28 replies to this topic

[Duncan]

I can't speak for Dave, but I do my alignments at home on scales using hub stands and the iron canyon string setup.  

 

I keep toe plates and a camber gauge in the trailer, as well as bringing my Iron Canyon string setup.  I use the toe plates and the camber gauge if I get bumped or have an off-track incident just to make sure that I haven't bent anything.  

If I actually have to change the alignment at the track, I generally use the strings since it's easy to setup and I can roll the car back and forth without a helper.

Duncan

[FTodaro]

No matter what system you use, you need to use the same system all the time. When using strings, and measuring toe as the measurement between the wheel and the string, you have a 15" wheel you are measuring from. If you then measure with typical toe plates, you have a 24" measurement angle. Your 1/8" toe measurement with the strings will read as almost 1/4" with toe plates, yet nothing changed on the car, you changed your measurement system.

 

I make my own camber gauge. It is available on my website, no batteries and very easy to use.

 

Dave

There are two ways to fix this or take it into account.

1) if you run zero toe its not an issue and

2) just measure both ways in your shop before you go to the track so you know what the variance is.

[davew]

Any idea how this would differ from say a commercial alignment system?  I go to a setup shop and say, lets go 1/16" out, they use a laser alignment rack and get that effective toe.  What will it read on a string box? and on toe plates? 

 

Before I started this crazy business I was a front end/suspension tech for 15 years. I have litterally done thousands of allignments on street cars. My knowledge base is 15 years ago, so I have not used the most modern computerized machines. But back in my day (said with a cremudgeon voice), the machines all based toe measurements on a 24 inch diameter tire. Thus toe plates should read the same (assuming a 24" long plate which is normal) as the machine. But strings measured to a wheel will read less by about 60%.

 

We use a hybrid string system to get thrust/steering wheel square. Then use toe plates for final adjustment. This way an at track adjustment is done the same way the shop adjustment was made.

 

No matter how you do it, do it the same way everytime.

 

Dave

[ChrisA]

What are guys using for leveling platforms and/or risers to make adjustments without lifting the car and preloading the bushings?

[Bench Racer]

What are guys using for leveling platforms and/or risers to make adjustments without lifting the car and preloading the bushings?

Made wooden stands a total of 30 inches long by 15 inches wide with a 15 inch long lowered section for scales to sit on. Used 2 by 10's with 4 adjustable legs each stand. It's a bit of a bitch to jack the car to this height, but I can slide my body under car if need be. Can reach to cam bolts and control arm pivot bolts. Lifting the car for this process is no different than lifting the car to change tires at the track. With 30 inches one can bounce and roll the car.

Did a quick search and found some steel stands/adjustable legs for $550.00 taller than those below.

A while ago there were some nice 30 inch long scale stands on the net for $500.00. With these and rocker height may be ok.

 

 They are available for 2.5" or 4" scales.
It's best to email me at info@trakktape.com for more info. I now have these in production, so get ready for racing season!

 

Seller Phone Number: 7603203734
Seller Phone Number2: (760) 285-2220
 

Item Location: PALM SPRINGS, CA

[bmarshall1]

Thanks Everyone, lots of good ideas and discussions into the theory and practice of aligning.

[Ron Alan]

And some not so good methods

[Johnny D]

FYI, there's a Set up Guide in the Downloads up top ^^.

J~

[RazerX]

Before I started this crazy business I was a front end/suspension tech for 15 years. I have litterally done thousands of allignments on street cars. My knowledge base is 15 years ago, so I have not used the most modern computerized machines. But back in my day (said with a cremudgeon voice), the machines all based toe measurements on a 24 inch diameter tire. Thus toe plates should read the same (assuming a 24" long plate which is normal) as the machine. But strings measured to a wheel will read less by about 60%.

 

We use a hybrid string system to get thrust/steering wheel square. Then use toe plates for final adjustment. This way an at track adjustment is done the same way the shop adjustment was made.

 

No matter how you do it, do it the same way everytime.

 

Dave

 

 

thanks Dave.  This seems to match where we evolved to.  Trying to get toe using the string box was challenging and frustrating.