Home alignment, what tools do you have?

[Starscream]

I don't know how many DIY'ers we have here like me,
Figured it might as well be worth a shot to see what people are using for this.
Making sure your not going to ruin your tires, getting the car setup for track then return to street,

I know there are plenty of tools out there but I want to hear from people that have used them and own them

Post what ya got

[seank]

Longacre camber tool, 2 measuring tapes, and 2 metal strips that are 30 inches long (home depot). I also would like to say that I would not recommend doing alignments on the fly.

These tools are good for minor tweaks, as long as it is not WAY out of tune.

[Trev]

I somewhat ashamed to say i made a camber gauge for less than $20. Built a metal T using square tube & Angle iron. Welded it up as level as possible. Added three feet, one at each end of the T. Feet are adjustable to accommodate for minor re-leveling. Added a bubble site on horizontal piece to find an accurate level. Finally using a harbor freight digital angle gauge can get accurate readings with 0.1degree.


Also made a toe plate similar to Sean's idea. Key here is to pump tires UP to 40psi ish. Roll car back & forth a little to settle out tires. Using two identical tape measures clamp them to one plate, measure at front & rear of opposite tire.

Also as Sean said this is a quick way to gauge minor tweaks, you'd be best advised to get a proper alignment done after major work.

[inTgr8r]

Do all my own.
That reminds me, I need to update my alignment thread.

[BookerM3]

For Basic Set up:

- Smart Strings
- Smart Camber
- Balast to simulate driver weight

For quick alignment changes at the track

- Longacre - Toe Plates
- Smart Camber

If the surface you are doing the alignment on is level and flat this is all you
should need. My garage unfortunately isn't, so ended get scales, leveling pads,...

[inTgr8r]

I have these 18" high stands that I use to elevate & level the car. (set up with a laser level)
I lower the car onto greased slide plates which lets the suspension squat into normal position.


I use a Longacre digital caster / camber gauge kit that reads to .1º (1/10º) camber and caster as high as needed.




I use string lines to set up toe

[sabbanick]

Man I am so jealous of your setup!

[007MCoupe]

inTgr8r, how much did that lift cost you?

[inTgr8r]

there are lots of choices in the 1800 - 2000 range

[BookerM3]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I have these 18" high stands that I use to elevate & level the car. (set up with a laser level)
I lower the car onto greased slide plates which lets the suspension squat into normal position.


I use a Longacre digital caster / camber gauge kit that reads to .1º (1/10º) camber and caster as high as needed.




I use string lines to set up toe

Like the stands!

What brand are they? How do you level them?

[inTgr8r]

I made them.
The floor level is pretty good so all I do is stack some SS plates & use a laser to check level.
(there's a 1" lip on the top of the stands)

[Caddyshk]

Need to book my alignment

[inTgr8r]

update to an old thread.....
I took a couple of pics of my last alignment session.
the stands make doing the adjustments a breeze.

[Caddyshk]

[007MCoupe]

How do you like those ZIIs?

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by 007MCoupe

How do you like those ZIIs?

Fantastic!!
They are a huge upgrade over the NT05s that I had before.
They warm up quickly, have great turn in and are very consistent for the entire session.