Have you just completely rebuilt your front suspension? Or maybe your frame-off, ground-up rebuild is finally ready to come off the jackstands and put rubber to the pavement. Either way, setting the correct wheel and tire alignment is critical for vehicle safety and preventing premature tire wear. An accurate wheel alignment requires special equipment and a skilled technician who knows how to use it—but you have to get the car there in the first place! Is there a way for the average car crafter to rough-in a newly built suspension’s alignment so the car can be driven safely to an alignment shop for the real deal?
Yes there is, according to premier suspension expert Doug Nordin, owner of Global West Suspension Components, hard-core manufacturers of go-fast handling and drag racing chassis parts. Nordin came up with this simple technique for setting camber and toe with tools found in virtually any household. Caster requires special equipment, but it’s not a major tire-wear factor. The car may still pull to one side if the caster is wrong, but at least you’ll make it to the alignment shop in one piece.