You need to spend as much time as it takes before you have it painted!
Let me give you a basic list of what it takes to get the front clip right.
1) The cab must be on the frame with the correct spacing between the bottom of the cab and the frame, all four corners.
2) Lower the rear of the fenders so hood cannot make contact.
3) Set the threaded rods at 27 1/4" left side, and 27" right side. (This is a good starting point. It may not be what you will end up with.)
4) Follow the Truck Shop Manual instructions for aligning the hood.
5) Loosen ALL fasteners on the entire front clip (except the hood), including the radiator-to-crossmember bolts.
6) Tighten the bolts for the threaded rod bracket at the inner fender. Adjust the threaded rods to make the fender match the end of the hood.
7) Raise the rear of the fenders to match the hood.
8) Test the hood without the latch on the truck.
9) Tighten all of the fasteners.
10) Don't hate me when none of this helps. Front clips suck.
