Chassis Building 101. Ride Height

[brawls43]

Back to your original question, about setting up the frame and chassis. I do like Rob said, and set the chassis level, its easier working off a level chassis to me. Then set the front spindle height and rear axle based on ride height. So I mock up some welded rods to replace the shocks, to sit at the calculated ride height. This avoids the difference in weight of a bare chassis vs a fully loaded chassis and body. Sure you could calculate the difference in height based on the weight differences, but if you're putting the engine/trans in and doing some work, then taking it out, and your weight is changing, then things seem to shift around. Just my preference.