those 6 month alignment deals, that way you wont ruin your tires while the spring settles.

 

get alignment right after intallation and then after driving on it for about 2 weeks to a month (giving time for the springs to brake it) get another alignment and your all set!

 

Thanks guys....

Rphillips - I like your approach...good idea.

Thanks

 

This was what I did except I'm still waiting to do the 2nd alignment till new wheels and tires get here. The more you can drive it after lowering gives more time for the springs to heat cycle and settle and since the tires are going to be replaced, a little wear isn't a concern.

 

"Heat cycle"? What's that?

 

Its not really heat cycling, but rather just "cycling" new springs need a certain number of compressions before they reach their specified height, some manufacters put their springs through this before shipping and thus don't settle, and some don't so you here of people with springs needing a few weeks to settle.