new wheels means new alignment??

one of the local shops near me had told me that if i get a new wheel setup then i would need an alignment to prevent any premature wear and tear.. does this soumd like bologna to you folks? TIA!

 

Changing wheels will not affect alignment at all.

Installing a lift will.. wheels no

 

Baloney

 

Mostly bologna. Changing the offset of the wheels does change some geometry though. Shock Therapy did a video on it regarding offset changes on SxSs, but it is much more exaggerated on those. Not sure it'd be enough to impact a truck, but maybe?

 

i did plan to change the offset of my wheel setup, not drastically though.

 

I would say no but it is helpful if you have warranty issues with the tires. All responsibility is on one shop

 

See if this makes any sense or applies. (Not all of the video)

https://youtu.be/yfhYNiSs7aE?t=88

 

Might as well be spam!

 

When was your last alignment?

 

New wheels/tires don't impact alignment. Is it possible there was a miscommunication and they are noticing unexpected wear on your current tires and are letting you know you should get an alignment?

 

couple of months ago

 

it was all said over the phone. they haven’t even seen my truck yet Lol.

 

New wheels do not throw the alignment off. People often get a new alignment with tire replacements just to keep things in spec. This is because an alignment can be thrown off from years of potholes and bumps and doing it with a new set of tires is good insurance that you’ll start off on a new set of tires with everything in spec. This isn’t the same as saying swapping wheels and tires out automatically requires an alignment. Personally, I do it with tire changes Which is every 5-ish years for me.

Perhaps they should have phrased it as “we recommend starting off on new tires with an alignment” but to make the sale they phrase it like its critical. If it's been more than a few years since one was done it might not be a bad idea but if you see no evidence of uneven wear right now it is not the end of the world if you get your new rims and tires on then get around to it a little bit after that.

 

The key is to watch tire wear, it speaks loud and clear if you pay attention.