I got that impression, to be honest. I cannot see a good reason for an alignment unless the LCA was worn out at the last alignment. However when I bought the car I had checked them (because I read on this forum that they are prone to failure) and they were still tight, the bushings just getting a bit dried out. So my opinion is that an alignment is not needed with an identical replacement part. If I see that I have alignment issues after the change, then yeah, an alignment might be necessary. But to do it "As part of the process" for the extra 110 bucks is more likely a scam. Darn dealerships. I have a friend here in town that just opened his own shop. If I can't get those rear bolts loose, I'll see if he can help me out.

 

Thanks! I checked that post out, and it's what I thought, basically. I have watched a few videos on doing it myself, and am prepared to do it. But those dang rear bolts are TIGHT. I tried for over 30 minutes on the passenger side while my son had it in the air working on the timing chain (the first time) and I couldn't budge them at all. Maybe a lot more PBlaster and a longer cheater bar will do it. I hate spending money when it's something I can do myself. I'll let you know. Maybe I'll talk to my ex and see if I can use the garage next week some time. I don't like laying on my gravel driveway in the wet/snowy/cold. Getting too old for that now.

 

It has crossed my mind before...but I hate jail time