Fender Measurements...

mmayo · July 30, 2003

After reading many many post of whether or not to put the green keys in or just tighten the torsion bars, it is my opinion that they do the same thing, so I'm planning on tightening mine, and keeping my fingers crossed the ride isn't affected all that much. Currently my fender measurements with the 285s are:

FR 39"

FL 38.5"

RR 41.75"

RL 41"

I read a post that said that these trucks typically are lower on the drivers' side up front. What I'm wondering is, if I raise that one side up to get it level, will it lower the opposite side in the rear of the truck to where the rear is level - or close to it?

What I'm Planning on doing is raising the front to around 40 to 40.5 inches. Also, anyone else have any measurements they took, before and after???

8100HD · July 31, 2003

46" Front

47.5" Back

When it was stock I believe it was 37" front and 39" back.

03GMC2500HD · July 31, 2003

I have the green keys and 285's on my 2500HD and it measures 41.5" on all corners except the RR which is 41.625". This is from the garage floor to the lip of the flare.

1BADHD · July 31, 2003

When I was stock with 285's and a T-bar crank I was 41" at all four corners. Now with my lift and 35's I sit at 48" at all four corners.

mmayo · August 1, 2003

OK, I tightened my torsion bars. I started at:

FR 39"

FL 38.5"

RR 41.75"

RL 41"

First I wanted to bring the drivers side up level with the passenger side. This took 4 turns. After that I could only turn the bolt 5 more turns for a total of nine before I was maxed out. I then turned the Passenger side 4 turns. This brought me to:

FR 39 3/4"

FL 39 3/4"

RR 41 3/8"

RL 41"

I took a short drive afterwards and really couldn't notice it riding any stiffer than before, but I did notice that the alignment was off more than it was to begin with(I noticed it was a little off before, salesperson said to bring it back after I had 500 miles on it.

So I'll try it like this for a while and if I still feel I need to raise it up more I'll get the green keys.

mmayo · August 1, 2003

OK, it was bugging me so I had to give it one more try. Turns out I hadn't maxed the drivers side and was able to get 2 more turns out of it(11 total). I turned the passenger side 3 more times(7 total). Heres where I'm at:

FR 40 1/4"

FL 40 1/4"

RR 41 3/8"

RL 41"

I guess the fuel tank makes that left rear side sit lower.

Drove the truck and it still doesn't seem to be any stiffer.

03HDINTEX · August 1, 2003

MMayo, so you maxed both sides out? At 11 turns(DS) and 7(PS) and those are your readings?

Just wondering, I haven't had a chance to measure mine on a level spot yet.

I raised mine when I first got the truck, before the tires, about 3/4"....but I don't know what I did with the paper I wrote the before and after measurements on.

And then after the tires I think I went up another 1/2" to 3/4", so all together approx. 1 1/2". I will try sometime to get a measurement on level ground.

Let me know how yours goes after maxxing out and where are you gonna get your alignment done in San Antonio.

mmayo · August 1, 2003

I only maxed out the drivers side. (I probably could have turned it a tad more, but not a full turn) I'm not sure yet were im gonna get the alignment. I'm gonna see if the dealer will align it for me first, since it wasn't aligned perfectly to begin with.

Threejaws · August 1, 2003

Mine is 48in in front and 48.5in in back.Lifted 2003, 2500HD

mmayo · August 1, 2003

03HDINTEX, I would recomend getting your alignment done at SouthWest Brake & Alignment. 3930 N IH 35 78219, 210-225-5577. I spoke with Ted and they charge $48.50 & it comes with a 10,000 mile warranty.

conradv · August 1, 2003

I measured my '03 crew cab long box STOCK with the original firestones:

Left Front: 36-5/8"

Right Front: 37-1/4"

Left Rear: 38-1/2"

Right Rear: 39"

This is with no adjustments and the crappy 245's. I am planning on buying 255's and cranking the bars a bit.

03HDINTEX · August 1, 2003

Hey conradv, good choice on the 255s. I like mine, tall & skinny.

That is a bad a$$ lookin rig!!

I love your plates. I have one question, what kind of mud flaps are those?

Sorry for the hijack mmayo, and thanks for the info. on the alignment shop.

I'll try to call Ted about having mine done soon, just don't know if I want to go higher or not.

conradv · August 1, 2003

They were custom cut at "Custom Truck" - a smaller local place. I like the looks of them and they definately block the rocks. With taller tires, they'll look a little better on the truck

I definately like the skinnier look of the 255 tires. I can't stand my 245 Firestones, but I must admit that they still don't look bad and I have 24,000 miles on 'em. (knock on wood)

I plan on turning my keys about 1/2 of their total adjustable length. Hopefully I will gain 2-1/2" at least (with the taller tires + turning the keys).

mmayo · August 4, 2003

I drove a couple hundred miles this weekend and wanted to see if the torsion bars had settled any. When I measured them I had gained a 1/4" on each side (front). Anyone else had the height increase like that?