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06 H3's Squeakin H3 Build

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
I’m glad you are posting this. When you mod/wheel at this level...your rig is never really “done”. Periodic tear downs are just part of ownership. A lot of people don’t understand that it takes a tremendous commitment to perfection, to get a custom build dialed-in so it can perform at the level that was intended. Lots of experimentation...some things work...some don’t. Lots of wasted time & money. But in the end...it’s not wasted at all. It’s just part of the process.

Nobody ever learned a damn thing from success. Failure is what you learn from. You make notes of all the little things that don’t work, and you keep trying different ideas...all to improve your build. Persistence!

So many rigs (SEMA) never get this attention. They build it once and call it done. As long as it draws a crowd, and sells a bunch of flashy parts, it’s a success. But in the real world, that just doesn’t get it. Abuse. Break. Improve. Repeat.

Great work.

Yeah SEMA may be a great place to look at builds, but almost none of them are field tested. I know that some shops are working up till the last minute to get it done and some the vehicle won't even start. Lol I seen some funny stuff shared online. Missing driveshafts, parts being held up by zip ties, bad paint jobs w/overspray.

I am glad you acknowledged that CJ. I know you know that but mentioning it is a reminder to people thinking about taking the plunge. That's not to say that you cant do the SAS and leave it alone but I am trying to push an H3 on trails and obstacles H3's usually don't belong on and that's the hammer trails. If I kept doing the trails I once did this work wouldn't be necessary but I am trying to get it to the next level...More up travel, more ground clearance no more added lift.

I've been home about 2 1/2 months now and this is the longest its ever been down for. Unfortunately its been slow moving since I haven't been working on it every weekend or night like I wish I could!

With all the things I mentioned a couple posts back it was time to get to work.

Started off pretty easy....My hub seal was toasted after almost burning up a hub when I bent my axle shaft.

hG2V5tRl.jpg


I was only going to change the seal but for good measure I did the bearings as well.

Then I rebuilt all the Johnny joints...

After that I finally tied my cage down to the frame from the internal C pillar. Used 3/16 plate for the frame to spread the load...pic before I grinded off all the rust...

GwszOrWl.jpg


After that it was time to reinforce the motor mounts....I was going to try and do that without pulling the motor but sure enough there was no room! Yay :gaah:

psFW1Pll.jpg


Got the mount straight again...

ajj3marl.jpg


New bushings...

cHxoCNUl.jpg


Old me would have probably boxed in the whole thing with 1/4in plate without any regard to weight...but now that I try to make an effort to reduce the amount of weight added I must think about it in any way possible....Used some 1.75 .120 wall on both sides of the mounts.

GvsAfHpl.jpg


A goal was more uptravel with no added ride height. I went from 3.75-4in of uptravel to 5in of uptravel...I got new in the box fox shocks with the compression adjuster I picked up for a steal...installed as well as cycling the suspension, moving some things and some shock mounts I was able to gain about an inch or a tad more of uptravel.

Q77GrEFl.jpg


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Then I picked up some new in the box Light racing 1.5in air bumps for a good price....My old bumps were mounted inboard off the bottom of the frame. I wanted to get them more inline with the shock this time around. Packaging has been a challenge. They wont fit well behind the shock because they will come in contact at droop. I could go inside the coil bucket but I fear that it will put too much leverage on the coil bucket. Any thoughts?

iSXFOlal.jpg


Here's another view of them sitting below the frame, I don't want them inboard. They were in the spot of my old bumps in that pic...The tube in the middle of the coil bucket and is a retainer at full droop. I could mount them in there but like I said my concern was stated above. That has been put on hold as I think of something.

I also did some gas tank skid revisions...and I am sure I will edit in more and I know I've done more then I am listing...
 
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06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
I found some doors on the here in AZ, I will be in AZ for work next month so I plan to drive and pick those up and turn them into half doors.

nAa5Mqql.jpg


tU3AH7wl.jpg


I also was able to have some time to go volunteer at the ridgecrest race...No rig but I got to ride passenger.

hEMxadDl.jpg


My trailer is getting some good use!

Dsbk158l.jpg
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
While I sit back and think about the bumpstop situation I decided to get the rear end ready to be torn apart for the truss, anti wrap bar, new leaf spring bushings, perches, bumpstops etc.

jeyChGql.jpg


At this point I have rear suspension, gotta figure out what I want to do with the trans, and am waiting on my doubler parts for the t case...that should be done in a few weeks. I am just ready to go wheeling!!!!

I also plan to cut out crossmember at the t case and build a new one higher for more ground clearance.
 

