About dealers:

[BillyGman]

Please have patience w/me if this has been already addressed. if so, I haven't seen it. But the fact is that my Marauder is well overdue for it's first front end alginment. yes, I know there's been atleast sevral threads on this board about front end alignments, but this question is specifically about dealers. I'm sure that there are some dealers that perform front end alignments although my guess is that mostof them do NOT.

I haven't a lot of experience dealing w/car dealers since my Marauder is only the second car that I've ever bought brand new, and I've had some bad expreiences at dealers not only w/this car, but w/the last car that I purchased brand new which was infact some time ago.

Anyway, do any of you neccessarily recommend or discourage people from going to dealer for front end alignments? Opinions and /or experiences would be appreciated. thanks in advance.

[Marauderjack]

Billy.....

My dealer not only can't align the front end....THEY CAN'T EVEN CHANGE 18" TIRES!!! :uzi:

Had to go to a local shop that sells and installs tires up to 24"...I didn't even know they made them that large??? :confused:

I get the feeling that as time goes on we are going to have a bunch of trouble finding parts and service for our "SPECIAL" cars?? :help: Hope not but such a short run and so few sold leads me to think so!! :alone: :alone:

Marauderjack :D

[martyo]

Billy: Hunt down someone with Hunter alignment equipment and go to them. Be sure to speak to them first and make sure that they will not de-bling (i.e. scratch) the wheels -- be very specific about this.

Why do you feel the need to go to the dealer?

By the way, I guy by me has this equipment and I have used him and so has another member on the site, so if you want, let me know and I will hook you up with him.

[Bradley G]

Please have patience w/me if this has been already addressed. if so, I haven't seen it. But the fact is that my Marauder is well overdue for it's first front end alginment. yes, I know there's been atleast sevral threads on this board about front end alignments, but this question is specifically about dealers. I'm sure that there are some dealers that perform front end alignments although my guess is that mostof them do NOT.

I haven't a lot of experience dealing w/car dealers since my Marauder is only the second car that I've ever bought brand new, and I've had some bad expreiences at dealers not only w/this car, but w/the last car that I purchased brand new which was infact some time ago.

Anyway, do any of you neccessarily recommend or discourage people from going to dealer for front end alignments? Opinions and /or experiences would be appreciated. thanks in advance.Two things to look for BillyGman is SVT and Blue oval certified I think this will greatin your chances to achieve quality work on your beast

[MarauderMark]

Mine is SVT and they still can't do a front alignment on the car (they send it up the road).but they can mount tires on the rims.De-blinging? don't know yet.

[CRUZTAKER]

Dealerships+MM alignments=don't mix

Save the pain and go to a performance shop with Hunter equipment. Always inspect the wheels with the service tech prior to the work being performed.

[BillyGman]

Okay, so it sounds like getting an alignment at a dealer might be a bad idea from what you guys are saying. Thankyou for your input.

MARTY, I'm not so sure I want to travel that far just for an alignment unless I don't have any alternative. But I'll keep that in mind my friend. The reason why I've been thinking about the dealer is simply because someone on this board who I've previously told to go to an SVT dealer in Branford, CT, told me that the srvice manager there told him that even if he S/Ces his Marauder, that he would still honor his warantee!!!

I was very surprised to hear about that. This same service manager told me that he didn't have a problem w/me modifying my Marauder when I was there which is why I suggested to that other board member to go there. The srvice manager is a circle trackracer himself and he has his race car sitting there in the dealer's garage whenever I go there w/roll cage and numbers on the doors and the whole 9 yards.

But the last time I was there was before I S/Ced my car, and I just assumed that when he told me that he would still honor my warantee despite modifications, that it didn't include things like S/Cing. But according to what he told this other board member, it does. So I want to spend as much $$ there as possible to get that dealer on my side. However, I want to stay w/simple stuff like transmission fluid flushes and front end alignments because when I had them change the torque converter, I had a bad experience w/their mechanics.

[John F. Russo]

I have real confidence in my dealer called Wall's Lincon Mercury of Methuen. Derrick does a very good job! And they have depth in their organization.

They align my front wheels and do other work.

For supercharger work, I'm looking for someone in eastern MA or southern NH area. Any suggestions?


______________________________ ___________________
2003 Dark Blue Pearl 300B (Canadian) w/Light Flint (reversed
traction control, mini spare, trunked 6 disc CD changer,
clock-in-the-radio, heated front seats/mirrors, hood light)
-Born 12/10/02; converted new then used 2/28/03
-23,000 miles
-18.5 mpg at a steady speed of 80 mph
-Stock transmission (upgraded with Performance Automatic
clutches and band after stock tranny failed in 8,800 miles)
-Wheel locks (Ford); godshead valve stem caps
-Badgeless front grille by “Zack”
-Zaino waxing; RainX
Kenny Brown: 6th “Signature Series” conversion (450 hp) Born
3/28/03 (first drove it)
-Vortech supercharger (5 to 9 psig boost)
-377 RWTQ
-4.10 gears
-Baer front brakes 14 in., two piston, slotted/drilled rotors
-MMX Driveshaft
-Precision, triple disc, P/N469018-3 Precision, triple disc, P/N469018-3
-Ford Racing Stud and Girdle
-Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico (front 255/45ZR18 99Y; rear
255/50ZR18 102Y)
-Dead pedal
-FordChip
-3/4 of a coil from each front stock spring removed to produce
the “same” effect as an Eibach spring
-Ground clearance: 5 in.
______________________________ ___________________________
1961 Ford Galaxie, 2 dr. Club Victoria, 390CID, 375hp, 4 barrel (gone)

