Do you have to have an alignment after you replace the front shocks?

Well, here's my experience...

I replaced the shocks on our '91 a couple of years ago. Raised the ride height a bit, just like all of you.

I decided an alignment was not necessary. So, over the next year or so the front tires wore out on the outside edge because, as it turned out, the wheels were toed-in a bit.

The car had never been aligned since new and showed no unsual wear characteristics untils after I changed the shocks. This casts some doubt on the theory that the alignment goes back to "normal" when you replace the worn shocks on a car that still has the factory settings.

YMMV

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2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560