Acer4LO

Well-Known Member
Messages
750
Location
Illinois
Great work! Can't wait to see the rear half doors! Oh also you still haven't posted pics of the front half doors! :giggle: Curious to see what you can come up with. I haven't really said anything yet but I also found a set of 4 doors for dirt cheap that I will be making into half doors. Gonna have to do some renders first to see were I want to cut them.
 

4speedfunk

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,212
Location
Tardville
Do you plan to add a crossmember under the motor? This is something the Aussie did on his build. This might help with the motor mount/frame flex issue. I haven’t figured out a way to do it with the upper link in the way.

I’m surprised (and impressed) that you are keeping the coil springs. Most rigs at this build level are running coil overs.

Let us know what part # you end up using for the leaf spring bushings.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Do you plan to add a crossmember under the motor? This is something the Aussie did on his build. This might help with the motor mount/frame flex issue. I haven’t figured out a way to do it with the upper link in the way.

I’m surprised (and impressed) that you are keeping the coil springs. Most rigs at this build level are running coil overs.

Let us know what part # you end up using for the leaf spring bushings.

I already have a crossmember just in front of the motor. The problem occurred when I lost a motor mount bolt [emoji85] UA2017...after almost 3k miles of highway, offroad, etc. when I got home I did a once over on the truck and the bolt was gone!

During the first UA we had a day where we did about 200 miles all on dirt! No real gnarly rock crawling but we spent literally an entire day on backroads...just rattling everything loose. that night I did a bolt check as did many others and everything had loosened up...I never thought to check a motor mount bolt. I just checked suspension. Sure enough the missing bolt allowed the motor to move around enough to bend the mount. So I don’t think frame sas movement caused the issue. I’m just doing it now for good measure.

As for the coilovers, it’s certainly easier to package the air bumps and all the other crap but I don’t think I have felt the need to do the jump just yet. I like coil springs, they are low buck! I’m trying to stay grounded with the project. Sure, I can swap out coilovers, and while I’m at it notch the frame to gain 6in of up travel vs the current 5in I have (and I already gained an inch or so over the last setup) I might as well try and swap in a 6l80e vs the 4l60e while it’s out! My buddy’s were trying to talk me into a cam swap when the 5.3 was out and I was trying to justify it too lol

I could do all that, but the time and money that it would take I would be down for a while. I tried to look at what I truly needed!

I wanted more uptravel but if I could get some without major modifications I would do that over chopping everything up for max up travel.

The 5.3 is great but the power is in high RPMs, on the highway it will want to downshift to maintain a speed vs chug along like a torquey 454. I wanted a tow cam but figured it’s works, I can do that another time.

Rear end, I could solve what I wanted with linking it but I want to try the simple approach of an anti wrap bar first.

That’s the long answer lol, at some point I may go coilovers, idk...if I’m guessing my next step to improvement may be linking the rear if I can’t get the rear end to be planted on hill climb launches or a tow cam in the 5.3 or 6l80e. I want this thing to drive all day at 80-85 mph with cruise on in OD.

All the above may happen. I just want to do it slowly...I’m itching to drive the thing! I shouldn’t have neglected it so long requiring a full tear down. I like the smaller projects to focus on one thing...instead now I’m literally just taking everything out.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Great work! Can't wait to see the rear half doors! Oh also you still haven't posted pics of the front half doors! :giggle: Curious to see what you can come up with. I haven't really said anything yet but I also found a set of 4 doors for dirt cheap that I will be making into half doors. Gonna have to do some renders first to see were I want to cut them.

I’ll have to get some pics for you, they will be similar to the fronts, lots of storage.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Here is a pic of the coil bucket....I am considering putting the bump inside of it but am worried that's too much leverage on the mount when bottoming out going fast in the desert.

8aXY3bWl.jpg


XqRprhrl.png


Got the rear suspension tore down to a degree. I think I found a problem!

Broken center pin



My theory is that the leaf broke first. I have 2 sets of leafs. My factory H3 leafs that came off the assembly line and these...These are H3T leafs with an add a leaf in them. The add a leaf broke! When it broke it allowed slop and snapped it.

Here is a pic of the coil bucket....I am considering putting the bump inside of it but am worried that's too much leverage on the mount when bottoming out going fast in the desert.

8aXY3bWl.jpg


XqRprhrl.png


Got the rear suspension tore down to a degree. I think I found a problem!

Broken center pin

oVfZLKCl.jpg


My theory is that the leaf broke first. I have 2 sets of leafs. My factory H3 leafs that came off the assembly line and these...These are H3T leafs with an add a leaf in them. The add a leaf broke! When it broke it allowed slop and snapped it.

