Clear up some confusion - measuring ride height

[RK44]

Ive read enough conflicting information on how to measure ride height that I have no idea which way is right.  It seems most people measure ground to top of fender, but others say this isn't accurate.  I currently have a rc 2" front level and zone 1.5" BL, measured to the fenders Im 39.5 front 42.5 rear on my 15 Sierra.  I was going to add a Motofab 1" rear block (a 2" block replacing the factory 1 1/4" block) and now Im concerned that 39.5 and 43.5 will be too much rake - but right now it looks level to me.  I am about to have a ARE overland truck cap installed so that will lower the rear somewhat. 

 

So what is the best way to measure ride height? 

[Madcow2020]

The scientific way would be on a level surface, center of the wheel hub up to the bottom lip of the fender. But for your personal reference to compare before and after new components park in the same spot measure ground to a spot in the body then measure again in the exact same manner after the new components.

Now if you are swapping to bigger tires it wheel change the ground to fender measurements more than the center hub to fender due the change in tire diameter.

If wanting to set true ride height gain ie change coil over preload you will want to measure from center hub to bottom of the fender , make the adjustments and remeasure.

Remember these trucks aero design make them not have parallel lines. If the bottom of the cab looks level the bed may not or vise versus.

As long as you like the way it looks and you measure in a consistent manner before and after the change you’ll be good.

Let me know if I confused you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RK44]

No, I got that.  From what I gather Ill gain 3/4" in the rear with the blocks.  I have no idea what the truck cap is going to do to that, but I cant imagine it lowering the rear more than 1/4".

 

So if ground to well 39.5 front and 43.25 rear too much of a difference?  It just doesn't make sense to me really.  The 1.5" zone lift is a non issue as the whole body was lifted.  But the 2" front level brought the truck up 1.75" - logic tells you that if I add 3/4" to the rear Im basically back to a 1" level (closer to factory than with just the 2" level).

 

I mean, that's math.  So even though the measurements are 39.5 and 43.25 after the MF 2" rear block replacement of the 1 1/4" factory block - I should still be ok, yes?

 

Im not concerned with how it looks so much, I actually like a rake.  What Im asking, bc I am 34 and just learning all this stuff, is will 39.5 and 43.25 be too big of a difference in measurements as far as pinion angles, etc.

[aseibel]

The best way to measure anything is to be consistent with your reference point. Just make sure your before and after comparisons are done the same way. Your opinion is the only one that matters, so trying to compare to other peoples ground-fender measurements may or may not jive.

 

I think the "leveled" trucks look nose-high, myself. I would prefer to keep a bit of rake. But not so extreme as the older 2wd work trucks.

 

*you posted right when I did. Putting the topper on the back should lower the rear end less than 1" like you said. So after adding your rear block, I still think you will be well within the normal rake. But again, everything is personal preference. if you are worried about it, wait til you have the cap on, then re-measure your rake. and then decide on the rear block.

[RK44]

True, that's the way to go I guess.  Im just trying to work it out, and with a 2" level, adding 3/4" to the rear, Im actually closer to factory rake than before.  I guess Im just asking to make sure Im not missing something and someone to tell me, its fine - just do it.

[Madcow2020]

I would wait to see what how much the cap lowers and equipment lowers the rear. But remember adding a taller block may add more rake, but does not help with payload capacity. If you don’t load your truck up too much with gear you’ll be good. Have you thought about airbags if you’ll be carrying extra weight. Also did you measure to the top of the fender or the lip of the fender?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RK44]

Yeah I don't carry much.  We truck camp, that's about it.  I actually prefer the rake look somewhat.

 

Basically, all that rambling I did, just leads to this:

 

2" front level, adding 1" to rear and zone body lift - I should be fine right?

 

The fender from ground to lip will be 39.5 and 43.25,  I was just worried that a 3.75" difference from front to rear was a no go for some mechanical reason.

[Madcow2020]

Yeah I don't carry much.  We truck camp, that's about it.  I actually prefer the rake look somewhat.
 
Basically, all that rambling I did, just leads to this:
 
2" front level, adding 1" to rear and zone body lift - I should be fine right?
 
The fender from ground to lip will be 39.5 and 43.25,  I was just worried that a 3.75" difference from front to rear was a no go for some mechanical reason.

No I wouldn’t be worried about that difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RK44]

1 minute ago, Madcow2020 said:

No I wouldn’t be worried about that difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, appreciate it.

[RK44]

Just to update the thread in case anyone else comes across....

 

I installed the MF 1" rear blocks. 

With the RC 2" Level and 1.5" Zone Body Lift - Front 39.5, Rear 42.5

After MF 1" rear blocks - Front 40, Rear 43.25.

 

Ride actually feels better now than before.