Do you need to, no. Is it highly recommended because you possibly changed the geometry of your suspension, yes. I added the Rigid Collars to my Sport Touring, while it wasn't off by a huge amount, it was out of spec and I did the alignment, better safe than sorry.
I installed them and then had my alignment checked. It was all within spec except for a small toe adjustment. You definitely need to have it looked at after messing with the subframes, there’s a lot of movement available in the mounting points.
You're from Southern Cali, who did your alignment?
I got it done at 714Tires/Antspec, same company 2 different shops. They did both the install and alignment.
If you live in San Diego, I went to Precision Auto in Kearny Mesa. They did it for around $600-$700 I don't remember the exact price. Just make sure you make your appointment through Yelp because that's where they gave me a huge discount from. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ge7jopz4vEuPGjTA6
$700? Oof, mine was $350 including alignment at the time. Not sure if its still that price now though.
I get it if you were actually dropping the whole subframe, but still, thats insane.
Basic hand tools and a torque wrench are all you need. The subframes only need to be lowered enough to install the upper collars. So just loosening the bolts enough to create a gap, and fully removing one bolt at a time to install the upper and lower collars is the way to do it. That being said, using a lift probably makes it 10 times easier and faster.