3kMlpVvl.jpg


That might be part of my complaint of why the rear end felt like it was wrapping vs putting power to the ground ASAP.

In an attempt to set up bumpstops properly I tore it down, measured the length of the leafs below it, put in a block of wood to account for it and bottomed it out. This is its current shock bottom out.

ZFS6Qphl.jpg


e9dZtprl.jpg


BjxaNKNl.jpg


QIr6qqfl.jpg


The Shackle isn't that far back at full bump...is that an issue and should I move the fixed hanger back an inch? I am curious how much of the shackle not moving is due to hammered leaf spring bushings.

Those will be replaced with the other leafs.

That might be part of my complaint of why the rear end felt like it was wrapping vs putting power to the ground ASAP.

In an attempt to set up bumpstops properly I tore it down, measured the length of the leafs below it, put in a block of wood to account for it and bottomed it out. This is its current shock bottom out.

ZFS6Qphl.jpg


e9dZtprl.jpg


BjxaNKNl.jpg


QIr6qqfl.jpg


The Shackle isn't that far back at full bump...is that an issue and should I move the fixed hanger back an inch? I am curious how much of the shackle not moving is due to hammered leaf spring bushings.

Those will be replaced with the other leafs.
 
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06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
So....the never ending project continues!

I decided that the bumps were too big for the front. I moved those to the rear...

SxO4YuJl.jpg


After pulling the springs and bumping it to the desired arch with only the main leaf in I grabbed my OEM leafs and swapped out the bushings...First one was a pain but it got easier with time!

Fire...ball joint press and a hammer....

sSNkKfAl.jpg


TFS4Rgdl.jpg


I also took off the rear shackles to find the bolt holes completely oblong!

lBKxgnzl.jpg


oaLfSHul.jpg


Between a few wasted bushings, oblong shackle holes and a broken add a leaf on the pass side no wonder why rear end felt a little loose....
I then went south for the off road expo in Pomona...

While down there I had to help my brother pull his supercharger on his JK to replace a torn AC Line...That was fun.

3OU3F0zl.jpg


Back together...

Gbp5bMdl.jpg


My buddy also gave me a set of his TJ Metalcloak springs to try out.

The ones I have are from rusty's off road and unseat rather quickly.
Rusty vs Metalcloak...

hl4LPPFl.jpg


Much longer free length, as you can see the rustys are much bigger coil wires but at the same time the MC ones are spread much further apart (the further apart the stiffer right?) I will try them out but my concern is being too soft.

As you can see below these barely unseat compared to my old ones...They are retained on the bottom but the tube in the middle retains the top. The rustys offroad ones unseated almost to the bottom of the tube.

Ip96NiCl.jpg


I also picked up 2 trigger accessories wiring systems for a steal at the expo!

What I love about these compared to the spod and switch pro is that while those 2 systems still run one bulk wire through the firewall these run ZERO! The switches wireless talk to the little box.

OUAbZwVl.mp4
 
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06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
To continue on the rear end...I cut off the rear spring perch and welded on some new U bolt eliminator +2in wheelbase kit from ruffstuff. Now I have stretched the wheelbase 2in. Before this I was 1in stretched with their standard perch.

EEGNcDml.jpg


I also mocked up a 9in truss...Its before I ground everything down after I took a plasma to the old brackets.

WEEsssll.jpg


Does it go full length? No, its not the strongest truss around but it will add rigidity to the housing to hopefully avoid causing issues with the anti wrap bar I will be putting in...

J00Td7hl.jpg


Speaking of which...Here was the first cut but I had to butcher this mount much more to get it to work with the Truss and HO72

IFwd33ol.jpg


Ignore the two bolts that aren't bolted down...Its just for mock up.

SxO4YuJl.jpg


I got the rear end on its own weight. The new spring perch is 3/4in taller then the old one but the springs seem really flat! I'm curious if the +2in perch is causing it to sit at a point on the spring flattening it out more or if its strictly add a leaf related. I figure I could take my main leafs I have now and cut them down and use them as an add a leaf or just do a longer shackle since I need new ones anyways. I am not sure about spring rate or what the best option is at this point.

Once I get ride height I can finish the anti wrap bar.
 
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Dana60H3

Active Member
Messages
43
Location
San Bernardino CA
If you go the longer shackle route i believe it will end up rotating your pinion angle and start moving your axle forward decreasing your wheelbase.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
The fun continues, anti wrap bar is done. Rear suspension is done except for sway bar.

4.5in of uptravel rear 5in front.

