OK guys need a little help here.  Was looking at the body tongiht and getting it lined up when we thought about not having all the all weight on the frame will shift the suspension a bit relative to the frame due to the linkage pivot points.  This would explain why some things didn't line up as expected.  So I am looking for the following measurements from someone with either a 2500 or 3500 frame/suspension set up (6bt engine and manual tranny if possible!).  Please note back where the measurement was taken from to the ground (center of bolt, top/bottom of bolt, joint between members, etc) something I can use as a solid reference.  I plan on torching the springs to get it to sit where it should (putting bags in instead on the build).  Thanks in advance!

Note where the fingers are (should be 4 measurements). 2 pivot bolts on the arm, the pivot on the pitman and the pivot at the passenger wheel

Edited May 9, 20186 yr by PilotHouse2500

I got a 2in level on mine or I’d go out n measure for ya!

ANYONE?

Does tire size make a difference?

16 minutes ago, dripley said:

Does tire size make a difference?

 

It will make a difference. All the measurements are from the finger to the ground. Since I'm running 235/85 R16 I'm close to a factory setup. @dripley your running factory 265's right you should be able to hit the nail on the head.

tire size is relative.  the measurement at the pivot on the passenger tire will set the reference height so I can adjust the other 3 for what tires I have on the frame.

 

Thanks guys.  Hoping to get this adjusted this weekend!

I can try and get these for you later today then since tire size won't matter for your application. 

Here's what I have.

Upper control arm passanger side. This is to the center of bolt

14 1/2"

12 1/8"

 

On the steering knuckle 16 1/8" to the underside of the casting the tie rod end passes thru.

 

On the Pittman arm I measured to the bottom of the lowest point on the castle nut holding the drag link. 17 3/16". My castle nut is 7/16" tall.

 

2002 2500 4X4 6 speed 265 75 16 tires

 

Let me know if that helps

13 hours ago, dripley said:

Here's what I have.

Upper control arm passanger side. This is to the center of bolt

14 1/2"

12 1/8"

 

On the steering knuckle 16 1/8" to the underside of the casting the tie rod end passes thru.

 

On the Pittman arm I measured to the bottom of the lowest point on the castle nut holding the drag link. 17 3/16". My castle nut is 7/16" tall.

 

2002 2500 4X4 6 speed 265 75 16 tires

 

Let me know if that helps

 

Thanks!

 

Hoping for a few more from people to get a feel of what averages out as "normal".  1 or 2 more please!

 

If I can get on some level ground I'll get some measurements for you. 

Here’s what I have, this is with 285/75/16 tires and an auto tranny, and stock suspension. 

If your looking for the upper control arm measurements

22 1:8

20 1/8

these are from floor to center of bolts 

 

I will just include a couple of pics for the pitman arm and tie rod end

 

10 hours ago, 01cummins4ever said:

Here’s what I have, this is with 285/75/16 tires and an auto tranny, and stock suspension. 

If your looking for the upper control arm measurements

22 1:8

20 1/8

these are from floor to center of bolts 

 

I will just include a couple of pics for the pitman arm and tie rod end

 

I guess I better check my numbers. I'm only 10" different than you on the control arms.

1 hour ago, dripley said:

I guess I better check my numbers. I'm only 10" different than you on the control arms.

Maybe you measured the lower control arms 

thanks guys, from what I can tell I need to bring the front end down 2".  Weekends are never long enough, but when a buddy is in state for a funeral you hang out with the crazy Californian and take him for a ride in your restoration and let him drive!

so to confirm, it seem the control arm measurements say there should be about a 2" difference in height between the two bolts, correct?

Edited May 16, 20186 yr by PilotHouse2500

I was finally able to get on some pavement. Measurements are straight up from ground even though the pictures look crooked. 

hmmm some serious differences relative

 

Control arm differences in heights between bolts: one instance is straight up 2", the other 3.25"...

pivot link different by 1/2"

Pitman approx 1" different.

 

not the consistancy I was hoping for.

 

BBHD, yours is a 4x4 with 6bt?

Yes 4x4, 6bt, NV4500, NP241DHD, 285/70R17's stock height suspension(probably settled) Quad cab SB

On 5/16/2018 at 10:42 AM, BBHD said:

Yes 4x4, 6bt, NV4500, NP241DHD, 285/70R17's stock height suspension(probably settled) Quad cab SB

 

2500 or 3500 series?

 

if anyone else has a minute or two to measure the upper control arm bolt to the ground I'd appreciate.  I'm hoping for a few more to confirm that difference between the front and back pivots points.

 

Thanks (so far) to dripley, 01cummins4eve, BBHD

If it will quit raining up here I will re measure mine. It's been raining for the past 3.5 days. 

18 hours ago, PilotHouse2500 said:

 

2500 or 3500 series?

 

if anyone else has a minute or two to measure the upper control arm bolt to the ground I'd appreciate.  I'm hoping for a few more to confirm that difference between the front and back pivots points.

 

Thanks (so far) to dripley, 01cummins4eve, BBHD

Going to work on my truck in a few hours & will get some numbers

 

L8tr

D