anyone out there ever used a lakewood alinement kit for aligning a scatter shield? should it be done if so do i have to have the kit or can i use my own tools like dial indicater ect? if so how is it done?
Thanks

 

I'm not aware of a "kit". Unless you are talking about alignment dowels, which you won't know what you need until you check your alignment. I personally believe all bellhousings should be checked for run out. Others may disagree (the factory didn't do it). I have a video I found on you tube (there are others) that gives you an idea of what is involved. And yes you can use your own dial indicator with a magnetic base.
Russ

 

It is definitely worth while to align the bell housing. I drill my Lakewood dowels and tap 5/16 x 18 thread so I can pull them out with a slide hammer--it is rare to get them perfect the first time; try for zero total indicator readout. Lakewood makes .007, .014, and .021 offsets and I keep all three in my tool box for the "next" block or housing.

 

Regardless if you have the kit or not, you will need to check the runout with a dial indicator. If the runout is within the limits specified with the stock alignment dowels, well then your golden. If not then dowel kit will provide the necessary adjustment needed to bring it in. It is not really difficult, or time consuming and gives you the peace of mind knowing that your investment as well as your ankles are better off. Good luck with the project and thoroughly enjoy thrashing on it!!!