DIY Alignment

[The Dude]

All right, I'm starting to think about next season and what I want to do to my car. Even though I am in a stock class I can still give my car an aggressive alignment. I have an idea of what I want to run (max neg camber, zero toe, and basically sacrificing caster.) Anyways, I have heard of many people doing their own alignments at home using basic hand tools. I think it would be pretty awesome to be able to tune your settings at will and save a lot of money instead of going to a shop. Here's some links (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZoL1gaWedA&feature=related) and books (http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Your-Car-Handle/dp/0912656468) I have read on the subject.

Has anyone here have any experience with "the string method" at home? It looks like a good alternative if you measure carefully.

[speed stick]

Alignment was never something I considered doing myself just because its something that only needs to be done like once unless you hit something hard.

If you got adjustable pillow ball mounts wouldn't that allow you to do some of the alignments? Or does that throw you into another class?

[The Dude]

Alignment was never something I considered doing myself just because its something that only needs to be done like once unless you hit something hard.

If you got adjustable pillow ball mounts wouldn't that allow you to do some of the alignments? Or does that throw you into another class?

The RX-8 comes from the factory with adjuster cambolts that can change camber, caster and toe to a limited range. I decided to go with this (http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0711_sccp_fastrax_camber_caster_gauge/index.html) to measure my settings, I don't trust myself to do the math that is involved in using the string method.

[MrX]

When changing outer tie rod ends i normally use a piece of tape to mark the spot where the rod ends used to be.

[jaxmkii]

When changing outer tie rod ends i normally use a piece of tape to mark the spot where the rod ends used to be.

Alignment was never something I considered doing myself just because its something that only needs to be done like once unless you hit something hard.

If you got adjustable pillow ball mounts wouldn't that allow you to do some of the alignments? Or does that throw you into another class?

All right, I'm starting to think about next season and what I want to do to my car. Even though I am in a stock class I can still give my car an aggressive alignment. I have an idea of what I want to run (max neg camber, zero toe, and basically sacrificing caster.) Anyways, I have heard of many people doing their own alignments at home using basic hand tools. I think it would be pretty awesome to be able to tune your settings at will and save a lot of money instead of going to a shop. Here's some links (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZoL1gaWedA&feature=related) and books (http://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Your-Car-Handle/dp/0912656468) I have read on the subject.

Has anyone here have any experience with "the string method" at home? It looks like a good alternative if you measure carefully.
*facepalm* if you guys want i can give an video instructional seminar using the PS3s video chat.

yes the string method works great*

As a ASE/BMW/MINI/AUDI/VW/PORSCE certified suspension tech that has setup toyota alantic and formula dodge im willing to show you how to setup your car.

[The Dude]

I have done a lot of research since making this thread and have pretty much figured out how to measure camber and toe. I'm a bit confused on how to measure caster. Assuming I have a level surface and home made turn plates, any advice would be appreciated.

[speed stick]

I honestly have no idea. Did you manage to figure something out yet?

[The Dude]

I honestly have no idea. Did you manage to figure something out yet?

Yeah, it's actually really easy. It's just difficult to type it out into words.