What camber gauge setup do you use?

[DTL]

The magnetic adapter for my Longacre C/C gauge isn't the greatest with the wheels on my Mustang and I've been looking at some of the other mounting options. Have any of you tried the "quickset" or "hands free" caster camber gauge adapters on these cars?

Thanks!

 

[JAJ]

I looked at all the various tools for doing this better, and while I was figuring out which one to buy, I just used a plumb bob because I had one. After a while I quit shopping - the plumb bob method works great - it's idiot proof and the batteries never wear out.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Various setups over the years . . . don't have $100 tied up in all three combined.

Combination square and an 0.01" scale.

DIY-fabbed with dial indicator ↓↓↓ - heavy but this one has the best resolution of the three

What I use now because it's easy and I'm getting lazy ↓↓↓ . I suppose I ought to check its battery.

Norm

 

[fun4me]

What about all the nice smartphone apps? They seem to be very accurate.

 

[DTL]

I like that dial indicator setup, Norm. That's pretty trick!

 

[2008 V6]

I like that dial indicator setup, Norm. That's pretty trick!

+1

I'm using this

http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1299&catid=5

Purchased used - I sent the gauge back for recalibration.

Very quick & easy to use. After the first time I used it, I had a high end alignment shop check my setup. They had quite different measurements. I re-checked mine several times & my measurements came out the same. Scratched my head a few times & couldn't figure out the problem.
Turns out the Alignment Shop's rack had shifted. They have since rectified their problem & bought me lunch.
I am satisfied with the gauge & often use it for other tasks.
I should get commission for any sales because of this post.

 

[DTL]

Thanks for the review. I think I'll give that Longacre piece a try.

 

[Vorshlag-Fair]

Smart Camber Gauge with optional 3-point mount works great. I have two of these for use doing race alignments track side. Bought them from SPS. Works great on 99% of the wheels on modern cars, and keys off of the machined outer face of the wheel lip or the tire to wheel interface, at 3 points.

If you calibrate it on a flat floor before each use it is surprisingly accurate (we are usually 0-.1 deg to a 4-wheel laser alignment machine). I've also used an angle finder app on a smart phone, and it wasn't at all accurate...

YRMV,

 

[Wes06]

yea i wouldnt recommend smartphone app's for precise work, if your just trying to get a general reading then yes it would be fine, but its still a phone and they arent going to be as accurate a specialty made device

 

[Mach2burnout]

I just got this one, mainly because its small, light and cheap. I have a longacre magnetic mount but its kinda hard to use unless your running steel wheels.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Some good ideas here that I might be able to build into my next one as I get still lazier.

Just a question, but does anybody else use a level to make sure that the vertical part of their device is truly vertical? There does seem to be some error introduced when it's off, probably due to the curvature of the level vial being in a single plane.


Norm

 

[908ssp]

$105 for this tool and a small section of square tubing.

http://www.speedpartz.com/smarttool.htm

 

[2008 V6]

Smart Camber Gauge with optional 3-point mount works great. I have two of these for use doing race alignments track side. Bought them from SPS. Works great on 99% of the wheels on modern cars, and keys off of the machined outer face of the wheel lip or the tire to wheel interface, at 3 points.

If you calibrate it on a flat floor before each use it is surprisingly accurate (we are usually 0-.1 deg to a 4-wheel laser alignment machine). I've also used an angle finder app on a smart phone, and it wasn't at all accurate...

YRMV,

It was a toss-up between the Smart gauge & the one I bought. I settled on the Longancre because I found a used one for sale on ebay for a price I couldn't refuse. Even after shipping the gauge back for re-calibration I was $$$$ + ahead.
Checking caster is easy because I can lock the langancre into place (Located onto the machined surface of the rim also) - Stile need someone else to turn the steering wheel.
I have seen quite a few people using the Smart Camber track side but I am the only one I have seen so far to be using the Longancre.
I also use the level quite a bit for checking angles. The entire unit folds up to make storage easier. THe box it came in was large. Don't know if it comes that way from Longancre but I fit my Fluke lazar pyrometer, tire temp gauge & tire pressure gauge in the box. Box is aluminum w/ foam insert.
I plan on buying the LOngancre combo tire gauge / tire pyrometer in the near furture to down size my carry along tool requirements - Just Way too much SHT to transport & keep track of.