Finally, alignment freedom... (vehicle, buy, cost, difference)

[Lux Hauler]

Now, if its not done right I can only blame myself. Its fun be able to play with custom settings to change how the vehicle handles. More importantly to be able to check alignment quickly, periodically. Highly recommended. Even more so if you like to try different settings at the track, all these items can be neatly packed in the trunk. Setting proper thrust requires some practice with stringing the car properly.

[J Andb]

Cool looking...what's it cost?

[BostonMike7]

I've done self-alignments from time to time. Proper tools does help here so the cost of tools will pay for itself the first few alignments you do.

[cats234]

Is this an easy thing to do? I would definitely try this out to save on alignment costs

[Lux Hauler]

Camber/Caster gauge (first pic) will run $150-300 depending on mfg. That is a $150 unit because it uses bubble leveling as opposed to the more expensive units that use a digital level. That unit pictured had much better reviews than the more expensive units and they all mount the same. The bubble level can resolve down to 0.25 degrees however the construction allows me to use the digital leveler ($30) by placing it on top of the unit and can then resolve down to 0.1 degree. I went with that unit because of better construction, it is universal in the manner I stated and bubble levels do not require recalibration, only checks. The other units have inflated prices because they come with a $20 digital leveler. I'll put it this way, with the other units if the digital leveler goes bad you have to purchase another very specific leveler from them, on my unit if my dig level goes bad I can uses the bubbles, or buy another off the shelf digital unit at any place that has them.

The turn tables run about $200 and up, and by up I mean thousands. You can accomplish 90% of their purpose by stacking floor tiles on top of each other with some lubricant between, or even people use garbage bags. However the turn tables are nice and smooth and provide a degree gauge that is very useful for accurately setting caster.

Toe plates are $40 to $80 from what I have seen. They just need to be straight/true. My $50 set seems to have less than 1mm difference depending on how it is configured. That is well within toe tolerances of any vehicle I have seen. You could build your own plates pretty easily (and cheaply) if you have some time and patience.

[Lux Hauler]

Originally Posted by cats234

Is this an easy thing to do? I would definitely try this out to save on alignment costs

Yes it is easy. However you need patience to learn it and attention to detail, always.

[wankel7]

Firestone offers lifetime alignments for around $150. But if you are playing with different settings DIY is the way to go.

[Lux Hauler]

Originally Posted by wankel7

Firestone offers lifetime alignments for around $150.

For one vehicle, one owner and limitations do apply, such as if they suspect new parts have been installed or other clear indications that alignment has been deliberately tampered with. Also... it's Firestone, a typical discount chain place, no thanks!