Alignment excuse !!??

I just did toe in today.... I took apart a saw stand for the two top outside rails and bungee corded them to my wheels. Not as good as the 200 dollar set up, but I could tell that one full turn on the tie rod coupler = 1/8" in toe change. I even went the right direction with the coupler on the first try, so I feel special. lol...WOW!!! my car steers nice now. Not taking it to a shop......I dont think it can get better.

 

Just goes to show that whatever will give a flat, consistent location to put a tape measure on becomes a toe gauge. Where there's a will there's a way.

 

I line up a cheap Laser horizontally outside wheel centers and measure off to the rims for Toe, for Caster a Bubble gauge.

'Cheap Tricks' -
>Water level for frt/rr levelling .
>A stack of 1' squ. Floor Tiles with grease under top two will make caster swings like power steering. (.. almost pushed the car off lift sideways on the greased tiles)

have fun

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Ike, Thanks for starting this thread. It really is great to see so many folks tackle alignment. I used to hate going over 55 because my car was so twitchy during lane changes. Twitchyness is gone. I gained about 3/8-1/2 inch more ground clearance up front with proper camber settings. I think my front suspension works better and has less harshness over bumps. I can effortlessly go straight! My car is a completely better creature....and to think I put this off for so long........all I need now are comfy seats and a stereo.

 

Well said Stu! Can,t be too afraid of putting a wrench on these cars.

Good job!

 

Took my car to two different shops one said they where waiting for the specs for the computer, the other had no problem and drive like an arrow.