measuring lift

So I have read the threads about measuring the tube to frame rail and the ground to stick fender. But I doesn't seem right according to the axel tube to frame rail I'm at a 7.5 inch lift and I have those big bushwajer flares so that won't work. Any other ideas. And is stock heith from axel tube to frame rail really 6.5.
Are there any other ways of measuring like from ground to rain gutter or something.
Thanks cerober

The only true way to measure lift is from the axle to frame rail. Any measurement frome the ground can be also changed with tires. And any measurement of flares isn't universal because many don't have them. As for the factory measurement that sounds right to me. It's in that ballpark but I think its different for the front and rear. It's like a half inch difference.

http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=912893
BTW:its an AXLE.