DIY Wheel Alignment

[StellaBlueWesty]

[RicMcK]

I've read most of the this thread, and I have a few questions. I'm about to do the front and rear bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends springs, and shocks all the way around.

My questions:

After the installation of new bushings, springs and shocks. Do I do an alignment, then drive it for a bit, then redo the alignment? Or is there a "preferred method"?

I have a pretty flat gravel parking area. Can I do the alignment on this surface? I'm thinking I could put pieces of plywood or concrete pavers under each tire that the vinyl squares can sit on.

How do I set up the rear end adjustments? I do not see any details on Samba.

I'm planning on doing the front castor via the cube level on the steering knuckle, (from T3TRIS) , and check it with the +- 20 degrees method. Then I will make a triangle rim jig from some scrap rectangular tubing and bolts, with digital levels. For the camber /castor. Should I get one of those alignment level tools or are 2 digital levels on the wheel jig ok?

I've read different ways to do toe in. What's the "best" method ?
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone.

[RicMcK]

Another question. Do I need to lift the tire off of ground to make caster or camber adjustments on the front, and toe / camber on the rear?
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone.

[RicMcK]

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ADVICE. Did an alignment yesterday, and it went great except for the vinyl floor tiles did not spin. I used fine grain salt. Next time I will try regular size salt.

My question is about rear wheel camber. One side is at max camber adjustment and I'm still at 0.75°. Prior to the bushing R&R, it was at 0°. What's my solution? Elongate the out side holes some more?
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone.

[RicMcK]

More questions:
#1. When putting in driver and passenger weights on the seats, do I need to put weigh both seats (about 150-180lb in each seat), or can I weight only the seat on the side I'm adjusting?

I'm asking because I really don't want to have to go buy 6+ bags of concrete or sand, that I will have no use for after doing the alignment.

#2. How much gas should I have in the tank?

#3. Should I adjust/match the ride height with the seats weighted?

Thanks.
_________________
Rick McK
Seattle
89 Westfalia-2.2L WBX "VINNY"
2006 TDI Jetta
1936 Ford Pick up
70 tin top, 700k mi when sold in 91
58 split window (first car)
58 split window bug - long gone.

[jlaudin]

My Syncro has a big brake kit on the front end, this adds about 3/4 inch of width. I wanted to eliminate as many points of error in squaring up my strings, so I used welding magnets attached to the rear hub nut and I can eliminate that portion of squaring up the strings.

[ALIKA T3]

[jlaudin]

Must be the wheel adaptors then. Has 17" Jeep Wheels.

[ALIKA T3]

[Steve M.]

Just saw this gadget and APP using a smartphone to check wheel alignment.
I've got my alignment tools so no interest in getting it. Just fyi for modern times!

https://gyraline.com/products/the-case?campaign_id...6628470111
_________________
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There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[ALIKA T3]

[Steve M.]

[Christopher Schimke]