I set-up the strings and then use a tape measure to go from the string to the wheel. I measure toe to 1/16" this way. I had been using jack stands, but they take time to set-up.

How do I use a laser to do the samething?


Wait. Do you use the laser to shot beam. Then use like steel ruler to off the wheel and find where the laser beam hit the ruler. That than becomes the distance? So maybe 5" at rear of the wheel and 5 1/16" at the front of rear wheel so toe is 1/16" in? Hmm might be faster than stings.

Good stuff guys!

I too, am interested on the laser approach.

I'll be off to Home Depot to make my own water level. I'll mark spots in my garage, and make shims for a removable/reusable level spot.

I use the thin cheap 12" floor tiles as shims for my scales. You can put two with smooth faces together and some grease as a slip device or turn plates.
I spent some extra bucks and bought an 8' level from Home Depot for $100 since I did not know about the water level.

I have a ~ $30 laser level that I used to set up four points in the garage that are surprisingly level side to side but not on the same plane. I got everything leveled on a plane using shims then I then spray painted the outline of my scale shims (wood pieces) in those spots and labeled the shims so I can repeat the setup. I do have computer scales.

I like -3.25 to -3.5 front, -2.5 rear camber. 0 to 1/8" toe out front and 1/8" rear. Max caster I can get. My car tends to be slightly tail happy which is how I like it. I am slow when it understeers.

I use a caster/camber "bubble" type gauge and toe plates. I've found over the years that I've never seen my thrust angle go off so I haven't worried about stringing the car.

I've found that in my car, my considerable 250LB weight in the driver's seat has virtually no effect to alignment (very small LF camber change). Obviously I scale with weight in the seat, coolsuit etc.

I had my alignment checked this year by a pro system and it exactly repeated my garage setup.

One more critical alignment step - I always align the car with race tire pressures (hot) and after it rolls out of the trailer without lifting it (as raced).

Tire pressures definitely make a difference.

It takes considerable rolling and bouncing to completely settle the suspension after lifting. The differences are generally small vs. not lifting but they exist. Obviously you have no choice if you have to change something.

Never mind