Self alignment after rebuild?

[Darrman]

I am putting the finishing touches on the front end suspension of my '69, this week I went and bought all new steering linkage. My question is, is there a way to get it aligned myself since I am replacing everything, or do I still need to go have it done? It will have to wait a long time for that.
Also do I need to have the suspension cycled to properly set a temp alignment. I put in these new v8 springs and without the weight of the motor, I cant get everything to settle out properly. Thanks!

[basketcase0302]

Darrman,

You should have the engine in it for sure.
But....you can then set the toe-in/toe-out with a tape measure. (I've done this on a couple of my Fords and had good luck with tire wear and steering). Measure centerline of the rim's from back to front and you'll get it close enough to drive.
Caster/camber a little tougher, recommend taking it to alignment shop.

Basketcase

[MadMaxetc]

A good alignment will run you $60 -70. Walmart and Firestone can't do it. Check at a local truck shop (like F-700 type). Ask if the bend twin I beams on the "old fords" if they say yes then you are good, if the pause for to long keep looking.

You need to have it loaded before they can do this, so a motor is a must.

You can get it good enough to drive by doing what basketcase said.

A good alignment is well worth it. And these trucks will hold a good alignment for many many years. Newer cars are hosed after the first speedbump.

[69bumptruck]

A good alignment is well worth it. And these trucks will hold a good alignment for many many years. Newer cars are hosed after the first speedbump.

Man, that's the truth. My wife's minivan needs it every time we change the oil. We had to buy the "lifetime" alignment for it to keep from going broke.

I would say it's definately worth having it done right. You don't want it eating up your tires constantly.

[Darrman]

Thanks, I guess I will have to wait till she's running again. I have a local shop thats been around 20+ years, they did a great job getting my Explorer back in line after installing a lift kit. Most other places were to scared to touch it.

[basketcase0302]

Dan,

Ask if the bend twin I beams on the "old fords" if they say yes then you are good, if the pause for to long keep looking.

Thanks, I thought this was still how it was done!

Basketcase