I just finished replacing the lower control arms, ball joints and tie rod ends to see if I could get rid of the annoying clunk in the front end. I've already replaced the strut links with good quality ones and replaced the sway bar bushings with the new Chrysler design.
The van rides much better, enough so that even my wife noticed but there is still somewhat of a clunk. When I replaced the struts 2 years ago, I don't think I replaced anything on the top other than the bearing. Having just paid for an alignment, what are the odds of first marking where the steering knuckle is bolted to the strut, taking the struts back off to replace the upper parts and then getting things back together without having to have it realigned?

 

0, but it's a good thought

 

Lol but not what I wanted to hear.

 

Next time get an alignment at sears and you can change whatever parts you want and realign for free up 6 months 12,000 miles. Just say you hit a pothole and want to get it checked.

 

I believe there are others that also do the same......Tires Plus maybe.

 

Tizzy, I know from being on here for some time that you obviously know your stuff. I'm just curious as why things couldn't go back to where they were or at least close enough for government work.

 

You can get away with shocks maybe not struts. Just dont touch anything else. your tie rods adjust toe and the chamber kit adjust chamber and caster so i dont see how the shock alone can mess that up. you can always take it to the same place and if they are anytype of decent people they wont charge you if the alignment is fine. especially if they use computers.

 

I've tried it, trust me, I'm a lazy *** b@stard just like the next guy. You'd be supprised how little it needs to move in there to mess up the adjustments. You can certainly try, no crime in that. Paint the entire area and try to match it up. Your other option is to remove the strut and the knuckle as an assembly. Then no alignment would be needed.