I have a question. should I wait until I install the "Simple Engineering" lower radiator support before I have the wheel alignment done? I intend to replace the X brace as well but later. I'm unsure as to how that would make much difference to a wheel alignment but, rather ask a stupid question than...
IMO, do the alignment now. I agree with others, and provide a bit more detail.. and opinion.
I’ve installed the SE stiffening plate, the LC32 crossmember and later on the SE radiator support on my truck I did it all by myself on jack stands. I’ve also done the radiator support and SE stiffening plate on several other Rs.
The stiffening plate, nor the radiator support affect the alignment as neither require removal of the bolts that affect alignment. The LC32 crossmember does remove the alignment bolts and does require re-alignment.
The SE stiffening plate and LC32 crossmember work together.
@Mike in AZ and Joe Delano did a great job making complementary parts. Somewhere I read it is ~70/30? split between the amount of rigidity the stiffening plate and crossmember deliver to the front end. That said, I cannot really confirm or deny as I did both together. I can say the stiffening plate works really well on it’s own and both reduce “head shake”. The LC32 crossmember is a bit more work and a chunk of change and most are very happy with just the SE stiffening plate.
The radiator support is awesome and great insurance and is a far better mount for the air dam. I have the SE air dam too. Testimonial: The SE radiator support supported the entire front end of my truck once. File that under, don’t try this ever...ever. Always use jack stands. Always. The “fall”, damaged the support, but wasn’t catastrophic, like it would have been with the plastic radiator support. For the record, I replaced it a few days later.
Regarding the alignment: Dicktator’s specs cure the scrubbing and the truck will turn slightly quicker. It is a must. I did it before and after the SE stiffening plate/LC32 crossmember install (and it didn’t move :surprise: as I supported everything as I did it). I also had the alighment checked after a set of new tires, “just to be sure”.
If you want your truck to settle down more, replace the shocks front and rear (don’t skip the rears they really reduce the rear end rock).
The next step would be the control arms and urethane bushings, including the track bar bushings. I’ve done back to back runs with another friend’s R after we replaced his shocks. His was far better after the shocks, and mine was again better and more planted under acceration and turning. There was no more “hitch” to one side in turns for the rear end to plant after the control arms and bushings. FWIW: I did the sway bars too, just after the stiffening plate and crossmember, but given my experience, I’d do them last.
- Robert
:silver: