i have a 1984 Firebird...when i bought the car..i found the right side front tire had been eaten up....the reason..tie rod is misaligned...pointing the tire slightly outward on the right..when the left is straight...my question...is it reasonably possible for me to align this or should i take it to a shop and let them align it by computer? Thanks

84 Firebird 2.8L V6 2BBL Carb

 

You *can* do your own toe adjustment by measuring, but it's a PITA. I would have it done professionally to find out exactly what you have and maybe make some changes for better handling, like setting maximum caster and negative camber. Also, just because a shop has "computer alignment" does not mean the guy operating the machine knows what he's doing and understands how camber, caster and toe work. Some of them will just punch in your model car and you'll get whatever the machine's database says youu're supposed to have. Spend an extra few bucks and take it to a shop that doesn't just sell tires and lube jobs.

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1985 Yellow IROC-Z 5.0 HO, T-5 3.73 Posi, 4 wheel disks
PFCM pads, GTA wheels, Koni yellows, B&M Ripper, Dynomax

 

If one tire has a toe problem(toe out) when you drive straight down the road you have to correct with the steering wheel so you don't turn. This will make both tires toe out. Toe affects both tires. You may have a camber problem. A good body shop is great place to have an alignment. Talk to the alignment tech. Tell him you want a 'performance alignment'. If he says he has to do it by the factory specs, go elsewhere. Any good alignment tech knows that a performance alignment for a performance driven car will increase tire life and enhance handling.
the specs I like and have done on many third-gens:
-.5 camber left and right
+4.5 left caster +5 right caster
Toe -1/8 total


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82 camaro--original steering wheel, brake/gas pedals, seats--everything else modified
82camaro