Must I re-align after doing this?
 

Just paid an arm/leg today for a 4-wheel alignment, only to remember I have to change the front strut inserts and add the Elephant Racing bump-steer kit (washers/bolt type).

Will I need to re-align after completing these projects?

Afraid so. Even if you mark everything I doubt you will get things back into correct alignment.

How particular are you?

What I'd do is install the bump steer spacers and have the shop reset front toe only.
(The spacers will only change toe, and only by a touch. New inserts will have a negligible effect. After all, you don't move the alignment plates when you replace shocks.)

Not very. I was only planning on having the front-end aligned, but the shop insisted all four wheels must be done. I must rebuild the rear-end (someday), but was concerned about the front end only as I knew it was out-of-whack (steering pulled, tire wear, etc.).

Do you know what the front toe is currently set at?

Yes, the shop gave me a print-out of the settings (before/after).

And the front settings are... :)

I dunno...paperwork is at my shop. I'll post tomorrow.

Danny

Don't let the shop BS you into doing the whole thing over. You will not have changed rear alignment or front camber or caster. Just front toe. That can easily be adjusted independently of the rest of the car.

I think the bump steer kit will cause the toe to move out a bit. Ask the shop to adjust the toe by taking equal turns on each toe adjuster until the total toe is back to what it was.

The worst that can happen is your steering wheel will be a little off center when going straight.

If they give you static, find someone else.

Walt Fricke

steering adjustments and shocks
 

I am in agreement with Walter. A bump steer kit (spacing washer) did not change the toe settings enough that I could measure it with a tape measure.
The Hunter Laser Alignment did find .03 degree change on drivers and a .01 on the passengers side. I was not able to tell the change in the drivablility. Since this was in range, I left it as is on the '86 Carrera.
Replacing shocks has no affect at all. You are not moving the geometry.

911_pilot

If you're fussy about your alignments make sure they align the car with you in the seat. It can make a huge difference.

Richard Newton

Autocross Performance Handbook

Wheel and Tire Performance Handbook
www.amazon.com/Wheel-Performance-Handbook-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760331448/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199198539&sr=1-11

Can I ask how much was the 4 wheel alignment? Im thinking we are too cheap

Where I am, it's $165. :)

Lifetime alignment service policy for my 750iL, was $140. It is for as long as I own the car. I have been using the same shop for many years. I have all of my cars done there. It has gone up a few $ over the years. It used to cost $99.00 for the four wheel lifetime alignment.

Well...my shop charges $99/hr. They said it took them awhile because the adjustment bolts (cams?) in the rear were seized and they had to soak & work on them. They did some other work (oil temp sender) and the bill was $569. Nothing is cheap here (SoFla). (I tried a "cheaper" shop previously and they f-ed everything up, so now I pay more, but only for the stuff I can't do myself).