I've actually been considering something lately that I never thought I would (because I feel that the stock front suspension is just too limiting): A solid axle swap.
In the scenario where one wants a quality swap on an H3 using all new parts with decent options and and factory-like functionality (ABS etc) but can't do *any* of the work themselves, tell me if I've got this right (because I may not):
Pros:
-More lift possible (also allowing tires larger than 35")
-Stronger diff/axle availability (even if D44)
-Long term parts availability (quality H3 IFS parts are becoming rarer all the time)
-Much improved articulation
-Smoother *off road* ride quality
Cons:
-$$$$$$$$ ($14k-$17k is the range I think I read that 4speedfunk said his customer swaps average)
-The hassle of actually getting it done
-Worse on road performance (mostly concerned about mid-corner bumps, body roll, and possible death-wobble)
-No possibility to add a sway bar (meaning yet even worse on road performance)
-Larger turning radius (I do love that tight stock turning radius)
-Slower steering ratio (?)
-Added weight (not much?)
If that's a reasonably accurate list, then that is a whole lot of cons and they all matter to me (some more than others).
What I do like now is how surprisingly competently my H3 handles and steers on road, even with a torsion crank, 1.25" lift rear shackles, and 35's on 16" wheels. I probably like to drive my H3 faster around corners than most people because I've always had sports cars... However, it's not a priority and I'm fine with slowing it down a bit more because this *isn't* a sports car, but at the same time I don't want a wallowy barge that feels like a rusty old 70's Chevy truck. I test drove a brand new 4 door Rubicon last week and I felt that its on-road handling was very acceptable (although it had the wandering steering issue that many have complained about on the JL's, but that's a whole different rabbit-hole). If a properly set up SAS'd H3 could match or nearly match that new Rubicon's street manners then I'd be very okay with it. Of course... that had a sway bar and has had years of factory design evolution and refinements.
On the flip-side, all of the problems I've had with off road performance stem from the limits of the stock IFS... primarily ground clearance. That's always in short supply compared to traction with the front and rear lockers and the 35" Duratracs, and certainly in short supply compared to power with the V8 and 4:1 low ratio. I'm also ever-paranoid that I'm going to snap an axle or stub axle or gears (despite the cast iron diff housing) so I fear using the throttle the way it sometimes needs to be used. A properly done solid front would cure all of that I think.
So overall, is a SAS not for me? If I did it and disliked it, that would have been a helluva lot of money that could have gone toward a new 4 door Rubicon or Bronco (once actually available and at MSRP), either of which would be a better vehicle in nearly every single way (but they still cost a whole lot more).
Alternately... Any of the, like, 5 people who still have a Rancho 4" lift want to sell theirs to me? :giggle:
In the scenario where one wants a quality swap on an H3 using all new parts with decent options and and factory-like functionality (ABS etc) but can't do *any* of the work themselves, tell me if I've got this right (because I may not):
Pros:
-More lift possible (also allowing tires larger than 35")
-Stronger diff/axle availability (even if D44)
-Long term parts availability (quality H3 IFS parts are becoming rarer all the time)
-Much improved articulation
-Smoother *off road* ride quality
Cons:
-$$$$$$$$ ($14k-$17k is the range I think I read that 4speedfunk said his customer swaps average)
-The hassle of actually getting it done
-Worse on road performance (mostly concerned about mid-corner bumps, body roll, and possible death-wobble)
-No possibility to add a sway bar (meaning yet even worse on road performance)
-Larger turning radius (I do love that tight stock turning radius)
-Slower steering ratio (?)
-Added weight (not much?)
If that's a reasonably accurate list, then that is a whole lot of cons and they all matter to me (some more than others).
What I do like now is how surprisingly competently my H3 handles and steers on road, even with a torsion crank, 1.25" lift rear shackles, and 35's on 16" wheels. I probably like to drive my H3 faster around corners than most people because I've always had sports cars... However, it's not a priority and I'm fine with slowing it down a bit more because this *isn't* a sports car, but at the same time I don't want a wallowy barge that feels like a rusty old 70's Chevy truck. I test drove a brand new 4 door Rubicon last week and I felt that its on-road handling was very acceptable (although it had the wandering steering issue that many have complained about on the JL's, but that's a whole different rabbit-hole). If a properly set up SAS'd H3 could match or nearly match that new Rubicon's street manners then I'd be very okay with it. Of course... that had a sway bar and has had years of factory design evolution and refinements.
On the flip-side, all of the problems I've had with off road performance stem from the limits of the stock IFS... primarily ground clearance. That's always in short supply compared to traction with the front and rear lockers and the 35" Duratracs, and certainly in short supply compared to power with the V8 and 4:1 low ratio. I'm also ever-paranoid that I'm going to snap an axle or stub axle or gears (despite the cast iron diff housing) so I fear using the throttle the way it sometimes needs to be used. A properly done solid front would cure all of that I think.
So overall, is a SAS not for me? If I did it and disliked it, that would have been a helluva lot of money that could have gone toward a new 4 door Rubicon or Bronco (once actually available and at MSRP), either of which would be a better vehicle in nearly every single way (but they still cost a whole lot more).
Alternately... Any of the, like, 5 people who still have a Rancho 4" lift want to sell theirs to me? :giggle:
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