Question on alignment...

[tinwhisker]

I'm trying to get my front end aligned DIY-style. Two reasons for that: 1 - I am broke, 2 - It affords me an opportunity to learn more about my car.

I already know my camber is out of whack, and have camber wedges on order.

My question is about the "String-method" for setting toe. I understand the concept, its pretty simple. But I am still unclear on one thing: Do you set the toe loaded or unloaded? In other words, should I jack the car up first, or just have it parked on level pavement?

Thanks for any help -- I'd love to get this done today while I have some good weather!

[festivaWES]

unloaded. jack the car up to change toe. 1/8 inch toe in.

[tinwhisker]

Thanks, buddy.

I will do that first thing in the AM.

[econoaddict]

You do not want to measure your toe with the suspension unloaded, when the weight of the vehicle is lifted the tires will toe out in the front.
I am assuming that you mean suspension hanging when refering to unloaded.
Find a flat surface, roll/drive the car in a straight line and stop, then measure the toe.
You want the vehicle to have the full weight on the suspension while measuring or you will get a very bad end result.

here is a link to a thread that has a good how to on the second page.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/sh...ring+alignment

[tinwhisker]

Damn. THats why I was confused about the procedure -- people have different opinions. How do the pros do it if I was to take it to the shop?

[econoaddict]

I have a hunter alignment machine and never ever jack up a car to take measurements.

Some times you have to jack it up to make an adjustment but then resettle the car before rechecking the measurements.

[econoaddict]

Run a google for something like: "DIY string alignment" or "car string alignment"
you get alot of stuff to look at, mostly the same basic procedures.

[FB71]

the weight of the car MUST be on the front wheels to set toe properly.

[festivaWES]

i never said to measure while the vehicle was jacked up....You can if you want jack it up when you break loose the tie rod ends to make your adjustments. Just make sure to set it back ont he ground and free roll it 10 feet forward and 10 feet back before taking another measurement.

[tinwhisker]

LOL.....Yeah, I meant when you take the measurements...

[skeeters_keeper]

I run no toe in, any reason you say 1/8" toe in?

[ejp2fast]

see this DIY alignment thread:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14004

[88FestivaLX]

Quick question (not trying to take over the thread). When I'm driving straight, my steering wheel is pretty far off to the left. Can I fix this just by pulling the steering wheel off and putting it on straight, or is there something wrong under the front somewhere? I just put all new control arms, tie rod ends, bushings etc, but it was off before I did all that.

[tinwhisker]

I am pretty sure you adjust that with the tie rod ends...the ENDS, not the rod. You want to turn one side in x-amount of turns, and then turn the other side out the same amount of turns without allowing the actual rod to turn, until it brings your wheel to where it should be. Make sure to turn the ends in the opposite directions the same number of turns so it doesn't change your alignment.

I'm sure someone will correct me if there is a better way. You could do it by removing the steering wheel, but that sounds like more hassle.

[ejp2fast]

^^it depends..you don't want to just take the steering wheel off to correct your problem, as long as your toe is properly ok... if it is, then yes, you can easily pop off the steering wheel (if its a stock wheel, just pop the "ford" cap off and use a 17mm with extension for the bolt and pull hard and the wheel comes off).. it is splined, so moving it to the right to correct for straightness would be fine... just don't do it to correct for the car pulling one way or the other.