Measurements for lifting: Center hub to fender vs. ground to fender

I have always heard that measuring from the center of your hub to the fender is the correct way to take before and after measurements for your lift, but why?

Assuming:
-Full weight of the vehicle is on the suspension
-Truck is on level ground
-You take before and after measurements at the same location

How does it make any difference than measuring from the ground to the fender?

Can someone please enlighten me?

 

Measuring from the hub allows you to isolate the lift created by the suspension alone, rather than mixing in the tire size, which is what happens when you measure from the ground.

 

well tire air pressure as an effect on it as well. soo when you take measurements say before you may have higher PSI than when you take them after. or the 2 days/times of day may have a bit tempter difference. temp plays a roll in air pressure.

 

^
This
hub to fender measurements exclude tire size

 

Very concise. I bet you were a valedictorian once. Golf clap.

 

Could have said it better myself

 

Go for it.

Tyres, etc.

 

well than say it better. how would you say it eh?

 

damn it you beat me.

 

㘑以報嵃範乂幾務軟

垧脆

熘㙓去處

 

You've been assimilated.

 

Damn. You guys are smart. I didn't even consider the tire size or variability in tire pressure causing the variance in measurements over the day.

I'll do center hub to fender then.

 

Both have a purpose. Overall lift including tires will give you your actual ground clearance over obstacles, especially at the rear diff, your lowest point. But when determining how much lift you gain from suspension modification, you need to go from the hub.

I wouldn't worry too much about tire pressure unless you are airing down a ton for serious crawling (and have the tires that can handle that). A full tank of gas and your own fat ass (not that that's bad thing) can have more affect. So can lots of tools and equipment. These all increase the force of gravity locally.

 

what should the measurements be for a 3" lift kit?

 

3" more than the before measurements