If you do wheel alignment work , you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod ends, ball joints, springs, bushings, struts and related components are all in good condition before you make any corrections. A lift also makes it much easier to make those corrections. Adjusting tie rods, camber bolts on MacPherson struts and offset control arm bushings is much easier when you are standing up compared to when you are laying on your back.

Any ordinary lift or even a floor jack can be used for prealignment inspections, adjustments or repairs. But for quick turnaround and maximum productivity, you need a specialized lift for doing wheel alignments. Alignment lifts incorporate a number of special features. These include built-in turn plates and skid plates. Turn plates are used to check toe-out and caster when the wheels are steered to either side. Slip plates are necessary with independent rear suspensions so the suspension can settle to its normal ride height.

Turn plates should be flush with the ramps so there’s no bump to roll over. Alignment systems that use a 3D camera system and wheel-mounted targets require rolling the vehicle back and f...