Re: Alignment question
This thread seems to be all over the map.
If the vehicle has been altered (like converting a cab chassis into a Class-C RV), then it will probably need an alignment, because the alignment geometry is effected by ride-height, and ride-height is effected by weight. So even if a cab chassis left the assembly line with perfect alignment, it will have needed an alignment after being altered.
If Mercedes-Benz publishes alignment specifications for various loads, or for various ride-heights, then use those numbers to have it aligned.
That said, if the tires are wearing evenly and it drives straight, I would not recommend paying for an alignment. An alignment is done to correct something, and if you have no symptoms to indicate that the alignment needs to be corrected, then why spend the money?
There is no "four wheel alignment" on a Sprinter. The three alignment angles are caster, camber and toe. There is no caster, camber, or toe adjustments to the rear of Sprinter. Sometimes when people say "four wheel alignment", what they are actually referring to is a front end alignment referenced off of the rear wheels.
And as far as the $450 part, many vehicles are built with no caster and/or camber adjustments, so that in theory, all vehicles go together quicker, cheaper, and within normal alignment specs. The only thing they have to do after bolting it together, is set the toe and ship it. If a vehicle is altered or crashed, and occasionally for vehicles that are not altered or crashed, the front end alignment requires adjustment to caster and/or camber. In these cases, there are often knock-outs, eccentrics, or other methods of adding those adjustments to the vehicle. And doing that work costs money.
Defects in front end alignment should be covered by the initial part of the vehicle warranty on unaltered vehicles. And on altered vehicles, the whoever altered it should be responsible for correcting the alignment before selling the vehicle.
I hope this has been helpful.
As far as the $450 comment