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If you go down that route you will need to invest in some tools like:
- http://www.longacreracing.com/products.aspx?itemid=2446&pagetitle=Caster+Camber+Alignment
- http://www.longacreracing.com/products.aspx?itemid=2445&pagetitle=Toe+Measurement+Tools
- https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/alignment-wheel-stand-slip-plates
As you can see the tools can easily add up to the cost of multiple alignments. People have made their own slip plates and toe bars very cheaply though. Good tools and/or high dollar alignment machines doesn't mean shit if the operator doesn't have the skills or knowledge to do so. A lot of race teams use the "old school" string method simply because they dont have the space or want to transport an alignment machine when they can do it with small tools and have the same outcome, because they know what they're doing.
Full disclosure, I've never tried to do my own alignment, but I want to and I fully intend to when I buy my own house and have the space for it. Several times, from different businesses, Ive received "good" alignments, only to find out its because the computer "says so" and my steering wheel is still a good degree off.
I dont want to sway you either way. The major point I'm trying to make is Skills > Tools, and that you need to really know how the steering system works and how each adjustment can alter the overall feel of the vehicle and to have the patience to get it right. Most likely you will be redoing your alignment a few times before its good. Eventually, down the road it will save you some money, but not upfront. The biggest appeal of DIY'ing alignments for me is when you start adding a bunch of mods you'll be able to know how to do it and also you can tailor it your driving style. I know with my Third gen F-body almost all average shops wont align it because they say my alignment specs are not possible, my suspension is too modded for them to work on it, or they say it will drive like ass, so I'm stuck with high dollar performance/race shops that are willing do it.
If you still want to do it, read up, heres an article from the people who make our aftermarket suspension. http://djmsuspension.com/alignment-is-important/
and a bonus of how Ferrari F1 does their alignments
Keep us updated if you decide to tackle it!
If you go down that route you will need to invest in some tools like:
- http://www.longacreracing.com/products.aspx?itemid=2446&pagetitle=Caster+Camber+Alignment
- http://www.longacreracing.com/products.aspx?itemid=2445&pagetitle=Toe+Measurement+Tools
- https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/alignment-wheel-stand-slip-plates
As you can see the tools can easily add up to the cost of multiple alignments. People have made their own slip plates and toe bars very cheaply though. Good tools and/or high dollar alignment machines doesn't mean shit if the operator doesn't have the skills or knowledge to do so. A lot of race teams use the "old school" string method simply because they dont have the space or want to transport an alignment machine when they can do it with small tools and have the same outcome, because they know what they're doing.
Full disclosure, I've never tried to do my own alignment, but I want to and I fully intend to when I buy my own house and have the space for it. Several times, from different businesses, Ive received "good" alignments, only to find out its because the computer "says so" and my steering wheel is still a good degree off.
I dont want to sway you either way. The major point I'm trying to make is Skills > Tools, and that you need to really know how the steering system works and how each adjustment can alter the overall feel of the vehicle and to have the patience to get it right. Most likely you will be redoing your alignment a few times before its good. Eventually, down the road it will save you some money, but not upfront. The biggest appeal of DIY'ing alignments for me is when you start adding a bunch of mods you'll be able to know how to do it and also you can tailor it your driving style. I know with my Third gen F-body almost all average shops wont align it because they say my alignment specs are not possible, my suspension is too modded for them to work on it, or they say it will drive like ass, so I'm stuck with high dollar performance/race shops that are willing do it.
If you still want to do it, read up, heres an article from the people who make our aftermarket suspension. http://djmsuspension.com/alignment-is-important/
and a bonus of how Ferrari F1 does their alignments
Keep us updated if you decide to tackle it!
