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TR2/3/3A TR3 Toe-in Adjustment

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RedTR3

RedTR3

Jedi Trainee
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I want to set the toe-in soon on my TR3. Does the "string alignment" method work OK for these cars, or is there a better way? Thanks, Tim
 
I do mine by actual measurement of either the front and rear of the tire center line or the outer edge of the rim. There are several direct measurement methods using jigs or carpenters squares or spirit levels. I have not used the string method but from what I recall it should work too.

This isn't a Mars landing, great precision is not involved... well within the capabilities of hand tools and everyday measuring devices using basic math.
 
Agree with Geo. Had a simple tool to do this many years ago, essentially a graduated steel tube with a couple of sliding pointers on it. Always measured from the tire centers (approximate) rather than rim edge to balance out any wobble in the wheels (not that TR3 wheels would do that). Tom
 
Tim,

I have used the string method for alignment, but have since switched to toe plates similar to these https://www.saferacer.com/longacre-toe-plates-wtapes.html?productid=486. For me they are alot quicker and I get more accurate results. Make sure you adjust tire pressures and that there are no worn steering/suspension components. I usually bounce the front end a few times and roll the car forward several feet before taking a measurement/adjusting.

Bob
 
Here's another approach. On a Mustang forum, saw and liked this homemade approach to checking toe (there's another shelf bracket mounted to the board on the other side of the vehicle) Thought the use of an easily modified level for checking camber was neat too.
DIYToe2.jpg


DIYCamber.jpg
 
I've read Randall describe doing it with a stick and a knife, but he will need to fill in the details.

As I remember it did not involve sticking the knife in the tire as I suggested it did. :jester:
 
I like the thumb tack method. The description is for my MG Midget but it also worked a treat for the ole TR3.

Jay, I like that also. Do you roll the car forward and measure at the exact same spot or do you assume the tire is perfectly symmetrical?

Cheers!
 
His description was to measure at the wheel's back edge, then move the board to the front of the tire and place the tip of the shelf bracket on front edge of the wheel. The measured difference is the amount of toe in/out. He's also placed small squares of plywood under the tires to make any tie rod adjustments easier.
 
bigjones said:
Fair enough.

3798j said:
He's also placed small squares of plywood under the tires to make any tie rod adjustments easier.
Click to expand...
Don't quite understand that bit.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

so the tires will move freely when adjusting in/out, the plywood acts as a swivel pt
 
Wow! Thanks for the info. Sure beats putting the car on jacks stands, adjusting, lowering, measuring, putting the car on jacks stands,etc.

I'll have to try it next time.

Cheers!
 
This14u said:
For me they are alot quicker and I get more accurate results.
Click to expand...
Only problem is, they assume that the sidewalls of the tire are perpendicular to the axis of rotation. If your tires have raised letters, or aren't formed just exactly right, or your wheels aren't perfectly true; you may not get accurate results.
 
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