How or where to measure for level.

[zebrex]

I installed RPG perch collars on my 2025 Bronco Badlands Sasquatch last weekend. My main goal was to increase spring preload to compensate for the tools I carry in the cargo area and the winch mount and bumper I am about to install on the front.

The installation was easy, and I had the Bronco aligned afterward. The change in ride quality was much less noticeable than I expected, which is a good thing.

Here is my problem: I am a little obsessive about this stuff, and visually, the Bronco looks like it may be squatting slightly in the rear. I cannot determine the correct reference points to confirm it.

I initially measured from the ground to the tops of the bumpers:

• Front bumper: 32 inches
• Rear bumper: 29 inches

However, if I jack up the rear until the rear bumper measures 32 inches, the Bronco is visibly too high in the back. If I place a level along the tops of the front and rear door handles, it reads about half a bubble high in the rear while jacked up. With the Bronco sitting normally, the door handles are level from front to rear.

I realize the bumpers may be designed at different heights and may not be useful reference points. Where should I measure to accurately determine whether the vehicle is level or squatting in the rear—frame points, pinch welds, wheel openings, or hub center to fender?

I am measuring on level ground and would appreciate hearing what reference points others have used.

Sponsored

 

[Dan-O]

I can’t give you advice on how much rake you’ll want from front to back for compensating additional weight. But as you said , measuring from ground to bumpers won’t be accurate. I think best measuring point for what your looking for is from center of wheel to edge of fender well(wheel opening). I think you may want 1 1/2” higher in back if not more depending on weight you’re adding in cargo area.

 

[gbub]

I use the rocker panels or rock sliders at the front and rear to the ground as reference. Those seem to be the most noticeable for leveling.

 

[Bindul]

I installed RPG perch collars on my 2025 Bronco Badlands Sasquatch last weekend. My main goal was to increase spring preload to compensate for the tools I carry in the cargo area and the winch mount and bumper I am about to install on the front.

The installation was easy, and I had the Bronco aligned afterward. The change in ride quality was much less noticeable than I expected, which is a good thing.

Here is my problem: I am a little obsessive about this stuff, and visually, the Bronco looks like it may be squatting slightly in the rear. I cannot determine the correct reference points to confirm it.

I initially measured from the ground to the tops of the bumpers:

• Front bumper: 32 inches
• Rear bumper: 29 inches

However, if I jack up the rear until the rear bumper measures 32 inches, the Bronco is visibly too high in the back. If I place a level along the tops of the front and rear door handles, it reads about half a bubble high in the rear while jacked up. With the Bronco sitting normally, the door handles are level from front to rear.

I realize the bumpers may be designed at different heights and may not be useful reference points. Where should I measure to accurately determine whether the vehicle is level or squatting in the rear—frame points, pinch welds, wheel openings, or hub center to fender?

I am measuring on level ground and would appreciate hearing what reference points others have used.

ignore the bumpers and door handles.

 

[SHANUT]

I installed RPG perch collars on my 2025 Bronco Badlands Sasquatch last weekend. My main goal was to increase spring preload to compensate for the tools I carry in the cargo area and the winch mount and bumper I am about to install on the front.

The installation was easy, and I had the Bronco aligned afterward. The change in ride quality was much less noticeable than I expected, which is a good thing.

Here is my problem: I am a little obsessive about this stuff, and visually, the Bronco looks like it may be squatting slightly in the rear. I cannot determine the correct reference points to confirm it.

I initially measured from the ground to the tops of the bumpers:

• Front bumper: 32 inches
• Rear bumper: 29 inches

However, if I jack up the rear until the rear bumper measures 32 inches, the Bronco is visibly too high in the back. If I place a level along the tops of the front and rear door handles, it reads about half a bubble high in the rear while jacked up. With the Bronco sitting normally, the door handles are level from front to rear.

I realize the bumpers may be designed at different heights and may not be useful reference points. Where should I measure to accurately determine whether the vehicle is level or squatting in the rear—frame points, pinch welds, wheel openings, or hub center to fender?

I am measuring on level ground and would appreciate hearing what reference points others have used.

I measured the body line that runs front to back that’s just above the door handle.

 

[zebrex]

Thank you. If I use that I am a half inch down in the rear. I think my winch and winch mount will fix that

Sponsored