[BillyGman]

There was a dealer in R.I or in MASS.that was highly recommended to me as being a major high performance dealer that even installs blowers on customers' cars. But I cannot remember the name of it nor even the board member here who recommended them to me. It must have been someone who resides in R.I. or MASS. I remember writing it down. If i find it I'll get back to you.

[03SILVERSTREAK]

I have real confidence in my dealer called Wall's Lincon Mercury of Methuen. Derrick does a very good job! And they have depth in their organization.

They align my front wheels and do other work.

For supercharger work, I'm looking for someone in eastern MA or southern NH area. Any suggestions?


______________________________ ___________________
2003 Dark Blue Pearl 300B (Canadian) w/Light Flint (reversed
traction control, mini spare, trunked 6 disc CD changer,
clock-in-the-radio, heated front seats/mirrors, hood light)
-Born 12/10/02; converted new then used 2/28/03
-23,000 miles
-18.5 mpg at a steady speed of 80 mph
-Stock transmission (upgraded with Performance Automatic
clutches and band after stock tranny failed in 8,800 miles)
-Wheel locks (Ford); godshead valve stem caps
-Badgeless front grille by “Zack”
-Zaino waxing; RainX
Kenny Brown: 6th “Signature Series” conversion (450 hp) Born
3/28/03 (first drove it)
-Vortech supercharger (5 to 9 psig boost)
-377 RWTQ
-4.10 gears
-Baer front brakes 14 in., two piston, slotted/drilled rotors
-MMX Driveshaft
-Precision, triple disc, P/N469018-3 Precision, triple disc, P/N469018-3
-Ford Racing Stud and Girdle
-Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico (front 255/45ZR18 99Y; rear
255/50ZR18 102Y)
-Dead pedal
-FordChip
-3/4 of a coil from each front stock spring removed to produce
the “same” effect as an Eibach spring
-Ground clearance: 5 in.
______________________________ ___________________________
1961 Ford Galaxie, 2 dr. Club Victoria, 390CID, 375hp, 4 barrel (gone)
I read your Sig: how did you get your tractoin control in reverse ???

[frdwrnch]

Come on guys, enough dealer bashing! A dealer is just like any other mechanical shop with the difference being our expectations. Some are better equipped than others, some have better techs than others, some care more about fixing cars than others, but we expect more because they represent the manufacturer of the vehicle. By the same token, finding an independent repair facility with the knowledge, equipment, ability and initiative is just as difficult. That being said, you want to find a service facility that has an up to date alignment machine with adapters that grab on the tires and rims without marring the rim. Hunter equipment makes these so if they have a Hunter alignment machine they have access to this accessory. As far as wheel balance goes, you'll be hard pressed to find a better machine than the hunter GSP balancer w/road force measurement. But the equipment is only as good as the operator. There are some shops that specialize in alignments and tire issues. They would probably have the equipment required and the experienced personel (probably). When taking the car in to the repair shop explain to them what you want corrected. Example: pulls right, steering wheel shakes at ... mph, my tires are wearing abnormally. Don't just say "I want a wheel alignment" or "balance my tires". If the mechanic or service writer is hesitant , evasive, or unsure of their ability to resolve your concern then go elsewhere. An independent facility has the option of taking your money and then if your not satisfied or they can't fix it they can say " I guess you need to take it to the dealer". Good Luck. I hope I don't trip stepping off my soap box.

[BillyGman]

I didn't think that you neccessarily need to have any specific complaint or problem in order for a front end alignment to be in order as preventative maintainence. What if your MM has 14K on it, and you've never had a front end alignment done to it. Wouldn't you say it's overdue?

[frdwrnch]

"IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!" Unless you are having a specific issue, I'd let it be as it does give an opportunity to create an issue. I think the 30k service in the manual may recommend an alignment. At 15k I'll be willing to bet that you have some wear on the very inside edge of the front tires. I'm waiting to see if the alignment specs shown on a recent thread here offer better tire wear characteristics than the factory settings as I know of two MM's that are adjusted to this.

[cyclone03]

I didn't think that you neccessarily need to have any specific complaint or problem in order for a front end alignment to be in order as preventative maintainence. What if your MM has 14K on it, and you've never had a front end alignment done to it. Wouldn't you say it's overdue?


Billy it sounds like you have a good relationship building with your service writer.
Talk with him first about the type of equipment they use.If the wheel fixtures clip or grip the outside edge of the rims it WILL damage the wheels.
Suggest,ask,if they can install a set of GM steel wheels during the alignment to prevent damaging your wheels.

BTW over-due or not adding 50 or so pounds to the front of your car(super charger) is a good reason to re align.

