Alignment turning plates - need advice

[70chall440]

I am about to purchase some turning plates; yes I know you can make them and use everything from cookie find to wax paper or oil on the floor, but I want to get real plates. There seems to be 2 styles, those just rotate and those that move is several axis. There is a huge price difference between them but I don't want to spend money for the sake of spending it. If the multi axis style are better or more versitle then I will buy them but if there is no need then I won't.

Appreciate any advice on the matter

[crash340]

If you only had one vehicle to deal with then Id probably go the cheaper version, but, you have a few vehicles and they are from small cars to larger trucks so If it were me, Id then pay the extra, the larger wheels will want to move around more when turning them, particularly with wheel offsets as they are not zero'd at the axis point

[70chall440]

Thanks

[brads70]

I have these....  I haven't used them yet but they look like nice quality.
http://www.longacreracing.com/products.aspx?prodid=7234

[70chall440]

Yeah they are nice but more $ than I think I need to spend. Check out Gil Smith

[brads70]

Yeah they are nice but more $ than I think I need to spend. Check out Gil Smith

Nice! http://gilsmithracingfab.com/alignment-turn-plates.html

I got mine used off ebay for less than 300 , I'd never pay full pop for them either.

[70chall440]

So what I am trying to determine is whether to get the 360 plates over the cheaper plates. Recommendations?

[brads70]

So what I am trying to determine is whether to get the 360 plates over the cheaper plates. Recommendations?

I guess it depends on how often you figure you will be using them?  Me.... I like quality tools. I'm a bit of a tool hoarder?     I'd rather spend the money on a quality tool and hope it lasts a lifetime?

[70chall440]

I agree with the assessment, perhaps a better way to ask the question is whether the 360 plate is better or easier than the other one. Based on cost, it would seem that the 360 version is better but not having experience with either I am not sure. I am leaning towards the Gil Smith 360 variant but I am a little hesitant. Therefore the real "ask" is whether the 360 plate is more beneficial.

[brads70]

I'd go for the 360 version if I had to pick between the two?  When you turn the wheels you will either gain or lose caster and camber. I'd rather know what it's doing without binding?   Maybe hold off until you really need them, maybe something used will pop up on ebay or  http://www.racingjunk.com/  I went with Longacre because they have been around forever and if I need replacement parts down the road chances are they will still be around?

[70chall440]

Excellent advice, I guess that is what I was looking for. I was trying to get my head around why the 360 was so much better, but you provided the answer. Thanks!

[brads70]

Another good place to look is find someone who sells hoists , they often have alignment plates on them  in the more professional hoists ( not the homeowner  garage/storage type lifts ) They often replace lifts and usually the turn plates are still useable?

[70chall440]

Great, thanks

[brads70]

Here is a pair? Not a great deal but maybe he is open to offers?
http://www.racingjunk.com/Shop-equipment/182674155/Turn-plates.html

[70chall440]

Thanks, I can get new Gil Smith plates for $335 from Amazon which is what I think I will do.