Ditto! It really is too easy to do this ourselves especially given the frequency if you wheel a lot.

Well I'm off to install some BJ spacers on my new-to-me 94 4Runner.

Frank

 

Look at it this way, your truck isnt aligned you want your cash back period...

I usually go to STS and they always do a very good job, after all they have a real alignment tech on duty and not some moron. I know how to use the hunter series and their alignment rack, its not to hard to do-however most techs just barely get it into spec and say your good to go-last place I had them dot hat I said no-you get it closer to spec or I dont pay you! Barely in spec is not what I am paying 50+ dollars for!

 

Mudbutt isn't making anyone rich. Hes just a concentious guy, and he knows his stuff.

His point, i think, is that if a person knew what he was doing, then an alignment with a machine can be even more accurate than a hand done alignment. Not that a hand done alignment isn't pretty accurate, but a square is only as good as the ground you are sitting on.

As for saving money, i hear ya. I think that is a valid point for most people. considering most alignment guys don't know jack, its a pretty big risk. But if you find the right one, it can really be worth your money.

 

If you find a good shop that is a bonus but it sure feels good to save the dough. I did the spacers and alignment today and the truck rides better and goes straighter so I'm happy. 50 bucks saved is 50 bucks earned.

I didn't think to add about flat ground, you do need to find it. Cement will self level but years of trees, etc... can change that.

Frank

 

Well I have issues about the flat ground, my driveway looks as if it was leveled by Stevie Wonder. Its not that it isn't level but has a lot of waves in it. To solve that issue I have a length of 1/4 plate that is wide enough for me to park both tires on. I will make the measurements, make adjustments, and then back up about 8 ft then pull back on the plate, rinse and repeat.

As for as the toe in I know a certain degree of toe in helps it track straighter. After I get the front tires dead straight I will make about 1/8th a turn in on each side. The toe in is just barely noticeable using the string and it drives just as straight as my wifes Heep Grand Cherokee ( I know its not saying much)

 

Something no one has mentioned is that the torque spec on the cam adjuster nuts is about 200 ft-lbs. I have a ~14" long 1/2" ratchet, which means about 175 lbs at a perpendicular to the lever arm of the ratchet in order to get it in spec (my torque wrench only goes to 150 ft-lbs). How many techs actually get that within spec?