Caster/camber/toe tool vs. alignment shop

[pjo046]

I need to have my front end aligned, as I did a renovation on the front suspension this winter/spring. However, the next winter I will be renovating the rear-end, which means I need a new alignment next year. Taking several trips to an alignment shop is quite costly, so my question is this:

Can one achieve good results by using a tool like this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAMBER-CASTER-TOE-GAUGE-ALIGNMENT-RACING-AUTOCROSS-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZQ7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3 a30QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em14Q2el1262QQhashZitem3e f5a6c447QQitemZ270409319495QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiv eQ5fTools

Or is this not accurate enough without having turn-plates? Has anyone used tools like this with success?

[jason2guy]

ive done the home alignment. to get it right its pretty time consuming, but doable. yes thats one of the tools youll need, or its equivalent.

[burgermeister]

You could just get a digital angle finder from Harbor Freight for $20. With a straight piece of wood or aluminum, it becomes a great camber gage. Because the 911 strut is coaxial with the kingpin, you can just hold it to the strut to measure caster (though it is a PITA to get it attached). For toe, you can make blocks that register against the tire, use strings, or get a HF toe gage (all <$20).

[docrodg]

The key is to get wiggle plates for the tires to sit on. Do the front first, then put the plates on the rear. Remember to bounce the suspension a few times before each reading.

[BK911]

You could make your own alignment rack. Search for alignment. Here are two threads to get you started:

Home alignment

4 Wheel Alignment

[cgarr]

Really not much you can do with the caster and the camber is easy to set along with toe.