Alignment tools

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I've successfully performed DIY alignments with some basic tools, but was interested in upgrading to some decent stuff to make the job easier.

What are most using for caster/camber gauges? For instance, there's the stuff by Longacre, like this:
Longacre Racing Online -- Online Catalog

Fastrax has something interesting:
SPC Pro-Series FasTrax Camber/Caster Gauges - JEGS

Thoughts?

Also, is the Kent-Moore rear caster gauge useful for any adjustment besides rear caster?

Thanks!

[rlhammon]

Seeing as the Kent-Moore is just a digital angle reader, you can certainly use it for other uses... such as a DIY camber gauge:

DIY Camber Gauge - JDM Universe.com

SCCA Great River Region • View topic - $40 Camber Gauge Built By ME!

Cheap Digital Camber Gauge Tom Hoppe

I haven't looked into a DIY toe measurement tool yet, but you can do that with a string and some jack stands:

(nice detail on this one)

DIY 4 Wheel Alignment

(more straight and to the point)

String Alignment Method for Toe-In

Or the quick and dirty method of toe plates:

Alignment Crew: DIY Toe Plates

A series of good intro vids on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/?v=sZoL1gaWedA

http://www.youtube.com/?v=gjcP07VKVZM

http://www.youtube.com/?v=RpEwSeSJVW4

[snaponbob]

I went the route of a home made camber gauge, but did opt for a Longacre Digital Camber Caster gauge with wheel adapter. The GM rear caster gauge can be had cheap on e-bay for the back. Some bright colored fly fishing line and four jack stands plus a metal ruler in 1/16" increments and one can keep the wheels squared up. Already had the Longacre toe plate set. Slip plates made from porcelain floor tiles, the aforementioned items, the tools to work on the car, and a flat floor and one is all set.

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

I just bought a rear caster gauge on eBay about 30 seconds ago I don't know if other GM cars do/will use this tool or not, but it doesn't seem like a bad thing to have around.

I've done DIY caster/camber/toe adjustments on my S-10 (lowered, coilovers, etc.) and had good results. I've not tried the Solstice yet. We used an angle gauge, string/jackstands, etc. We've since started using a laser level (which is nice for aligning the front and rear wheels on a motorcycle) but anything I can do to make this more repeatable is a Good Thing.

The previous owner apparently went off-roading in my car (the big damage being a tweaked passenger rear tie-rod) but did not have the suspension aligned. That wrecked the Cooper Zeon tires (which are going to be replaced as soon as I figure out what I want). I had the dealer align it as I didn't have time to do it myself, but I don't think they checked rear caster -- at least, it wasn't printed on their alignment sheet (which I had to ask before they'd give me a copy).

So, I think I would at least like to check it. Also, since I'm planning on new springs and shocks (GMPP or LNF Z0K) it would probably be a good idea to go over the alignment again.

Besides, I may see about building an adapter to use it for other stuff...