DIY alignment - quick way to set alignment while new suspension settles?

[1Cor10:23]

Hi all,

Quick questions for those that have installed coilovers on their own:

How have you gone about setting your alignment while the suspension settles in? I'm thinking that getting an alignment right after installation seems like a waste but at the same time I would like toe to be within reason so that it's not dangerous to drive around / eat away at the tires excessively.

I've seen the string method - are there any alternatives to achieve a "safe" alignment?

Cheers.

[Captain Snooze]

I'm thinking not getting an alignment is a waste. Why would you compromise on such an important part of your car?

[Decay107]

I measured each adjustable point that I removed/loosened/touched with a set of calipers and made sure to match those after installing my coilovers. When installing the coilovers I made sure to bias any loose fitting part to the same degree on each side (for example the strut tower bolts have a good amount of free play, I made sure to push them inwards and back on each side before tightening). Doing this got me within a few percent of the factory setup.

I'd still recommend getting a proper alignment within a week, unless you hate your tires.

[1Cor10:23]

@Captain Snooze to be clear, I'm super anal about alignments - as I mentioned in Op, it's the initial first week or so of alignment settling post coilover install that seems to be wasteful to align right at install.
@Decay107 how did you compensate for changes in toe given drop in height/change in camber?

[chas3wba0]

Find a shop who is willing to fix the alignment after the springs settle at no extra charge. Or do the Firestone lifetime alignment deal

[Decay107]

Originally Posted by 1Cor10:23

@Captain Snooze to be clear, I'm super anal about alignments - as I mentioned in Op, it's the initial first week or so of alignment settling post coilover install that seems to be wasteful to align right at install.
@Decay107 how did you compensate for changes in toe given drop in height/change in camber?

I used the string method.

Basic outline here,
http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/chassis...ignment-guide/

The need to adjust depends on how much you drive while waiting for it to settle. I did not notice a significant change in toe upon installing my setup and didn't bother changing it, but I did not deviate very far from factory ride height.

If you want to settle your suspension quickly, take the car over a few speed bumps.

[cjd]

Originally Posted by Decay107

If you want to settle your suspension quickly, take the car over a few speed bumps.

I never understood why they were in my alleyway (they're pretty tall too, more like speed hills...kinda worried about suspension changes on the BRZ, to be honest) but now I know! How nice of them.

FWIW I've done the string method on a previous car (my wife's, after I had to replace the front subframe after the car curbed on black ice) and it turned out quite accurate - though of course that was not on a setup with adjustable ride height, so I was only tweaking camber and toe. The only thing I was never able to do was get the steering centered - otherwise the shop we took it to said it was within their normal tolerance (but they DID get the wheel centered...)

C