How to measure rake?

How do I measure the rake (on the truck)?

Let the bashing commence!

 

Good question
I think some compare the height of both tops of the front and rear wheel wells.
But i dont think they are designed to be the same height???
i try to use the frame as a reference to see if truck is actually level
also go by the bottom edge of the cab, this is one point that should be level with ground.
I have seen some show pictures of their so-called level truck look front high,
but the the wheel wells look level.

 

I would do hub to fender distance. Make sure the truck is on flat ground.

 

there is my question?
is hub to fender distance ( great discription ) suppose to be even???
it seems to me the rear fender is open wider for when loads are put in the bed.
im not sure , just asking

 

Ah, I see what your saying now. Your frame method would be more accurate.

 

i have even thought is the top edge of the bed suppose to be level ??
most hoods are sloped, so cant use that.

 

I would make sure you measure in the same place...ie your garage. then measure the same spot on the frame like people have already mentioned. You might also want to measure the demensions of the wheel well. Not sure about the tacoma but on my accord I used to have, my front wheel wells were slightly larger than the rear which cause it to look nose high when it was really level.

 

Couldn't You use the frame. I haven't really looked, but there has to be 2 points that are level that you can measure. Also I know the frame is flat under the cab. Measure from there to the ground. Then with a little geometry you can easily find the angle and rake of the truck from front to back.

 

as for level ground, you will be surprised to find out its not always level, even garage floors aren't. check out this vid for an easy way to check it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZoL1gaWedA

 

This seems to make sense. Verify level( ground to frame), Measure rake(ground to say press weld)....

All links that talk about lifting the truck talk about the measurements, but none say how. I knew TW people would!!

 

just remember you'll never know if its level until you actually do a check like the guy did in the video.

 

gotcha... thanks!

 

gjbonner... I am not wanting to go the distance and put the truck up on the tiles right, I am just verifying level ground? If I put it up on the tiles the truck would be level, but the point where I measure (say frame to ground) would still be off. Am I thinking this through right? Unless you take the measurements from the leveled tiles up........ What do you think?

Thanks

 

I would measure from ground to frame near the tires and then subtract the tile height. that should give you the most accurate measurements.then compare the front and back.

Why are you measuring the rake??

 

I guess I'm really measuring just the height the truck sits. I have had the TSB (4leaf) done and added 2" spacers in front a couple months ago. At first it looked level, now it looks butt low. Thought I'd measure it and see if I need to 1" AAL to the TSB to bring it back up. My concern is wear on any drivetrain mech.

You asked...(glad you did, looks like you've done plenty to your truck.. Looks good!)

 

well then you should be fine just getting a rough mesurement from any visibly flat surface without the hassle of checking it for exact flatness. just find a flat surface and measure front and rear.
Also maybe measure a stock truck's wheel wells to find out what a base measurement is and then measure yours...that's always an option