Thread: Which camber tool do you like...

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I'm hoping to hear from folks that have used both the old style 'wandering' bubble, newer style level with magnetic base, and the digital camber gauge.

Obviously the digital would be desireable but for my application it is far out of reach financially. I had ordered the old style bubble camber tool but it is back ordered. I may go with someone else to get it.

My question: Should I go with the old style bubble to get it close and driveable and then take it to a shop for a 4 wheel alignment....or....go with the magnetic base/multi levels like http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/2698...?itemNo=Camber

I can justify the extra cost of the later if it is really worth it.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,
Dave

That's much the same as the one I use except mine sez Longacre on it.... Also scored a set of turnplates many moons ago when a local shop went out of business... I've since added a home made bump steer gauge. The combination works great for setting up a front end, especially when you have a unique combination or something that these new "alleged" front end shops can't find specs for on their computer!!!!!!!!

Seems a lot of these new "parts changers" cleverly disguised as mechanics are lost without computer generated information to set things up!!!!!

That's the same as mine except mine says Rebco on it. That and a set of turn plates and you can get your front end setup correctly. The nice thing about doing it yourself is you can play with different camber/caster settings to get it where it works best for your car.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

That's much the same as the one I use except mine sez Longacre on it.... Also scored a set of turnplates many moons ago when a local shop went out of business... I've since added a home made bump steer gauge. The combination works great for setting up a front end, especially when you have a unique combination or something that these new "alleged" front end shops can't find specs for on their computer!!!!!!!!

Seems a lot of these new "parts changers" cleverly disguised as mechanics are lost without computer generated information to set things up!!!!!

I knew I could count on you Dave. Thanks. This stuff is pricey...IMO. I too will make a bump steer gauge. Probably start out with a bolt pattern tool (plate) since theyre cheap and set it up for bump steer and a toe add-on.

For the most part...my generation and those that are younger....think a computer will fix anything. I agree with you fully. If we could just learn to go back to the basics...in this case...the physics. Darn if I can't find my "Doorslammers" book. I've tucked her away somewhere. I did order "Chassis Engineering" and hope to find it more valuable as the "Doorslammers" book was more straight line oriented.

Are you all cooking up there? The humidy had been killing me here in Arkansas. But looks like we got some relief today. Maybe I wont be poking around this weekent and can actually get something done on the truck.

Dave

Originally Posted by ceh383

That's the same as mine except mine says Rebco on it. That and a set of turn plates and you can get your front end setup correctly. The nice thing about doing it yourself is you can play with different camber/caster settings to get it where it works best for your car.

Now I wish I had a pyrometer. Even though it wont be used under track conditions surely it would still be valuable. A trip down HWY 7S ...stop and check where the tires are riding.

Thanks both of you. I'll go ahead and opt for the new unit. Looks like its time for me to learn to be a alignment specialist. The shops around here....well....I just dont know. I just had new tires put on my company van....and an alignment....the thing walks all over the road. I'll be taking it back until they get it right.

Dave

I have a Hunter alignment rack I'll sell--it is earlier version with data only up to 2004---I bought it reasonable because it Hunter wouldn't update it ---also bought a nice rack with air jacks,etc

Works nice for working out real issues when fabbing something

Originally Posted by jerry clayton

I have a Hunter alignment rack I'll sell--it is earlier version with data only up to 2004---I bought it reasonable because it Hunter wouldn't update it ---also bought a nice rack with air jacks,etc

Works nice for working out real issues when fabbing something

Jerry.....I would absolutly love to be able to afford that thing...believe me. I'm stuck with doing everything the hard way. I've already blown my budget.... My wife is hunting for places to hide my body already...

Just kidding. She's been very supportive.

Dave