I have a small lift kit I want to install on my 2007 Frontier 4x4. I know it is highly recommended to get an alignment after putting on a lift to prevent excessive tire wear. That said, my tires are going to need to be replaced here in the next few months or so anyways, I just can't afford tires right now. I'd like to get new tires around tax time next spring and take advantage of the free alignment a local tire shop offers with a tire purchase.

FWIW: I managed to score the lift kit for $20 plus another $20 shipping from a friend who never took the parts out of the box. It consists of a 3" Supreme Suspensions Aircraft Billet Strut Spacers for the Front, & 1.5" Rough Country 1.5-inch Lift Shackles for the Rear. My Frontier currently sits 2" lower in the front than in the rear, so after the lift it will still have a slight sag in the front so the rear isn't too low when it's loaded down. I also got some bump stops for the control arms that I will need to drill some holes for, and I still need to order a set of Camber Bolts ($30) in order to properly align it after the lift.

Also, if anyone in the FW area wants to help me install it I can bring beer. I have some very basic hand tools, enough to get the job done over the course of a couple of days. But it would definitely be easier and quicker with pneumatic tools and the like. It is a 4 hour job for most people with pneumatic tools and a little "know how"

TLDR; Do I absolutely positively 100% need to get my truck aligned IMMEDIATELY after putting a lift kit on it if I plans on getting new tires next spring anyways?

Yes. Go to Firestone and buy lifetime alignment.

I�d say no for right now

If it handles ok after lifting it I wouldn�t worry about it right now but keep in mind your tires will wear differently than they are now. Probably faster too but if you plan on getting new tires anyway I�d get the alignment with them.

That�s only if it handles ok. It might want to wander around and �float�. If it does that you need to get it done.

I will look into that. Not bad for less than $200

$200 for the alignment? I guess that's why they can do the lifetime thing.

Just drive it. The truck will tell you. I put a Bilstein 6112 full coilover kit set at 1.9" on my new Tundra. I managed to get it on without loosening the LCA bolts. I would have marked the marked the alignment washers if I had loosened them. I noticed no steering pull or anything. Went ahead and paid Firestone $70 for alignment. Look for internet specials or coupons. Toe was out just slightly.

I�ve heard if your tires are really worn, places will make you replace them first. So if that�s the case, you�ll have to wait till you get the new ones on anyways.

Yes

drive in the right lane half the day then drive in the left lane 1/2 the day. that should keep the wear even.

Yes, you need an alignment unless you want to speed up the wear on those old tires and possibly have bad handling driving the truck. Just wait to install the lift. Before you get new tires, put the lift on, put the new tires on, and get the alignment done.

Yes

I wouldn't drive it a block without alignment. Toe in will be excessive and could blow out a bad tire if it heats up too much.

Yolo

Yes and get one from the best place you can find.

+1.