Dial Indicator

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   I am looking at getting a dial indicator, with a base.  Just looking for something for general automotive use, like setting up rear ends, checking valve lift, etc.

I see a few options at Summit. The summit brand one looks okay, but some complaints of a weak magnet.  The Chicago brand one looks decent too, but is a lot more money.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/dial-indicators

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72FordGTS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5194	Post Options Post Reply Quote 72FordGTS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Dial Indicator Posted: 02-December-2022 at 6:50AM
	I am looking at getting a dial indicator, with a base. Just looking for something for general automotive use, like setting up rear ends, checking valve lift, etc. I see a few options at Summit. The summit brand one looks okay, but some complaints of a weak magnet. The Chicago brand one looks decent too, but is a lot more money. https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/dial-indicators
	Vince 1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin

72 RS 351 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 2274	Post Options Post Reply Quote 72 RS 351 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02-December-2022 at 7:14AM
	I have a magnetic base and a dial indicator that have worked great since I got them in the early 90's, from Harbor Freight. The generic brands should do fine for most tasks, I would only worry about the accuracy of a caliper for serious work like engine bearing clearances etc. The magnet of my off brand base is very strong, when the lever is turned to engage it, you cannot easily remove it from the metal surface. I checked lifter preload with mine, as well as some valve lifts etc, and ring gear backlash 3-4 times. Mine were about $20 each about 30 years ago.
	*Don* 73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

Eliteman76 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 20-March-2006 Location: Nebraska, USA Status: Offline Points: 4806	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eliteman76 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05-January-2023 at 3:27PM
	My question is, what level of quality would you use for dialing in Bell house runout? I am pulling my tremec out soon for a re-fresh and need to consider spending time to make sure it's dialed in. Seems the Tremec 5 speeds are not like the Toploaders of olden days.
	Andrew: Long time Torino guy and GTS.ORG admin