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I'm thinking about joining the home alignment crew, but getting the FM stands. Both of my cars need alignments so that's $200 I will wash in the purchase, then I figure I can do "manly alignments" for like $50 a pop or whatever.
I like the idea of paying for an alignment and walking out satisfied, but it's a ton of money, takes a ton of time to leave work and get cars on the rack, and I can't really check my alignment at home to know it needs to be freshened.
Thoughts before I burn $800?
Jack Junkies has an alignment rack, but no gear. For $20, I would find that easier to do a string alignment on than ANYbody's stands...
Does it have slider thinges to go under the tires and a hydralic sub-jack? Maybe I'll just buy the Iron Canyon string kit then. I've also never done it some I'm a little worried about ignorance too.Quote:
Originally Posted by tailchaser
I do my own using toe plates, cheap digital level , and laser square from the hard ware store. The laser was off when I got it but a little tape got it close enough. I used to use string tied to jack stands to get the rear square, but the laser square works better.
I set the camber first then set the toe.
On the front I just turn the tie rod ends the same amount to keep the toe equal side to side.
The rear wheels are the hard part. I set the camber then get the toe close by using the toe plates and eyeball it. After I get the toe in the ballpark I setup the laser. I set a straight edge against the wheel in the center of the wheel using a box to set the height then set the laser against the straight edge, then measure the distance from the laser beam line to the center of the front wheels. When I get the same distance side to side the rear has a equal amount of toe side to side.
The last alignment I paid for was crap, so I started doing my own.
The first couple of times you do it, I would still take it in and have it checked on a machine.
The JJ rack has slider plates for the front, but no sub-jack. It is level.
No caster measurement?
I get great alignments, but there $100 each.
Can I turn the eccentrics with the suspension loaded? I may just buy the string alignment kit and take the scales up there at the same time.Quote:
Originally Posted by OZMDD
My S2000 is at the stock ride height, so in the front I just set camber, caster to the max.
Yes you can turn the eccentrics with the suspension loaded, getting to them can be hard with the car on the ground, but doable.
I used to do the same as the other Robert years ago. I stopped when I moved to Florida and no longer had a useable garage.
And yes, you can adjust the eccentrics with the suspension loaded. Without sliding plates, you'll need to the bounce the living hell out of the car to "reset" it before you take your measurements again, but it's not the end of the world.
Easiest, most accurate alignment method:
1. Call Texas Track Works and get appointment.
2. Show up
3. Tell AJ what you want
I paid $150 for a year alignment and I've used it 3 times this year. I go during my lunch break on weekdays. :drive:
One year alignment has gone up - see their website for pricing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Miatamoto
They're $200 now and I have to take the day off work to get over there which is over an hour from my house. I also don't get to check-up on the alignment to know when I need an adjustment. I'm getting the ICM string-kit and going to Jack Junkies to use the four-post lift first, then I'll go from there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Miatamoto
^ If you need a guinea pig, I haven't alligned since the coilovers and i'm tired of my front tires pulling out the fenders... I'm not competitive at autocross, but going to go somewhere as I need a more(less) camber before I order 225s so i'll pay.
Cool, maybe next weekend. I may have scales for my car too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiggerachi
Weekends are rough for me, maybe thursday? If I get my steering rack back together by then. I think you have my email.