Randy Ellis Coilover Front End Conversion

[H3TBone]

So...after Moab and staring at 06 H3's Rancho lift, I have contacted Randy Ellis Design to do a coil over conversion. This will be coupled with replacement of the torsion bar crossmember, since it hangs so low, hydro-ram steering, and a rear spring-over. To make things cheaper, I will use a few Rancho parts like the crossmembers and diff skid. Low profile skids (UCP) of aluminum and HDPE will then be fabricated. Moderate lift (4-5") and flattening the belly should greatly improve ground clearance. I will do most of this myself with Randy Ellis designing and fabricating the a-arms.

As the project progresses, I will update here.

Edit: I will also be using a Warrior spring over kit for the rear. I like the stock springs and want to retain them. Which means I will have some trail duty skids for sale soon This part of the project is already underway and the final rear ride height will be used to determine final front ride height.

[JoshuaL]

[Hans3T]

Sounds awesome. Forgive my ignorance...who is Randy Ellis?

[elripster]

Subscribed.

[ReconH3]

That sounds amazing. Definitely keep us posted.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

Sent from my iPhone

[cgalpha08]

Cant wait to see this build!!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Ron46]

[08SolarFlareH3]

Sounds awesome. Forgive my ignorance...who is Randy Ellis?

http://randyellisdesign.com/

[H3TBone]

I think this is going to be awesome, as well. It will be less complicated that Bebe's build but some similarities. No diff changes for now. A parts list will be created so that anyone can repeat it later if desired.

[4speedfunk]

Check out the FJ-Cruiser front suspension. That's basically the same thing. Never been a fan of torsion bars.

Also you should look into adding Colorado/Canyon axle plates to the mix. I think these might bolt up to the H3 housing without any fabrication. They would add a second mounting bushing per side (instead of just one). I always thought the H3 had way too much movement at the front axle...especially after all the bushings get worn. Here's a picture of the C/C axle plates...
Attachment 4137

[H3TBone]

Check out the FJ-Cruiser front suspension. That's basically the same thing. Never been a fan of torsion bars.

Also you should look into adding Colorado/Canyon axle plates to the mix. I think these might bolt up to the H3 housing without any fabrication. They would add a second mounting bushing per side (instead of just one). I always thought the H3 had way too much movement at the front axle...especially after all the bushings get worn. Here's a picture of the C/C axle plates...
Attachment 4137

All great suggestions, as always,

[4speedfunk]

One more thing...

Go back and look at that photo I posted. Is that a CAD (Center-Axle-Disconnect) solenoid right there on that C/C axle? Could this be the answer for a 2WD mode??? You could simply wire that thing to a manual switch to disconnect the front hubs. This would give you a "poor-man's 2WD":

-Pull the front driveshaft
-Put the T-case into 4HI-Lock
-Activate the solenoid (or de-activate it as the case may be).
-and TA-DA!...a 2WD H3!

The CAD solenoid allows the front hubs to spin without spinnng the ring & pinion. I only mention this because some of us would love to disable 4WD for long distances (like the 2-day trek from Indy-to-Moab). Its also handy if you break a front diff...it allows you to get home without grinding internal parts into dust.

[H3TBone]

Can't tell but something to consider.

[Griff22usmc]

Looking forward to the build.on another note; I see all these custom builds, just wish a company would pickup up the design and fabricate to the masses.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Pappibri]

Cant wait...