I just want to find out who does their own alignment. I'm about to purchase smart camber/caster gauge and toe plates. When doing alignment are there only three things that you need to set
(camber, caster and toe) ? Are there anything else needs to be set?


For anyone using toe plates, I know you have to measure the front and the back of the tire to get the toe but how do you measure it? where's the reference point?

I usually do my own. It kicks ass, but takes a little while to get it all right. The thing you can't do too well yourself is make sure the toe is set front to rear correctly (so the car isn't dog-tracking).

Also, it is hard to do caster yourself if you don't have the right equipment (mainly a rack).

But, if you have a good alignment shop set up your basic alignment for you, you can use the at-home equipment to adjust it from there. That's great for the track.

Rob

For anyone using toe plates, I know you have to measure the front and the back of the tire to get the toe but how do you measure it? where's the reference point

Check the Longacre site for info on how to use the plates.

But, if you have a good alignment shop set up your basic alignment for you, you can use the at-home equipment to adjust it from there. That's great for the track.

Rob, I respect you so I am not trying to be rude. This I just don't get. I have tried to do an at home alignment. It was a pain. Now I didn't buy the stuff you are buying but used a method found on my local autox site. Even if you take your car in to get the original alignment the minite you change Camber you also changed your toe. So you need to do it all over again. I can get my toe, camber and caster close, but I wouldn't want to race or drive very far with my car like that. Also, I can see how you could get a b13 to dogleg but because a B14 isn't adjustable in the rear can it still dogleg?


Steve

The reason why I want to buy smart camber gauge and toe plates is because I don't want the alignment shop to do it. I have Motivational CO setup and the right height is basically kind of low with maybe 1 or 2 fingers wheel well gap. I shouldn't have to worry about the rear since rear B14 is not adjustable. Do I also have to measure bump steer and other stuff? I also have easy access to a car lift so that should help alot.

Check out http://www.smart-racing.com. They supposedly have a new SmartStrings product that will allow you to do four wheel alignments. After paying $90+ for my last "performance" alignment where they didn't even try to adjust my rear camber I'm seriously looking at doing my own. I figure as much as I'll be adjusting my suspension (changing spring rates, greasing bearings, adjusting ride height, etc) that it will be worth it.

Steve