Wheel alignment info for Expert

[Wookey]

I've just noticed from my tyres (outside edges quite badly scrubbed) that my wheel alignment is bad (probably very bad). This isn't at all surprising as in the last couple of years I've replaced both front suspension arms and one track rod end and not actually got round to checking it (yes I know, I am a bad, lazy, false-economy Wook). A bit of string-measuring suggests that it is several mm toed-in. The question is what is the correct setting? Can I find the numbers online somewhere? I guess that 'parallel' would be a good start in the absence of a correct setting.

After about 2 hours work today I got as far as loosening the nut on one side, which was a hell of a work-out, and eventually required lowering the weight of the van onto the nut spanner to break it free, and then another hour getting the nut to rotate on the steering rod. Oh what fun! I'll do the other side tomorrow I am beginning to think that paying someone 40 quid to sort it out would be sensible, but it's always annoyed me that I didn't have the kit to do this myself. Do people rate the Gunson 'trackrite' tool? Or prefer a laser+mirror clamped to the wheels type setup (like the trackace: http://trackace.co.uk/)? Paying £80-odd for a decent tool that lets one check it every time would make sense in the long run; you'd be financially ahead after a couple of checks as well as having the convenience of working at home. Also I note that the trackrite optionally comes with a base https://www.thetoolacademy.com/gunson-g ... 8785-p.asp. When does one need one of those? Is it to allow for lumpiness or gravel on the roadway?

It also seems to be impossible to get 195/70R14 C1 tyres for this van any more. There are still a few car tyres that size available, but none with decent efficiency. ('C' is the best you can get which is worse than the Nexen Eco ones on there). I guess it's a very old-fashioned size now. Am I allowed to change the front rims to 15" to increase the tyre range available? Or do I have to do all 4 at once?

[Huskyxantia]

Ive paid 40 quid 4 year ago it was a fancy computer set up
Only to do it myself a week later using the string method and getting it lined up that way perfect, im against using a garage now, thats my personsl preference.

[Peter.N.]

Its should toe in a little obviously yours is toeing in to much. It varies from car to car but its generally parallel to one or 2 mm toe in. I have used this for tracking for 40 - 50 years.

[wheeler]

For a Dispatch but its the same thing.

[Wookey]

Aha. Cheers. 1mm+0.5. So the ~5mm I've currently got will be 'quite bad' then.

I've bought myself a trackace on ebay so I can get this sorted properly.

[Wookey]

OK. I bought a s/h trackace on ebay which arrived remarkably quickly, so I've adjusted it to the above spec. It was at 1 degree, which is a long way from 6 minutes. I'll need to free up the other side if I want to centre the steering wheel - but that's very much optional. I can get the tracking to spec with just one side movable.
The trackace is a nice bit of kit. Simple but effective.