Ride Height & Axle Position

The Heidts instructions give a single reference point (hole in front spring shackle) for locating the cross member. I had also marked the spindle center line on the frame before removing the original suspension. The center of the cross member will line up with this spindle center line.

I checked my marks against the measurement given by Heidts and it was spot on.

Brian (The TinMan) took some time to stop by the shop, he had suggested I temporarily put the sheet metal back into position to visually check the location of the tire in reference to the wheel well. Brian also suggested I find two references when positioning the axle. That’s a lot of set-up when you just want to get a project done but anything worth doing is worth doing right.

It took me about 45 minutes to figure out the best way to get the sheet metal up and back onto the truck with out causing a bunch of damage. I was on my own but if you do something like this a couple helping hands are a good idea.

I ended up settling on a piece of 1 inch square tube with some wooden blocks between it and the sheet metal. I used my engine hoist and some hooks and webbing and lifted the sheet metal back on (see pics).

I removed the front sheet metal as one piece during dis-assembly. This makes it a bit awkward to try and move around. I ended up using the engine crane to temporarily put it back in place on the frame.

Temporarily positioning the sheet metal to check ride height and center line of the new cross member.

The front sheet metal needed to be put back in place for setting up the cross member. I ended up using the engine crane some straps and a piece of 1×1 mild steel tube along with some wood blocks (to protect the fenders) to assist in getting the sheet metal lined up. Once I figured out a method that worked it was a breeze getting to that point was a bit frustrating. If you can get an extra set of hands or two it will make this easier.

Another angle showing the sheet metal being put back in place temporarily for mockup up of wheels and tires.

Original spindle center line. I am happy with the ride height but I am not happy with where the tire is located in the wheel well given that center line. This center line is based on the Heidts instructions and to be honest is pretty much how the tire looked before starting this project. I wish I had a straight on shot before I took the original suspension to compare but i don’t have one.

Adjusted center line moved back about 1 inch. I like this position much better as it looks centered and has an even amount of space around the tire and fender opening. This is where I will end up placing the cross member.

After getting the sheet metal on, the next task was to position the wheels and tires in the correct location.

I used a long piece of tubing between the two wheels to visualize the center line and positioned the wheels accordingly. I didn’t like the looks of the wheel in the fender opening so I decided to clamp the cross member in place and partially assemble it to verify if what I was seeing made sense.

Sure enough the original tire position looked too far forward in the opening. I wish I had a pic of the tire before dis-assembly but I don’t have one. I do seem to remember the tire sitting forward in the wheel opening and it bothering me.

Anyways I made the decision to move the center line back. The two pictures show the difference between the two locations. The picture where the spindle is centered in the opening is the original location while the picture with the spindle off center is the adjusted center line.