Date:         Sat, 18 Jan 2003 10:18:14 -0600
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Checking toe-in on a Vanagon at home
Comments: To: jbclem <jbclem@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

jbclem wrote:
>
> I have a toe-in bar(spring loaded) that I've used checking toe-in on earlier
> buses and bugs where you could  place the toe-in bar points on the metal
> brake drum and have a solid place to measure from.  My Vanagon has a backing
> plate that gets in the way and is not  solid(inflexible) enough anyway.
> Does anyone have a way to do this without going to a drive on alignment
> rack?
>
> John

Hi:
  I measure to the rim; the flat part just inside the very edge.
I lay a 2" x 8" board on flat pavement tight against the front or back
of the tire.  Then I set the large flat edge of a combination square on
the wood and let the blade come straight up.  By clamping a needle nose
vise grips to the blade of the square I have a probe that extends to
contact the rim.  I mark the wood at the corner of the square and then
go to the other side.  Repeat behind the wheel and compare.
  I hope this makes sense; kind of hard to describe in words.
Be sure there isn't too much slop in the suspension.  If your ball
joints, etc. are bad enough your alignment won't be accurate.

Larry A.

BTW I found the "Alignment Gauge" sold by Eastman to be completely
useless.