Doing your own alignments: what tools?
04-14-2008, 01:34 PM
#1
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Doing your own alignments: what tools?
I've seen some reasonable-looking camber/caster gauges, but (other than that P21 porsche tool for the actual adjustment), what tools do you guys use?
Specifically, how do you get a measurement for toe? I'm tired of paying $$$ for an alignment every time I replace a bushing (or install m030
), so I want to be able to measure and adjust my own toe, front and rear.
Also, what do I need to adjust rear ride height with the eccentric only? I just had the tbars reindexed (thanks marky522); I've driven for a few weeks and the height still seems to be holding in there, but I'll want to check on it every once in awhile.
Specifically, how do you get a measurement for toe? I'm tired of paying $$$ for an alignment every time I replace a bushing (or install m030
), so I want to be able to measure and adjust my own toe, front and rear.Also, what do I need to adjust rear ride height with the eccentric only? I just had the tbars reindexed (thanks marky522); I've driven for a few weeks and the height still seems to be holding in there, but I'll want to check on it every once in awhile.
04-14-2008, 01:42 PM
#2
Race Director
Tools,
Camber gauge
Tape Measure
4 jack stands (maybe 6)
String
Assorted Std tools
I have done my aligments by using 4 jack stands to make a square box around the car. It takes some time, but once done you just measure to these as reference. This is use for toe front and rear.
Camber gauge
Tape Measure
4 jack stands (maybe 6)
String
Assorted Std tools
I have done my aligments by using 4 jack stands to make a square box around the car. It takes some time, but once done you just measure to these as reference. This is use for toe front and rear.
04-14-2008, 01:51 PM
#3
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I've been using the longacre toe plates - pretty inexpensive, though you can probably buy cheaper off evilbay or make your own - two big plates and two tape measures. Much quicker to set up than string, though of course it only gives you an overall measurement of total toe on an axle - no relative measurement. I have to drive the car to get the steering wheel straight.
Specific tools... to set ride height in the rear with the eccentrics, you'll need a 36mm wrench, a 24mm wrench, and a 24mm socket with breaker bar (1/2" drive of course).
To set toe and camber in the rear, you'll need two 19mm wrenches (or one plus socket/ratchet), a 27mm wrench for the camber eccentric, and 24mm wrench for the P221 tool.
For front camber, depends on your exact setup, but 17 and 19mm wrenches/sockets. If camber plates up top, then a 1/4" allen wrench for the slider plates. For front toe, an 11 or 12mm wrench to turn the tie rod, and a 21 or 22mm wrench for the locknut. For front caster, it's just a 17mm wrench or socket with the factory adjustment.
That should pretty much cover it.
Specific tools... to set ride height in the rear with the eccentrics, you'll need a 36mm wrench, a 24mm wrench, and a 24mm socket with breaker bar (1/2" drive of course).
To set toe and camber in the rear, you'll need two 19mm wrenches (or one plus socket/ratchet), a 27mm wrench for the camber eccentric, and 24mm wrench for the P221 tool.
For front camber, depends on your exact setup, but 17 and 19mm wrenches/sockets. If camber plates up top, then a 1/4" allen wrench for the slider plates. For front toe, an 11 or 12mm wrench to turn the tie rod, and a 21 or 22mm wrench for the locknut. For front caster, it's just a 17mm wrench or socket with the factory adjustment.
That should pretty much cover it.
04-14-2008, 03:47 PM
#5
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It's the P221 tool - once inserted into the open hole in the trailing arm.