Alignment on 4 post lift

[DerStig]

I have a bendpak hd-9 that I want to use to do 4 wheel alignment. I have three questions:

- Is there way to install add on components to runways to convert this lift to an alignment lift?
- If not, considering I have hd9, what are the best tools to perform alignments?
- Are there any guides for doing alignment possibly on 4 post lift?

 

[IBoughtAAccord]

Hi,

I have done a string alignment on jack stands. This was to make it close as possible before having an alignment done at a shop. I had all the wheels off the ground on jack stands, take a string and hold it from the rear tire to the front tire. The string should just touch, not press up against the sidewall of the tire and does not touch the rim. Hold it straight at about center of each wheel and the string should travel the length of the car.

You will then know how to adjust the front tie rods to bring them into spec. When the front tire does not touch on both sidewalls, you will need to turn the tie rod either way to bring the rear of the tire out or front outwards. It will bring you really close to where the shop will just do minor adjustments. This is for the toe adjustment, not camber as that is better with the laser machines.

 

[rburke65]

I know guys that have done it with a tape measure, straight edge, etc. should be accurate.

 

[rsanter]

Basically you need those little turntable things that make it easy to turn the front wheels while sitting still.
If you go out to the track there is always a guy setup to do alignments.
They set up a set of wood ramps and rails for the tires that they can level and they have the turntable things for the front tires to sit on.
The rest is the actual alignment equipment with that being as simple,or fancy as you would like

 

[gnpenning]

Depending on the vehicle, you need slip plates for all 4 wheels. Your lift will need to maintain level front to back and side to side. Plus alignment equipment. Some will require you to do wheel run out for setup. Having the ability to raise the wheels off the plates helps. Check out alignment racks.

 

[Cobra5150]

Shouldn't the wheels be on the ground (rails) during an alignment?

 

[engineer2]

You will need turn plates for the front wheels and slide plates for the rear. They all need to be at the same level. Jacking beams are handy for doing adjustments. Of course you will need a 4-wheel alignment machine. Newer ones are optical and need to be set up for your installation.

 

[BonzoHansen]

Shouldn't the wheels be on the ground (rails) during an alignment?

Absolutely. And level.

My old shop had a set of these. Our old rack wasn't long enough for long wheelbase trucks. Notice adjustable feet so you can make a car level.

 

[gnpenning]

You will need turn plates for the front wheels and slide plates for the rear. They all need to be at the same level. Jacking beams are handy for doing adjustments. Of course you will need a 4-wheel alignment machine. Newer ones are optical an need to be set up for your instillation.

Thanks for the correction, as I didn't give complete information. 2 turn plates and 2 slip plates

 

[HeadsUp]

I've used two 12" x 12" vinyl floor tiles with grease sandwiched between them as turn plates. Must cheaper

 

[Squankum]

Grassroots Motorsports magazine, long ago:
The Ten-Cent Chassis Alignment
https://classicmotorsports.com/forum/grm/ten-cent-chassis-alignment/98143/page1/


Old book, still quite educational, covers string alignments:
How to Make Your Car Handle
by Fred Puhn
http://a.co/dBr4Wnp


I've also heard of people using contractor grade garbage bags with talcum powder inside them as slip plates, when working on things at the track.



_

 

[maxpat82]

I've used two 12" x 12" vinyl floor tiles with grease sandwiched between them as turn plates. Must cheaper

I did the alignment of my truck myself after suspension modification and that's what I used.. Worked great!

 

[slowTA]

I've also heard of people using contractor grade garbage bags with talcum powder inside them as slip plates, when working on things at the track.

I've heard that, but with wheel bearing grease instead of powder. Either way I would think twice about using that on a drive-on lift... don't want things too slippery up there!

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I use lasers instead of string for toe. with a cross line laser, you can even get camber pretty close.

 

[lat905]

I have a quick trick alignment setup. Works pretty good. I made turn plates from sandwiched squares of lexan with grease in between. I can us eat on my 4 post very easily. I've done it on the ground but its a pain in the *** since I can't reach the adjustments without lifting the vehicle up.

https://www.quicktrickalignment.com/shop/