Caster Question

[TomTom]

 :-\I'm a newbie so I'll be asking alot of questions ! When setting caster do I really need a caster/camber gauge or can I use a magnetic angle finder  from Craftsmen ? If I can I would check the caster by placing it level on the flat spot of the aluminum spindle, is this correct, I was reading in one article that if you have a bubble dial like from longacre you have to turn the wheels 20 degrees, If I use my magnetic angle finder I Don't have to,  Am I correct ? I checked my camber by placing the angle finder on my brake rotor and it seemed to work, but is it the correct way to do it on a budget?

THANKS AGAIN

Tom #3

[knoxracing]

The camber can be check with a simple angle finder, I suggest doing it off the tire as it is a camber cut tire and the the camber needs to be checked with the car on the ground.  As for caster, you should probably go to e-bay or other sites and try and find a used gauge. The spindle is not accurate. You asked about bump steer. Alot of racers who dont have gauges shim the arms so they travel parallel to the lower A-arm, this will get you as close as anything without a gauge.  I will be happy to help you with set up if you e-mail me privately.
Dennis Knox
Buckeye Legends

[justfreaky]

Tom,

I think that the caster/camber gauge would be more accurate. The info that Dennis gave you should get you in the ball park. You might also check into getting the book "Dwarf Car Technology" by Steve Smith Motorsports. There is some very useful information... But not all is Legends Car legal. Would help to give you some reference though. A lot of our members will help guide you through the proper set up proceedures.

Best Of Luck!

Steve

[VMS Motorsports]

Just spend the $140.00 on a Longacre Caster Camber Gauge...it is one of the best, and most useful items you will find. I didn't have one my first 2 seasons, kept borrowing from a friend, and finally broke his, so I had to buy him one, decided to get myself one too...use it every race day. Its amazing what can change through the course of a race, even with no contact.

One of our members is a Longacre dealer, here's his website: http://bandostuff.com/
or P.M. him through the board here.

[thunder938]

Do what Dennis stated, he is my dealer and is one of the fastest guys anywhere  on pavement...

[TomTom]

Thanks Guys, I will save up & get a caster/camber gauge ! One guy said you can get one for $140 from bandostuff.com, does any one else sell them a little closer to Massachusetts ? Did I mention I run the car as a dwarf so I'm not as restricted by the inex rules, just by my budget!!!   LOL

THANKS AGAIN

Tom

[VMS Motorsports]

CAPITAL MOTORSPORTS WAREHOUSE
63 ALGER ST
ADAMS, MA  01220-9714
(800) 278-2692

Web site: http://www.cmwraceparts.com/

[VMS Motorsports]

Or you can call Longacre @ 1.877.423.3110...sometimes they will have scratch and dent stuff available

[justfreaky]

I believe Al (DarkAge53) was using a gauge bought at Sears and Tom (Admin) was using the Smart Tool. Long Acre does have some gauges that are a few bucks cheaper.
http://www.legendsracer.com/index.php?topic=133.0
You might also check eBay.

Steve

[TomTom]

  Thanks Steve, I saw that Tom said he measured caster by placing his smart tool on the flat spot on the spindle, will this work or do you still need to do the 20 deg. swing side to side, were can I get  a smart tool ?

Thanks
 Tom   

[JGRacing]

I got one from Speedway Motors and it works pretty good and was only around $35 if I remember correctly.  It takes a little more time than the more expensive ones, but it gets the job done.  Their site seems to be down at the moment, but I will try to get you a link this afternoon.   

[JGRacing]

Here is the one from Speedway that I was talking about.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/ECONOMY-CASTER-CAMBER-GAUGE,2699.html

[TomTom]

      THANK YOU John, I just ordered one from speedway !!!  What a good deal, I say who cares how long it takes to set up.  I got the time, not the money for a $150 one. The $35 dollar price tag fits right in. I tried using my mag. angle finder it works for camber but not caster, as I found out this weekend.

THANKS  AGAIN

Tom #3

[JGRacing]

Make sure you keep the directions around, but once you use it a couple of times it is pretty simple.