This is good info. Has anyone ever really been happy after giving an alignment shop 200 bucks to make your car drive crappy? Make your car drive good through trial n error if nothing else.
This was the best alignment video I've ever seen. I finally get how it's done. I read a bunch of articles on it before, this is the first time someone actually showed it in real time and explained what to do and what the action does.
Great explanation of caster and especially camber. Here's one of my quick tips. Use old cookie sheets (make sure you let the wife know before you grab them).
Very good video Even here in Australia, very very rarely you can find an older bloke that understands Valiants Big help for when you've renewed all your bushings!
Great video as others have said. I have a few comments though on the techniques you use. (1) old school/super cheapo slip plates can be created using a bunch of newspaper (about 1/4" thick) under the tires (if you can still find some newspapers). (2) When checking the caster, it is not necessary to remove the gauge as you turn the tire. (3) Toe should be checked at the OD of the tire, not at the rim. Love your videos!
My 71 Satie has been parked since 95, I’ve had it since 79. Everything’s been replaced, better than new. Did the same thing exactly as your Charger your showing us how to align. Can’t wait for warmer weather to finish it and set up the front end. Thanks for all the advice, I like your style Hoss.
When I had my Duster aligned the old Chrysler mechanic said that torsion bar angles were messed up. I was surprised that he went to that extent for a run of the mill alignment. I thanked him for the effort and the car drove very well.
Really great information I worked in the tire business for 4 years never saw an old Mopar in for an alignment. You did a great job on fine tuning the alignment and that was a cool tool that you used as well. You should get together with Derek on VGG to 2 of you with all your different sayings would be fun and you guys could really build something cool?
When I worked at the dealership I handed my Chevelle over to a buddy to laser align, after I did all my front suspension and "string" aligned it. At the end of the day he says, it won't align(later I found it had frame sag), so I tell him, just straighten it the best it'll go. When I drove it home, it drove horrible, very unstable. So I went back to the string alignment, and it's been that way ever since. I like those camber levels though, I'd seen them before, but wasn't sure how real world usable they were. Thanks, great video!
A ton of great info on alignments for any car but super details for a Mopar! Thanks Chris! And that Charger is sweet - sounds mean! That’s an original cruise car?! Wild! 👍🔥🏁🇺🇸
You did awesome job on this video !!!!! I do exactly same only thing I would do different is put driver in it but that's really only gonna make difference on race car !!! I have not seen anybody do it like you did other then me !!!!!! And also thank you !!! I did not know those upper. Control arms were built in with that!!!!! Other cheap tubular control arms don't !!!!! Anyway great video man !!!!!
Of course this assumes the wheels are symmetrical which they usually aren't. You check it by raising the tire and spinning the wheel. The accuracy of the pinch welds also affect measurements. On the race car you can string from the centerline of the chassis, or string off the rear wheels (outer edges of rim to string) assuming the rear is zero toe, which is okay for setup and then see how it drives
A lot of people who do alignments on vehicles don't understand roads are built with a crown so the water runs off to the side of the rd so it doesn't stand and cause hydroplaining. just an fyi for people that say my car pulls to the right in the slow lane and left in the fast lane and the crown is what causes that on most rds nowadays
Well, this video came at the right time. I was just thinking about installing my QA1 upper arms on my A body and doing the alignment, and was thinking how to. So thank`s a bunch. Very handy. Just get the bubble tool. Super.
Top Vid. Been doing string alignments for years. Taught by an old school guy when I was young school. Not so much now. Have more than a few friends that just think it’s a dark art. Camber and caster confuse them. Hopefully you can make some sense to them now. Glad you mentioned that wasn’t your auto cross setup at the end. I’ve loaded up 3.5 neg camber into cars for trackwork. Hardened washers in the lower ball joint. Chews out those inners, but turns in on a dime with a huge sway bar to keep the front end flat. Too old school? Always loved Mopars that can carve corners. So much potential for backyarders over Fuds and Chebbys.
