DIY alignment tool

This is the start of my DIY alignment tool. I will 3d print tape measure holders to mount front and back.

 

The truck is supposed to have wheels on the ground at normal ride height.

 

Yes, I will simulate ride height. Been doing this way for 4 decades, works great. Thanks for the interest.

 

Funny I just saw something like this some where else

 

I learned it from an engineer back in the 70's.

 

You plan on making them to sell?

 

Nothing new, Jeep guys been doing this for years, also works on Tacoma (did on mine)
https://www.tmrcustoms.com/products/diy-toe-alignment-tool

 

Not really, but you can buy them online, not sure is this one will fit a 3rd gen

$66 Ruffstuff Specialties Toe Alignment Tool Plates (Set of 2 Wheel Alignment Tools), 1/8 in. Thick Mild Steel - R2740

https://www.amazon.com/Ruffstuff-Sp...0-4513d670b6bc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY

 

correct me if im wrong but arent you aligning the rotors and not the tires? im sure it gets close enough maybe? ive been going down an alignment rabbit hole this past week and for me its been a huge headache and extremely tedious. personally its worth more to go to my local offroad shop and pay them, done quick with the settings i want. some people might not be as fortunate and only have a firestone/some other generic tire shop who have denegerates working for them so a diy alignment might be their only option.

 

Where the spindle goes, so goes the wheel. I LOVE working on my vehicles, I will put way more attention to detail than any grease monkey. The things I've seen shops do and NOT do scare me. There is no shame in going to a shop, but do your research.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/consumer/auto-repair-basics

 

my taco has only been to the shop for tire mounts, balance, and alignments so i guess i can say im beyond basics there big man, good try tho! but yeah if anyone can convince me that aligning rotors is the same as aligning tires ill shut and leave. from what i understand so far is that its okay for offroad vehicles but nicer to have it aligned more percisely for daily driven vehicles. hope you can find people you can trust like i did.

 

Will yours measure camber as well? I swear my camber is excessively positive. A level shows 1/4” wider at the top on both wheels. The dealership says it’s within specs. New LCA, ball joints, and bearings but still pulls till the right.

 

deaerships have a range where its "in the green" one wheel could be one end of the range and the other at the opposite side of range. this is why im telling people to go to a shop who know what their doing instead of having some teenager straight out of tech school put you in the green. lots of options on Amazon where alignment plates can measure camber, measure camber from the wheel, not the rotor like OP.

 

No camber or caster, only toe. I will make something for camber and caster.

 

You can buy that tool for cheap in Amazon or ebay.

 

Yes, some may want to buy, I prefer making things.

 

I see your point. I love making tools as well, but a camber/castor gauge is beyond me.

 

40 years of machining, and any machinist with tell you it's all about the setup. Alignment becomes second nature. I may do this for digital angle finding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7lf_E79j7Q