A contribution - setting toe-in with a laser

Hi guys, everyone has been so kind in answering my posts, I'd thought I'd share this with you.
I got one of those cheap Craftsman lasers for a Christmas gift one year that was intended to be used by the home owner in hanging pictures on walls ect. Well, I read one method in the FSM stating you could use a straight edge or a string to set the toe in. What i did was, simulate a string by blocking up the laser behind the rear wheel of one side of the jeep till the beam hit EXACTLY the leading and trailing edge of the rear tire, making sure it was parallel to the tire. (I used a small level as a stand-off about 1 inch from the tire, holding it level to the floor...halfway up the tire so the beam could be more easily seem) Then, I went to the front of the vehicle and using a simple tape measure, I measured FROM the beam INTO the front wheel and/or tire on both the leading and trailing edges and adjusted the tie rod till it was the exact distance from the beam to the tire, front and back. After the front was set to track with the rear wheel, I shortened the tie rod approximately 1/2 turn, as per FSM. Repeated procedure on the other side of the vehicle. (All this was done making sure the bellcrank was set at 90 degrees to the axle as per manual) Took the ol' gal out for a spin and it tracked hands off, dead nuts perfect. I think the lasers can be had for around 30 bucks?? This method sure beats strings, straightedges, and centerlines around the tires.
Hope this helps someone..

Mike in KC

Semper Fi

 

Great tip, thanks.

 

I need to try this, it seems like a great idea.

 

Been wonderin' what to do with that laser I got for Christmas two years ago. Wish I'd thought of that. Coulda saved $35 on a toe in job at the garage.

 

WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THAT! had the laser -used the string