"You can set the hood correctly with the fenders off the truck. If the fenders are on the truck, they need to be lowered as far as possible to avoid influencing the adjustment of the hood.
Excellent advice. Why didn't I do that with my Suburban 15+ years ago?
I'll know better if/when the pickup ever gets painted.
Someday, when I have 2 or 3 careful assistants, I will have to loosen all front sheet-metal attachment bolts, and, take out a few shims to lower the radiator. Hopefully, that will allow the front of the fenders to go lower, resulting in the front sheet metal becoming more "level".
Live & Learn (if you are lucky).
