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H3T Randy Ellis Coilover Front End Conversion

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H3TBone

Well-Known Member
Messages
168
Location
El Paso, TX
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.
 
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H

H3TBone

Well-Known Member
Messages
168
Location
El Paso, TX
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

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
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...
View attachment 4137
 
H

H3TBone

Well-Known Member
Messages
168
Location
El Paso, TX
4speedfunk said:
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...
View attachment 4137
Click to expand...

All great suggestions, as always,
 
4speedfunk

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,250
Location
Tardville
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.
 
G

Griff22usmc

Needs a sponsor
Messages
41
Location
Wilmington NC
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
 
H

H3TBone

Well-Known Member
Messages
168
Location
El Paso, TX
Griff22usmc said:
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
Click to expand...

Actually, if I can get a large enough group together, they will make a full kit at a reasonable price. Since this will be custom and one-off, it will be expensive. Once they get the jigs built, it's all down hill. I will get more into this as I get deeper into the conversation.
 
06 H3

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,493
Location
Meridian, ID
Your can change the trackwidth via backspaced rims or wider a arms but wider a arms will need longer halfshafts...

Are you using stock knuckles or rancho knuckles?


Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
 
silvrzuki77

silvrzuki77

Well-Known Member
Messages
556
Location
Vegas
I would be using stock knuckles. I would rather stock width so not to have custom shafts and steering arms. Interested though. Its either this or solid axle.
 
silvrzuki77

silvrzuki77

Well-Known Member
Messages
556
Location
Vegas
lol, Im really leaning that way right now. Im really disappointed in the steering rack on the h3 and how flimsy it is. Time will tell i need to tear my fj80 axle apart and count abs ring teeth and see if it matchs the hummers thats my big concern.
 
ReconH3

ReconH3

Guardian Angel
Messages
2,288
Location
Raleigh, NC
silvrzuki77 said:
Im really disappointed in the steering rack on the h3 and how flimsy it is.
Click to expand...

That and the diff are the main reasons I went SAS. Bebe's way is really the only way to go of want to keep IFS. You get rid of all the weak components.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

Sent from my iPhone
 
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