There are a number of relatively simple to use alignment tools available and I was curious if anyone was using any to do or check alignment at home? For the cost of 2-3 alignments, you can buy all the tools and set it at your leisure.

Ryan

 

I do my own. After seeing an alignment shop or two come up with different numbers on my car using their "laser" systems I gave up. I built my own toe rig and it is very easy to use. I don't mess with caster.

As far as camber goes, my Elise uses shims so I know exactly how much I'm adding/subtracting. I understand the SmartCamber gauge works pretty good and compensates for uneven floors.

 

How much camber do you gain from removing each shim? I heard most people can only get to a little over 1 degree with all shims removed (except ABS bracket shim).

 

Excellent. I was considering buying one of the digital SmartCamber gauges since it compensates for uneven surfaces. Not too happy about the ~$150 pricetag for a glorified bubble level, but at least it works.

The toe rigs look pretty simple, too. I was considering ponying-up the $40 or so for one, but it might be just as easy to make one. Probably need to get some turn plates, though.

Ryan

 

Where are you finding the Smart Camber kit that cheap? Without the hands free adapter, I'm finding them for around $200 with the hands free adapter running another $45.

I was thinking of going with this or the new Longacre digital camber gauge.

 

Sorry to confuse...been looking at several gauges lately, including the SmartCamber. Yeah, that's an expensive one.

The Longacre is around $190 (http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/long17a.htm). There's also a slightly less expensive Rebco for $180 (http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/rebco4.htm). Both use the Acculevel digital gauge with a magnetic hub adapter. I believe you can get the SmartCamber-type adapter for either.

Ryan

 

Here is a great DIY guide, specific to corvettes but the info is applicable to most any vehicle. Using tools that most anybody has lying around. It is pretty amazing how accurate you can get doing it yourself.
David Farmer DIY alignment