As Spring (aka: Wake the Dragon), approaches, I'm making a few changes to my car. I am switching to Swift springs and going from OEM 17s to 18" TE37s... and with that, a few questions have come up.

1. Spring settling... Is this time dependent or mileage dependent or a combination of both? Reason I ask... Driving approximately 130 miles after the car has the new springs installed (but only 3 or 4 days before I do the alignment). Is this enough time for the springs to settle? Swifts are a very moderate drop so I wasn't sure if the drop was signifcant enough to worry about "settling".

2. When doing alignment, is the wheel/tire choice a factor? I understand that I don't want to go with any camber worn tires and then switch to another set of wheels and have the alignment out of wack, but does it matter if both tires are in good shape? I don't know if I'll have the 18s by the time I do my alignment. Should I wait till I get the 18s on and then do the alignment with them on? Or does it matter whether I do it with the 17s or the 18s as long as the tires are both in good shape.


Thanks for the help/suggestions.

 

First off changing the wheels and tires is not going to change your alignment. Second the springs should not settle. They should stay the same as when they are put on and everything is bolted down. I also would not wait for days after the springs are put on to do the alignment. The alingment should be done at the same time as the springs go on the car.
If I can help with anything let me know.

 

Swift springs don't settle really (could be good or bad depending how you want your car to look). The way it looks from the first day you install it to the same day a year later, it will look identical. First hand experience

 

Got it.. thanks to both of you..



and yes, Jim, I need to pick up two front tires for my wifes car... We ordered a set of rear Kumho 712s or something for her car 2 summers ago, and now her fronts need to be replaced (different size). Unfortunately, they are out of stock.. I need to get the size again and see if you can order some fronts for me..