What a video man,all about mopar exactly what I was looking for,I have a 77 volare on a 58 Chevy truck and driver side tire is closer to the fender lip more than the driver side about an inch,everything rebuild on the suspension any sugestión I will appreciate it,once again great video thanks!👍🏼
On my 73, the lower ball joint on the pass side was an inch shorter to the centerline of the axle than the drivers side. Factory engineering right there.
You forgot to mention a couple basics- be sure your tires are all the same and pressures set correctly. The most important part of the string line is to be sure your front tires are running parallel to the rear end. If you measure to the chassis and it is not straight, your car will be dog walking. You can also set camber with a carpenter square if you can do a little math by putting the square against the center line of the tire and measuring the gap on the top or bottom and then doing some math.
So can you do a deep dive in on setting castor. I thought I understood using this as a refresh from being taught years ago. And once you do it on your coll guage can you do it on the ebay one. Thanks
Hi Chris , I have been (stringing) my Charger for years with 0 camber to keep the tire patch flat on the ground and as much caster as I can get, with 1/8 toe in . I have had it up to 90 at Rockingham with no problem .Anymore and I would have to do some adjusting .
Would the guts in the coupler box need new parts or the adjustable worm gear on top of steering box need adjusted a little to fix play in steering wheel?
First thing I do is check for deflection in the rear end side to side and square because if the ass dances, it's no good nice to show the folks the workings of the mopor front end
Thanks for this. For the guy that does plan on building more than one car, it pays to invest in the tools to do this. I've never used the adjustable strut rods but I might some day. I don't know how I lucked out but with stock UCAs and offset bushings, I was able to get 5 degrees of caster with 1/4 degree of negative camber in my '70 Charger.
@@junkerup Absolutely. I have charts plotted by Bill Reilley that show as the suspension nears the full compression point, the caster is at it's greatest. The reverse is true as well. It is amazing how just an inch of ride height change can affect the numbers. I have my car sitting lower than stock not just for looks but for handling as well. I like your suggestion for turning plates....a grease sandwich between steel plates. That is some great backyard engineering.
Probably one of the best alignment video I have seen on RUclips.. and I'm a certified alignment tech.. good job Chris!
This is good info. Has anyone ever really been happy after giving an alignment shop 200 bucks to make your car drive crappy? Make your car drive good through trial n error if nothing else.
I hear that. Some of the "alignments" I've had were worthless.
Only one local guy I trust and he's close to retirement. Thanks Chris this gives me confidence to tackle alingment on my own.
This was the best alignment video I've ever seen. I finally get how it's done. I read a bunch of articles on it before, this is the first time someone actually showed it in real time and explained what to do and what the action does.
Now that guy that won vice grips Duster can fix his car.
Every Mopar guy will be studying this video!
Great explanation of caster and especially camber. Here's one of my quick tips. Use old cookie sheets (make sure you let the wife know before you grab them).
I think this is one of the best common sense videos on Mopar suspensions. Thanks a bunch Chris!
Killer episode getting a race car alignment is a real pain. Was shown this when I was younger, thanks for the refresher. I'm ordering tools today
I Love the amount of practical knowledge that you bless us with. Thank you for this.
Love your videos man! You explain things like a regular shade tree mechanic. Keep them up please.
Very good video
Even here in Australia, very very rarely you can find an older bloke that understands Valiants
Big help for when you've renewed all your bushings!
I figured I needed to share
Great video as others have said. I have a few comments though on the techniques you use. (1) old school/super cheapo slip plates can be created using a bunch of newspaper (about 1/4" thick) under the tires (if you can still find some newspapers). (2) When checking the caster, it is not necessary to remove the gauge as you turn the tire. (3) Toe should be checked at the OD of the tire, not at the rim. Love your videos!
This video came at the perfect time. I’m having trouble with the alignment on my Duster and most of the local shops don’t want to touch my car.
