Alignment... stuff.

[digitalsolo]

So, I’m looking to invest in some tools and I’m thinking about getting some alignment/setup tools.    Specifically:

Corner scales
String alignment kit
Camber/caster setup gauges

Is this a reasonable list to do some decent home alignment/suspension setup?    My car has eleven billion adjustments and I’d rather learn to do it myself rather than having a local dufus screw it up and bill me for the privilege.

Thoughts/ideas?

[Cobranut]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

I bought this setup from Tenhulzen.  It's a light duty system, and does require some care to setup and use, but it's as accurate as the operator is careful.  I especially like the fact that it doesn't require attaching the string crossmembers to the vehicle.
I shimmed my 4 post lift level and use it for an alignment platform. It's nice to be able to lift the car for adjustment and lower back to waist height to measure.

https://www.wheelalignmenttools.com/product/4-wheel-alignment-system/

[Stubbs]

If you've got a 3D printer I copied a string alignment jig like a smart strings kit.  It uses 1" square tubing for the frame, and 3/4" round for the cross bars.  Let me know if you want the STL or CAD file.

[digitalsolo]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

Nope!   Wish I did though, haha!

That Tenhulzen kit was on my short list, buuuuuut....

If you've got a 3D printer I copied a string alignment jig like a smart strings kit.  It uses 1" square tubing for the frame, and 3/4" round for the cross bars.  Let me know if you want the STL or CAD file.

I do have a 3D printer, a couple of them actually!    Can you email me both formats:   digitalsolo@ls1fc.com       Then I can either print them or tweak them a little (I like to fiddle with stuff).    Thanks!!!!!

[largeorangefont]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

I bought this setup from Tenhulzen.  It's a light duty system, and does require some care to setup and use, but it's as accurate as the operator is careful.  I especially like the fact that it doesn't require attaching the string crossmembers to the vehicle.
I shimmed my 4 post lift level and use it for an alignment platform. It's nice to be able to lift the car for adjustment and lower back to waist height to measure.

https://www.wheelalignmenttools.com/product/4-wheel-alignment-system/

That was me that bought the platforms

[Cobranut]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

I bought this setup from Tenhulzen.  It's a light duty system, and does require some care to setup and use, but it's as accurate as the operator is careful.  I especially like the fact that it doesn't require attaching the string crossmembers to the vehicle.
I shimmed my 4 post lift level and use it for an alignment platform. It's nice to be able to lift the car for adjustment and lower back to waist height to measure.

https://www.wheelalignmenttools.com/product/4-wheel-alignment-system/

That was me that bought the platforms

Gotcha.  I knew it was you or Blake.   CRS

[largeorangefont]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

Nope!   Wish I did though, haha!

That Tenhulzen kit was on my short list, buuuuuut....

If you've got a 3D printer I copied a string alignment jig like a smart strings kit.  It uses 1" square tubing for the frame, and 3/4" round for the cross bars.  Let me know if you want the STL or CAD file.

I do have a 3D printer, a couple of them actually!    Can you email me both formats:   digitalsolo@ls1fc.com       Then I can either print them or tweak them a little (I like to fiddle with stuff).    Thanks!!!!!

I don’t use the scale platforms enough....

[Cobranut]

Didn't you buy a set of scale platforms from me a while back?

Nope!   Wish I did though, haha!

That Tenhulzen kit was on my short list, buuuuuut....

If you've got a 3D printer I copied a string alignment jig like a smart strings kit.  It uses 1" square tubing for the frame, and 3/4" round for the cross bars.  Let me know if you want the STL or CAD file.

I do have a 3D printer, a couple of them actually!    Can you email me both formats:   digitalsolo@ls1fc.com       Then I can either print them or tweak them a little (I like to fiddle with stuff).    Thanks!!!!!

I don’t use the scale platforms enough....

They do work well, but do take some time to set up correctly.

The full Longacre setup I have now is nice, but it's $4000 new.  I'd have never justified that cost if it hadn't come along with the racecar. 😎

[cholmes]

So, I’m looking to invest in some tools and I’m thinking about getting some alignment/setup tools.    Specifically:

Corner scales
String alignment kit
Camber/caster setup gauges

Yep, that'll get you started. Also, make a rack stop that inserts on one side of the rack, then use a ratchet strap or strong bungee cord to hold torque on the steering wheel to keep the rack stop in place. Make sure the rack ends up centered with the stop in place. Always have the stop in place for all alignment adjustments, not just toe.

Make sure to check bump steer on BOTH sides, front and rear. Align first, THEN move the steering wheel on the splines to center it. Make sure your string setup references the center of the car, as defined by the location of the inner control arm bolts, or else you're wasting your time. I know you're a Carroll Smith fan, read "Prepare to Win", he covers all this in detail.

I'm amazed at "pro shops" doing "race alignments" with no rack stop, no scales, toe not referenced to car centerline, and no checking of bump steer. All are critical, IMHO. For fun, ask a typical alignment tech to explain bump steer, what causes it, how to adjust it. Then be glad you're doing your own alignment.

[digitalsolo]

Awesome, thanks for the tips, it's very much appreciated.

I don't have a specific bump steer checker setup, but I can make one easily enough.   I have some laser pointers. 

[cholmes]

Laser pointers work well. You can also check it by setting toe to zero at ride height, then move the wheel up and down (springs off, of course) in 1" increments and check the toe at each step using the string setup. That's how I do it. Zero toe change = zero bump steer.