Camber / Caster gauge recommendation?

I'm looking for a camber/caster gauge that's not too expensive to help set up challenge and lemons vehicles. Currently I've been using a harbor fright digital angle finder and a board the same size as my wheel but would like something nicer and more accurate. What do you guys recommend?

I use one of these.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-24-in-digital-lasertrac-reg-level/p-00948293000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

But how do you measure caster with that? You should be able to compare it by camber change when turning the wheel, but is there an easy way to convert for an actual measurement in degrees?

It'll give you measurement in degrees. 90 degrees = zero camber. 88 degrees = negative 2 degrees camber.

I was looking at the magnetic bubble ones that go on the rotor for about $100 but I also saw this one which looked simple and would do the job. Bubble would be nicer for checking a camber curve.

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

What is "too expensive?" I have this one: http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/1709/Caster_Camber_Gauges

(FastTrax.) Hey, isn't RPW a GRM Advertiser? Here's a cheaper model: http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/1934/Caster_Camber_Gauges

RPW also gives a discount for SCCA members.

If it were me, I would replace the board with a length of 1/4"-thck aluminum angle iron cut to the same length as my outer rim wheel diameter, and fashion some kind of clips to hold the HF digital angle finder in the center of it.

Or if I don't have the HF angle finder, clip my smart phone in there instead. Which is what I've been relying on for about a year now.

Dr. Hess wrote: What is "too expensive?" I have this one: http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/1709/Caster_Camber_Gauges (FastTrax.) Hey, isn't RPW a GRM Advertiser? Here's a cheaper model: http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/1934/Caster_Camber_Gauges

Indeed, Racerparts Wholesale is a GRM advertiser, and have been for years. Thanks for posting this good Dr.!

aircooled wrote: But how do you measure caster with that? You should be able to compare it by camber change when turning the wheel, but is there an easy way to convert for an actual measurement in degrees?

IIRC you turn your wheels 20 deg left, measure camber, turn 20 deg right, measure camber. Take the high subtract the low, this is your caster.

There is a longer and more involved formula(you input how many degrees you turn the wheel from one position to another), but it works out that using 20 deg left and 20 deg right works basically perfect.

If you're doing this for setup purposes, it doesn't matter WHAT you do, as long as you do it the same way every time and record your findings and methods. Like using someone else's tire gauge... 35psi on mine may be 33 on someone else's.

I have the basic Longacre one (non-digital with the red "arms") and it's always worked well and folds up into a fairly compact package...

http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/product/2097/Caster_Camber_Gauges/?r=gs&gclid=CNKcrqKmicgCFQIcaQodBZMP7g

I have this tool but I've had it for many years and so paid quite a bit less. I would guess less than $140 total but it's a nice tool, never a problem. The digital part can be removed and used by it's self or attach to a standard level and get a digital reading instead of a simple "bubble".

Take off the disk brake shield on the inside of the spindle stick your angle finder on the brake disk. if your rotor is not warped it will be perpendicular to the stub.