Thanks a lot for this video man! I suck at understanding alignments! So this really helped the DIYer! Also very beautiful ‘70!
My 71 Satie has been parked since 95, I’ve had it since 79. Everything’s been replaced, better than new. Did the same thing exactly as your Charger your showing us how to align. Can’t wait for warmer weather to finish it and set up the front end. Thanks for all the advice, I like your style Hoss.
Excellent video. I've done my own alignments for years, your tips will make it even easier.
Chevy guy here. I can to tighten my torsion bar for ride hight. 1960 apache truck 😝
When I had my Duster aligned the old Chrysler mechanic said that torsion bar angles were messed up. I was surprised that he went to that extent for a run of the mill alignment. I thanked him for the effort and the car drove very well.
Really great information I worked in the tire business for 4 years never saw an old Mopar in for an alignment. You did a great job on fine tuning the alignment and that was a cool tool that you used as well. You should get together with Derek on VGG to 2 of you with all your different sayings would be fun and you guys could really build something cool?
Great vid, Chris. You're a pretty handy unit. Thanks for sharing.
When I worked at the dealership I handed my Chevelle over to a buddy to laser align, after I did all my front suspension and "string" aligned it. At the end of the day he says, it won't align(later I found it had frame sag), so I tell him, just straighten it the best it'll go. When I drove it home, it drove horrible, very unstable. So I went back to the string alignment, and it's been that way ever since. I like those camber levels though, I'd seen them before, but wasn't sure how real world usable they were. Thanks, great video!
Been doing my on alignments on all of my classic Mopars for well over 10 years. I love using the strings.
Thanks Chris!
A ton of great info on alignments for any car but super details for a Mopar! Thanks Chris! And that Charger is sweet - sounds mean! That’s an original cruise car?! Wild! 👍🔥🏁🇺🇸
This cool Charger 😎
You did awesome job on this video !!!!! I do exactly same only thing I would do different is put driver in it but that's really only gonna make difference on race car !!! I have not seen anybody do it like you did other then me !!!!!! And also thank you !!! I did not know those upper. Control arms were built in with that!!!!! Other cheap tubular control arms don't !!!!! Anyway great video man !!!!!
Of course this assumes the wheels are symmetrical which they usually aren't. You check it by raising the tire and spinning the wheel. The accuracy of the pinch welds also affect measurements. On the race car you can string from the centerline of the chassis, or string off the rear wheels (outer edges of rim to string) assuming the rear is zero toe, which is okay for setup and then see how it drives
Good video Chris.
Great information.
Thanks for sharing. 👍 👍
This is very good to know, thanks Chris! You rock man
A lot of people who do alignments on vehicles don't understand roads are built with a crown so the water runs off to the side of the rd so it doesn't stand and cause hydroplaining. just an fyi for people that say my car pulls to the right in the slow lane and left in the fast lane and the crown is what causes that on most rds nowadays
Thanks for the alignment tutorial. Very helpful.
Well, this video came at the right time. I was just thinking about installing my QA1 upper arms on my A body and doing the alignment, and was thinking how to. So thank`s a bunch. Very handy. Just get the bubble tool. Super.
Top Vid. Been doing string alignments for years. Taught by an old school guy when I was young school. Not so much now. Have more than a few friends that just think it’s a dark art. Camber and caster confuse them. Hopefully you can make some sense to them now.
Glad you mentioned that wasn’t your auto cross setup at the end. I’ve loaded up 3.5 neg camber into cars for trackwork. Hardened washers in the lower ball joint. Chews out those inners, but turns in on a dime with a huge sway bar to keep the front end flat. Too old school? Always loved Mopars that can carve corners. So much potential for backyarders over Fuds and Chebbys.
Good job Chris!
Great video! I'll have to try this on my Coronet!
Superb video some really helpful and cost effective tips, thank you :).
That's a good, informative video.
Great video!
