do I need an alignment after i change my struts?

[WhtSuperStang]

I just put in a front strut from an 03 cobra and when i put it on the ground to go work on the other side the wheel looked all jacked up (top of rim tilting outward and bottom tilting inward)

did i somehow mess something up?

EDIT UPDATE:
well i put both in and the alignment isnt off by much at all, if i wasnt looking for it to be off i wouldnt notice most likely...but the wheels still have that slight bowed look...

onto another problem.. i replaced the Koni's because everytime i hit a bump id hear a metal crunch/collapse/smash kinda sound so i picked up these 03 struts for cheap...well i went for a ride and the noise is still there..

so far this summer i have done the following to my front suspension:

03 a-arms and ball joints
H&R race springs
03 struts
MM sway bar endlinks

what could be making this noise?

 

[STAMPEDE3]

Alignment? In short= Yes, a good idea. Even though without CC plates there isn't much adjustment.

Was the tilt still there after driving it some?

 

[WhtSuperStang]

no it was there right after i put in on the ground

 

[STAMPEDE3]

no it was there right after i put in on the ground

That is normal in most cases depending where you jacked it up from.

Watch tire wear closely for a while.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

what do you mean normal? like it will correct itself and this is to be expected with shock changes

or normal like buy CC plates and get and aligned normal?

thanks Stampede3!!

 

[SKMCOBRA]

The springs and spring isolators will settle the first few miles you drive her. An alignment is not necessary but recommended. Personally I'd wait until you get c/c plates, unless it is going to be a long time for them.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

well i put both in and the alignment isnt off by much at all, if i wasnt looking for it to be off i wouldnt notice most likely...but the wheels still have that slight bowed look...

onto another problem.. i replaced the Koni's because everytime i hit a bump id hear a metal crunch/collapse/smash kinda sound so i picked up these 03 struts for cheap...well i went for a ride and the noise is still there..

so far this summer i have done the following to my front suspension:

03 a-arms and ball joints
H&R race springs
03 struts
MM sway bar endlinks

what could be making this noise?

 

[STAMPEDE3]

Check the anti rattle clips on the front brakes yet?
Famous for clunk noise on bumps.

 

[My94GT]

dont waste your time till you get cc plates. you really dont have much adjustment untill then anyway

 

[WhtSuperStang]

Check the anti rattle clips on the front brakes yet?
Famous for clunk noise on bumps.

yea i've checked those.

to help more with the sound its like a hollow-ish sounding clunk..

could it be anything with the sway bar?

 

[STAMPEDE3]

Possible, check the end link bushings.
Although you normally also hear a jingle with those.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

the end link bushings are brand new maybe 500 miles.. did it with the old factory ones too now i have MM

 

[My94GT]

for the noise hows your strut top bushings?? are they old or new? old worn ones will tend to make those noises in most cars ive ever seen. i could be wrong but i figure id toss that out there.

 

[WhtSuperStang]

the bushings are from 1996 id assume ( didnt do the first strut swap) but they look in real good condition.. I hate random noises...