What do I need to know to see if a shop can do an alignment on my 300cd? Seems like I remember someone saying the laser system was better. And there might be a special tool involved?

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I suggest we solve high gas prices with environmentalists... unfortunately they don't burn well.
1982 300CD, 220K miles: This vacuum system will be the death of me yet! (OBK #26)
1977 F150 400 C6 2wd, 10.2 sec 1/8 mile with 2.75 gears.
1965 Mustang. Mostly stock... LOL!
2001 Ram 2500, cummins, 5spd, 202k miles.(girlfriends)

There's a special spreader bar that's required to put a load on the front suspension to get the alignment just right. Most likely, no non-dealer shop is going to have this tool. I've never had to have an alignment done on my car but I've heard mixed results of getting an alignment done somewhere other than the dealership. Some seem to have good results while others complain that its not quite right. If you can get a good deal on say, a lifetime alignment or something you can just keep bringing it back until they get it right.

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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo

There is a spreader bar as mentioned above and a tool/bolt to screw into the steering box to lock it in the center position. If a shop does not use them both, then I don't use the shop. Maybe they could get an alignment right, but my experience is that I only use a dealer for alignments. Have not had much luck elsewhere.

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Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles