chain length for proflex 4000

[reptile96]

Recently bought a 98 4000 frame and am in the process of getting it ready for the trail.  Could anyone help me with chain length.  I've got a 8 speed shimano cassette and sugino chainset with
22t, 32t, and 44t rings.  Thanx

[bmwcarver]

When I get a new chain I set the front and rear derailleurs so they are on the smallest chainring in front and smallest cog in the rear.  Load the chain on then I pull it to where the rear derailleur pulleys are just barely pulled down from the totally relaxed position without the chain.  The textbook way to set up though is to be on the largest chainring and largest cog, load the chain without going through the rear derailleur and make note of the length that would be right as a fixed gear here, then add one FULL link and cut with a chaintool.