best tool for strut dissassembly?

[eyeballs]

Thanks. I'm going to try and zero the toe myself. May need to do some research on that. I know I need to make sure the measurement from the front and rear of the front tires is even.

 

[Racebrewer]

I used two pieces of plastic plumbing pipe (2.5" IIRC) infront of and behind the car up on jackstands. I drilled them equally and ran fishing line down the sides of the car. Moved everything around based upon keeping the fishing line parallel to the car (equidistant in the front and in the rear--- different front and rear tracks). I started by measuring off of the wheel dust caps.

So perfect rectangular box around the car. I then measured to the front wheels from the fishing line. The difference from the front of the wheel vs the back of the wheel gives you an indication of the toe. I then made adjustments and drove around the block and re-measured. Took a few times.

Perfection requires fairly level driveway and getting the front and rear plastic pipes equidistant to the front and rear axles.

I also ran paint stripes down the tie rods to help keep my brain on straight when I adjusted.

John

 

[eyeballs]

can the tie rods be adjusted when weighted? I was thinking of just putting it up on ramps and using a single measuring tape or string. Probably not as accurate, but should be much faster and hopefully "good enough."

 

[Racebrewer]

Yup. No problem turning and adjusting when weighted. I did mine sitting on the pavement by measuring, turning the steering wheel so I could get at the tie rods, adjusting, driving around the block and re-measuring. Repeat as needed.

I think that you will find a tape measure difficult to use. That's why I 'stringed' the car. Stringing also allows you to make sure that the steering wheel is straight, etc, etc.

All you need is plastic water pipe, 4 jack stands, ruler or tape measure and fishing line.

John

 

[Ryno666]

The ghetto trick is to put cardboard on top of plywood that way the wheels will slide left and right when you're adjusting.