On Thu, 30 May 2019 16:55:28 -0400, Clare Snyder wrote:

If you are going to do a REAL alignment, get yourself the fastrac
unit - as I recommended in a previous discussion - it can chech camber
AND caster. Lots of options for toe

Hi Clare,

Thanks for that advice to just get the Fastrax camber jig, where you had
kindly previously explained that we can basically do everything with a
wheel angle measurement, in that, as I recall, you had said to me that
o Caster comes first, then camber, and lastly toe
And where the caster is simply based on the measured camber at ±20°
(or was it ±15°?) wheel angle from straight ahead (for each front wheel).

I'm going to need a camber gauge no matter what, where the Fastrax comes
with a camber gauge, and where Fastrax has optional toe adapter arms (but
no turning plates).

That FastTrax camber jig for 13" to 18" wheels is about $200 at Eastwood:
https://www.eastwood.com/fastrax-camber-caster-gauge.html
With this "adapter kit for setting wheel toe" at another $80
https://www.eastwood.com/fastrax-adapter-kit-for-setting-wheel-toe.html

CJPonyParts has the price at $170 for the 13" to 17" Fastrax camber jig
https://www.cjponyparts.com/specialty-products-company-camber-caster-gauge-fastrax-for-13-inch-to-17-inch-wheels/p/SPCTOOL9/

Amazon does better on price for the Fastrax at about $150
https://www.amazon.com/Specialty-Products-Company-91000-FasTrax/dp/B000PG6OW2

If I build the camber jig myself, I'll need to buy a magnetic gauge
where the price range is _huge_ starting at about $15 for this one
https://www.amazon.com/KIPA-Adjustable-Alignment-Ingenious-Practical/dp/B07715X191
top well over $170 alone for this one:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Longacre-52-78272-Billet-Caster-Camber-Gauge-w-Magnetic-Adapter,283068.html

While greased plastic bags serve as redneck turn plates, the professional
turn plates would add another #230 for this brand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHA58K2
Down to about $190 for this brand:
https://www.amazon.com/Zackman-Scientific-Alignment-Transition-Inclusive/dp/B0758Z612B/

The wheels I'll most likely be checking are from about 14" to about 18".

If I just get the camber gauge, I'm not sure which is the best bang for the
buck in terms of accuracy & repeatability, where I noticed a ton of
magnetic angle gauges on the market outside of camber measurements.

For example, this digital angle gauge is about $30:
https://www.amazon.com/Wixey-WR300-Type-Digital-Backlight/dp/B00T6YZ0K6
While this magnetic digital angle gauge is about $35:
https://www.amazon.com/Calculated-Industries-7434-AccuMASTER-Inclinometer/dp/B0148M7P4O

I'm going to check caster, camber, and toe first on about a half dozen
vehicles to start with, to iron out the basics first, where once I do them,
I'll know more than I do now about making tool decisions, where, until
then, I can greatly benefit from your advice and advice from others who
have done a DIY alignment at home.