Tram Gauge or plumb bob?

[Doug1]

I need to check some measurements to make sure the subframe is square up and realized a tape measure doesn't make a good tool for the job without getting the measuring points down to a place where the tape can be kept straight.

So either I get a plumb bob and mark spots on the 4 post lift or I build a tram gauge and use it. The primary factory measuring points on the 2nd gen are the center of " 5/8" master gage holes" so there's already some room for error, since you are supposed to measure to the center of a pretty big hole.

Which route works best? A plumb bob might be the easiest route but a tram gauge isn't all that hard to put together either.

[FlameBroiled]

When measuring between holes of same size, instead of guessing the center... measure from the outside of one to the inside of the other.

[FlameBroiled]

By your self.... grind your tape measure tip to a point/finger so that if fits in the hole.

If you have a helper get them to hold 1...... on the inside edge closest to the other hole you are measuring too... and you read the measurement on the out side edge of the hole.

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by FlameBroiled

By your self.... grind your tape measure tip to a point/finger so that if fits in the hole.

If you have a helper get them to hold 1...... on the inside edge closest to the other hole you are measuring too... and you read the measurement on the out side edge of the hole.

Make's sense to do it that way. Seems like it should have been obvious now that you pointed it out. LOL Thanks for the tip!

[WSSix]

I measured diagonally from the lower ball joint grease fittings back to the rear frame rails. It's the suspension that matters anyway instead of the front subframe rails. I don't trust those alignment holes after all these years.

I used plumb bobs and had help holding the tape against the string .