97 Regal alignment question

[caddiali]

I haven't had a wheel alignment in about 5 years the last I remember was only the front wheels were aligned...I've heard of 4 wheel alignments, but I was just wondering what happens with the 2 rear wheels of the car? And is it necessary?

I just got the inner and outter tie rod ends replaced on saturday, I need an alignment, but unfortunately my mechanic doesn't have the machine.
They tried to do it manually with a string and somebody sitting inside the car on the hoist to align the wheels, but that failed...lol....The steering wheel is still of center and I don't want to drive the car only to work and back till its fixed.
Also I was wondering how much that job normally runs for parts and labor, (just to compare the $350 total I paid) without the alignment
Anyway I can't wait till its aligned, so I will be able to pass 100km/h on the highway safely..(And at first I thought the problem was maybe the tires needed balancing!)
Thanks for the tips and comments!

[maxwedge]

A 4 wh alignment is really the only proper way with this car, the rear toe is set first then the ft toe is set to the rear, plus of course the usual caster camber stuff. We charge 79.95 assuming no frozen/rusted components. Some cars also have rear camber settings.

[caddiali]

Thanks Maxwedge for your quick reply....sounds like a decent price...How long does the procedure take usually?

Btw since these are newer parts (tie rods) changed do they have to be resprayed with the rustproofing or can wait until next winter?

[maxwedge]

No rustproofing is used on adjustable parts, about 1.5 hours if no issues.

[caddiali]

Well before Gateway Chev could do the alignment they told me my rear tie rods were seized and needed welding adding $63 to the $119.95 alignment, but it runs like it did before..I'm glad so I don't go swerving off the road lol but its piece of mind to take it to the dealership cause its steering, and I don't want to mess with that...But the service mgr was right he said about an hour if there is an issue with the cars age. Plus they did the job right away, free coffee other shops I tried don't even do wheel alignments and another said to leave it overnight!

thanks again for your quick response and advice