Converting Alignment Degrees to Inches
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Winston-Salem NC
Converting Alignment Degrees to Inches
For some reason, I'm used to thinking of toe in inches. But, most sites I've seen (and most alignment shops) do it in degrees. Any wisdom on how to convert between the two?
I know it involves trigonometry...
I know it involves trigonometry...
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 2
From: Elgin Il
its a triangle.
The tangent of an angle is the opposite side devided by the adjacent side.
Figure out how far away you are, and you will be able to calculate how much to the side you have to be knowing the angle.
The tangent of an angle is the opposite side devided by the adjacent side.
Figure out how far away you are, and you will be able to calculate how much to the side you have to be knowing the angle.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 73
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From: Winston-Salem NC
Stretching back 5 years to my old trigonometry classes, this is what I've deduced:
According to http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/toom...6alignment.htm, for an aggressive alignment, front total toe should equal 0.04 degrees. That came out to 0.01478" of toe, or roughly 1/68" on each side. That doesn't seem like a lot. Am I doing my math wrong? Or are the settings really that small?
According to http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/toom...6alignment.htm, for an aggressive alignment, front total toe should equal 0.04 degrees. That came out to 0.01478" of toe, or roughly 1/68" on each side. That doesn't seem like a lot. Am I doing my math wrong? Or are the settings really that small?
Last edited by Scott Farmer; Jan 12, 2007 at 01:28 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 2
From: Elgin Il
Not sure what your doing there. But your math is correct.
You did make one error in your assumption. wheel isnt 17". its 1/2 that distance from the axel.
The tan of the angle is opposite over adjacent. A over B in your sketch.
Tan of 0.04° = 0.00698
From the axel forward would only be 1/2 of a 17" wheel (8.5") if you measure at the wheel, which will be very difficult. So run a string so it is barely touching the wheel on each side. Run the string out (dimension b on your sketch) 30 ft (360 inches)
Now adjust the wheel over so the string is 1/4" away from dead straight on.
I agree with you, 1/4" toe over 30 feet is like nothing. cant help you witnh the alignment specs.
You did make one error in your assumption. wheel isnt 17". its 1/2 that distance from the axel.
The tan of the angle is opposite over adjacent. A over B in your sketch.
Tan of 0.04° = 0.00698
From the axel forward would only be 1/2 of a 17" wheel (8.5") if you measure at the wheel, which will be very difficult. So run a string so it is barely touching the wheel on each side. Run the string out (dimension b on your sketch) 30 ft (360 inches)
Now adjust the wheel over so the string is 1/4" away from dead straight on.
I agree with you, 1/4" toe over 30 feet is like nothing. cant help you witnh the alignment specs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1
From: Greenville SC
Skip the math.
Go to http://www.smartracingproducts.com/p...e_settings.pdf
These guys have figured it out for you....
MD
Go to http://www.smartracingproducts.com/p...e_settings.pdf
These guys have figured it out for you....
MD
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 73
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From: Winston-Salem NC
Hmmm, well if I align the car based on these recommendations (http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/toom...alignment.htm), I'm only getting a little under 1/32"...is that just how little the site recommends? Or is there some math error?
(btw, I'm assuming that the tire diameter is 24")
(btw, I'm assuming that the tire diameter is 24")
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1
From: Greenville SC
Hmmm, well if I align the car based on these recommendations (http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/toom...alignment.htm), I'm only getting a little under 1/32"...is that just how little the site recommends? Or is there some math error?
(btw, I'm assuming that the tire diameter is 24")
(btw, I'm assuming that the tire diameter is 24")
MD
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