Hey Chris thank you for the video
What a Awsome dog 🐕
Good work
What a video man,all about mopar exactly what I was looking for,I have a 77 volare on a 58 Chevy truck and driver side tire is closer to the fender lip more than the driver side about an inch,everything rebuild on the suspension any sugestión I will appreciate it,once again great video thanks!👍🏼
On my 73, the lower ball joint on the pass side was an inch shorter to the centerline of the axle than the drivers side. Factory engineering right there.
You forgot to mention a couple basics- be sure your tires are all the same and pressures set correctly. The most important part of the string line is to be sure your front tires are running parallel to the rear end. If you measure to the chassis and it is not straight, your car will be dog walking. You can also set camber with a carpenter square if you can do a little math by putting the square against the center line of the tire and measuring the gap on the top or bottom and then doing some math.
Parallel front tires not important when stringing off chassis
HOLY SHEEEET, FINALLY BIRDSONG DID A VID. T.Y. SIR MISSED YOUR VIDS., NICE DOGGY & ON WE GOOOOO.
Finally a video
Great video! How good is the cheap gauge? Can you compare both of them?
So can you do a deep dive in on setting castor. I thought I understood using this as a refresh from being taught years ago. And once you do it on your coll guage can you do it on the ebay one. Thanks
I may be a Chevy man all the way but I’ll own a 68/69 charger one day in my life hopefully
Hi Chris , I have been (stringing) my Charger for years with 0 camber to keep the tire patch flat on the ground and as much caster as I can get, with 1/8 toe in . I have had it up to 90 at Rockingham with no problem .Anymore and I would have to do some adjusting .
Ranger and F150 used torsion bar front suspension,
Where else can you go and learn to align your car in less than an hour, thanks Chris !
Would the guts in the coupler box need new parts or the adjustable worm gear on top of steering box need adjusted a little to fix play in steering wheel?
So the expensive plates are no good. They have a pivot in the middle
Yeee Yeee !
Who makes that caster/camber tool? Not one like it but THAT one please
What’s the tire specs on that 70? Looking for those wheels for my charger
Do you ever check your alignment after you run your cars through the autocross?
Chris, could I impose on you and ask which Longacre unit you used in the video. I see they list a bunch of different units. Thanx
Bump this. Would love to know which gauge Mr. Birdsong is using.
Do you want to set the alignment on a 71 mustang I’ll pay you I live here in Vegas I’ve had it at alignment shops but not happy with it
First thing I do is check for deflection in the rear end side to side and square because if the ass dances, it's no good nice to show the folks the workings of the mopor front end
Any time I've told the technician the specs I want they've gotten extremely hostile about "factory spec".
They don't understand you can't buy factory spec tires, and that's not what you have on the car?
Why do an alignment on an old wasted steering box??
I think u missed the point of the video
@@junkerup I went beyond the point
Thats not how you set ride height
If you have to abbreviate "your" to 'ur", I don't trust that you know what you're doing, sir.
You type as if I care
@@junkerup You responded like you did.
Thanks for this. For the guy that does plan on building more than one car, it pays to invest in the tools to do this.
I've never used the adjustable strut rods but I might some day.
I don't know how I lucked out but with stock UCAs and offset bushings, I was able to get 5 degrees of caster with 1/4 degree of negative camber in my '70 Charger.
Low ride heights gain caster
@@junkerup Absolutely. I have charts plotted by Bill Reilley that show as the suspension nears the full compression point, the caster is at it's greatest. The reverse is true as well. It is amazing how just an inch of ride height change can affect the numbers.
I have my car sitting lower than stock not just for looks but for handling as well.
I like your suggestion for turning plates....a grease sandwich between steel plates. That is some great backyard engineering.
Sounds like your dog has a bad snorting problem. Sounds like a horse. 😢
Shame on you for having that big old c h e v y laying in the yard ! You gonna make a fish habitat in a pond somewhere ?
Smart guy