[TAF]

You're getting some sound advice here Billy. And all dealers are not bad...just unfortunately they seem to certainly be the exception rather than the rule. This holds mostly true for Lincoln/Mercury dealers and our cars...except for my friends frdwrnches place in Charlotte.

And for anyone within a days drive...we can get you covered here in the A-T-L with WHATEVER you need at Team Ford. Alignments, mod installs, and REAL custom Dyno-tuning with the SCT Dealer software. :up:

[TheDealer]

You're getting some sound advice here Billy. And all dealers are not bad...just unfortunately they seem to certainly be the exception rather than the rule. This holds mostly true for Lincoln/Mercury dealers and our cars...except for my friends frdwrnches place in Charlotte.

And for anyone within a days drive...we can get you covered here in the A-T-L with WHATEVER you need at Team Ford. Alignments, mod installs, and REAL custom Dyno-tuning with the SCT Dealer software. :up:


I'm changing my User ID!!!! LOL, RAY

[jgc61sr2002]

Ray - You are an exception to the norm. :up: Thanks for your support. :D

[MarauderMark]

I'm changing my User ID!!!! LOL, RAY


LOL. Not you ray...you've been very good to us , at least me:rock:

[TAF]

I'm changing my User ID!!!! LOL, RAY
I'm sorry Ray...the truth is...I was typing this...got to the point about Russel's place (and had you in mind to mention), got a phone call, and when I came back to finish...the unintended omission was made.

CERTAINLY Ray is one of the BIGGEST exceptions to the Lincoln/Mercury "we'd rather deal with blue-hairs" Rule....:up:

Please accept my apology?

[tmac1337]

Talk to carfixer. He is a Ford Tech. and knows the alignment specs (which are different than the factory specs).

[67435animal]

You're getting some sound advice here Billy. And all dealers are not bad...just unfortunately they seem to certainly be the exception rather than the rule. This holds mostly true for Lincoln/Mercury dealers and our cars...except for my friends frdwrnches place in Charlotte.

And for anyone within a days drive...we can get you covered here in the A-T-L with WHATEVER you need at Team Ford. Alignments, mod installs, and REAL custom Dyno-tuning with the SCT Dealer software. :up:

I will just add to this that Jeff at Team Ford of Marietta GA aligned my front end after I installed new tires and just before I went on a recent 2500 mile trip. The car handled better on the trip than it ever had and no obvious wear problem on the front tires!

Jeff knows the tricks to aligning the front end of a Marauder. If you working with another tech who is less experienced, Jeff would possibly be willing to share his knowledge with any tech new to the process of aligning a Marauder.

I think that there are probably a number of skilled techs out there. Do they have the right equipment? As fordwrench says, ask questions! Once you have a dealer with the equipment, talk to the guy who will do the work. If you feel he is capable, go for it.

Bob

[Petrograde]

Okay, so it sounds like getting an alignment at a dealer might be a bad idea from what you guys are saying. Thankyou for your input.

Oddly enough Billy,.. I had my MM at the dealership yesterday for an alignment. The mechanic knew what he was doing.

I think it's just a matter of finding a dealership, and a mechanic with the knowledge, skills, and proper equipment.

You might find him at the dealership, or at a local owner operated garage.

One you find him,... hang on to him! :lol:

[BillyGman]

Thanks very much for eveyones input here. I just wish that atleast one of the members of this board who work at dealers were employed by a dealer in my homestate. I used to perform front end alignments myself, but even though that's the case, it isn't always too easy to determine if a mechanic/thechnition knows what he's doing simply by talking to him. Many of them do NOT have the time to stand there shooting the breeze w/them simply so you can pick their brain to figure out if they know what they're doing.


Therefore, the way that you usually find out if they DO know what they're doing or not, is to allow them to work on your car, and then wait and see what the results of that work were. And unfortunately when it comes to any garage or dealer, it's so difficult to find one that someone can recommend to you that's also in your area,that also turns out to be trustworthy, that it's becomes a matter of hit or miss.

In that respect I guess it's like trying to find a Physician that you can trust. They're few and far between. But again, thanks very much for everyone's input. That's what I needed.

[Jeff]

I have 26K on my original set of tires and have no uneven wear. I don't plan to
align until I get a new set on the wheels. It's been my experience with front-end alignments that if you don't have to turn that nut, don't!
Just my two cents worth... :)

[BillyGman]

I have 26K on my original set of tires and have no uneven wear. I don't plan to
align until I get a new set on the wheels. It's been my experience with front-end alignments that if you don't have to turn that nut, don't!
Just my two cents worth... :)
Wow. Thanks Jeff. Perhaps I've been listening too much to the tire shops who tell me to have the front-end aligned every 5,000 miles. I've never had them done that frequently, but I've always felt like I was wrong for not doing so also. I'll have to re-think this in light of what you and atleast one other member here has said.

[John F. Russo]

I read your Sig: how did you get your tractoin control in reverse ???


My dealer reversed the wiring so that I don't have to press the switch every time I didn't want the traction control on.

I didn't find the traction control to be of any help during my first winter. I drove my car during every day during the first winter with great care.

And it was a pain to always have to press switch. Now I don't ever have to worry about the traction control.