Need help measuring ride height to compare to other trucks

[drewskiren]

OK, Need a little help with my old body on late model frame.
In my Crew Cab build Young Frankenstein I am trying to figure out how to mount my body to the frame. I am measuring where my body height is and need some confirmation. I currently show 19 inches from the top of my sill/rocker to the ground. This is a good hard edge to measure from. Open your truck door and measure from level ground to the opening of the door - top of the sill or top of the "rocker". That first hard edge that the outer rocker firsts starts to roll into the door jamb. This is an easier measuring spot than somewhere on the curve of the rocker or the bottom pinch weld that varies somewhat. Follow me?
I have no weight on my suspension now and it will drop 3 inches with everything installed. (I measured another new truck). What distance is there on a stock truck? If a stock truck has rake measure at the front of the rocker near the fender. What distance do other people have with lowered trucks? Please list how much drop you have to help me convert the results.
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[lolife99]

Hey Drew,... since you have the ability to mount your cab wherever you want,...
Why don't you fix a GM problem,... and center those front wheels in the fender wheel opening.
(In your picture it looks like the wheel is too far back)
When the suspension compresses,... it's only going to get worse.

I just stumble on this thread and haven't seen your other thread. (yet)
Very cool project!

[drewskiren]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Hey Drew,... since you have the ability to mount your cab wherever you want,...
Why don't you fix a GM problem,... and center those front wheels in the fender wheel opening.
(In your picture it looks like the wheel is too far back)
When the suspension compresses,... it's only going to get worse.

I just stumble on this thread and haven't seen your other thread. (yet)
Very cool project!

I am planning on that. In this early pic I have the cab just resting in place, not really lined up. Do you think I should put the wheel directly in the center or fudge toward the front?

[lolife99]

I would pull the spring out and try to simulate ride height.
(maybe a stack of small 2x4's in place of the spring,... with a jack under the lower a-arm).

Or take the spring out and cycle the suspension all the way up.
That will give you the max rearward location of the wheel in the opening.

[drewskiren]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I would pull the spring out and try to simulate ride height.
(maybe a stack of small 2x4's in place of the spring,... with a jack under the lower a-arm).

Or take the spring out and cycle the suspension all the way up.
That will give you the max rearward location of the wheel in the opening.

Good idea, I'll try it.

Still hoping some guys will measure for me.

[drewskiren]

Anyone can help.

[lolife99]

Drew,... I have a comparable set-up.
Standard cab on a lwb "leaf spring GMC frame.
Stock suspension.
No front clip.
No bed.
No engine or trans.
26.5" tall tires.

17" from the top of the rocker,... to the ground.

[lolife99]

If you are going for a static drop on the truck when you are done,... I would mount the body as low as possible, on your frame.
I would think it would depend on how low the engine/trans could be mounted,... and how low you can get your cab,... with a stock high hump trans cover.
(so you can use stock off the shelf carpet, up front)

[drewskiren]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Drew,... I have a comparable set-up.
Standard cab on a lwb "leaf spring GMC frame.
Stock suspension.
No front clip.
No bed.
No engine or trans.
26.5" tall tires.

17" from the top of the rocker,... to the ground.

Originally Posted by lolife99

If you are going for a static drop on the truck when you are done,... I would mount the body as low as possible, on your frame.
I would think it would depend on how low the engine/trans could be mounted,... and how low you can get your cab,... with a stock high hump trans cover.
(so you can use stock off the shelf carpet, up front)

Thanks Keith!!!

I think I have it as low on the frame as I can go, and really had no idea if I was close to stock ride height or not. I plan on lowering and doing bags, But it won't happen til after I have committed on body mounts.

More input from others would be appreciated!!!

[drewskiren]

I have 30 inch tall tires on it right now, so it looks like Keith's measurements and mine are about the same.

I am really asking for someone with a finished truck lowered or not to send a pic and some measurements so I know what it looks like and what numbers off the ground are to shoot for. I am thinking a 2/4 drop truck would be perfect to get the tire and rocker measurements from, but any truck would be fine.

[drewskiren]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Drew,... I have a comparable set-up.
Standard cab on a lwb "leaf spring GMC frame.
Stock suspension.
No front clip.
No bed.
No engine or trans.
26.5" tall tires.

17" from the top of the rocker,... to the ground.

Using your info I am about a quarter inch higher.

Thanks for taking the time to do this!!!