I picked up a used trans with 80k on it from Dana 60 H3 since he’s doing his 6l80e swap and I picked up rear doors in Phx from a member on here, thanks again!!! Those will be half doors but not on the immediate list.

I cut out my trans crossmember that was done for long control arms during the SAS. The new crossmember will hopefully allow nothing below the framerail.

I welded in a new 3rd link bracket with 3 holes for adjustability vs my old one with a single hole. I can now start playing with link placement for different handling characteristics. Everyone gets carried away with the link calculator. I want to see if there really is a difference by seat of the pants.

The new to me trans is in and the trans lines are in. What a pain, I found out the hard way they changed transmission line fittings after 06. I had to change a fitting over but it was an hour of frustration before realizing the issue.

I still have plenty to do but I’m hoping to be done by the end of this month.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Bump:
Finished the rear end completely! Ignore the unequal length shocks, I had the front flexing out causing the rear to squat on one end amd bent shackles that have now been replaced to make it all even.

1tJfsQXl.jpg


Probably bumped, anti wrap bar, new bushings around, shackles, air bumps, more uptravel, new hub seal from the torched one when I broke the shaft, modified 9in truss from ruffstuff, u bolt elim perches, and I am sure I am forgetting more. Don't have to touch the rear again!!

New 3rd link bracket, 3 hole adjustable so I can start messing with 3 link #s....and you can see I am working on the rock lights as well....

W1KzLYol.jpg


Modified gas tank skid bracketry and through those little bolt head protectors on...Need to get one more.

9qxqX9Cl.jpg


Started cleaning up the 205...ORD parts ordered, SYE, Yokes, and I already had their twin stick rails and VSS from behemoth sitting on the shelf for a while. They should be here Wednesday.

rDXlLNgl.jpg


I really really didn't want to mount my bumps inside the coils due to added stress on the bucket but there was not many other options....Still need to build a lower landing pad for the bump.

ZKmFmNzl.jpg


So much happier that these coils don't unseat 8in like my last ones...These barely do...


5h2CttBl.jpg


Since I went the route of bumps in the coil I renforced the bucket with 1/4 angle iron around the ends...(before I did in pic)

PP4VvTRl.jpg


I will add more reinforcement and tube from the bucket to the frame once I make sure this coil rate is correct...I am afraid it will be too soft. Its a 5.5in metalcloak coil for a TJ. My old ones were 4.5 for a ZJ. the "bumper bounce test" seemed ok so far.

Now I wait for the never showing up behemoth parts...bummed he was the only guy willing to do a one off project. I understand that ORD and NWF have their own kits and are bigger companies that stick with signature products so I wait.....

I can still work on the wiring aftermarket accessories, finish up the bumps, mount the front sway bar (from a rear FJ80) but then I just need to build the crossmember and do the 205 doubler.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Lol Nope, my problems are no longer theirs! Their driveway is nice again. I moved from so cal to Northern California for work and now squeaky is living the garaged life she deserves.

I moved earlier this year
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Still working on it...this is the longest it’s ever been down :( I gotta get it running and ready soon so by Dec 21st I can drive it down south and then head to sand hollow after Christmas.

I got to work on the 205

r0D9lDAl.jpg


Slip yoke eliminator, VSS (for working speedometer) and Twin stick...

uppeULOl.jpg


The twin stick is giving me some trouble. I don’t see the detents in the long stick and I can’t move the short stick...it seems jammed. Everything else installed without issue. I will get back to that soon. For now I am reassembling my old t case with a new chain and front output gear to get wheeling.

I started reading better reviews from behemoth after his first round of issues, he turned a clean slate and was better, I guess not. 1 more week turned into 1 more week again which turned into 2 more weeks, and now it’s 3 weeks after the “2 more weeks” he promised Oct 12th it will ship... now we won’t answer my calls or texts, filed a dispute with the CC company. I’ll either get my parts or money and use it elsewhere for a regular doubler...I would rather use my 4:1 planetary but we shall see.

Since I cut my old crossmember out I will probably have to redo it twice! :mad3: thanks behemoth...I will make a new one in attempt to flat belly and clock my factory case. I found a North west fab S10 clocking ring works!

SNC59xpl.jpg


Got the rear FJ80 sway bar mounted up front! Gotta make links for it now to attach to the frame.

Front end is almost back together...once I get the doubler figured out I can get wheeling and start the fun again of tuning shocks, bumps and hope TJ Metalcloak coils are stiff enough. I wish I knew spring rates compared to Rusty’s offroad ZJ coils.
 

scoreh3

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,024
Location
SoCal
Every time I see your updates , I can’t help to think this is what they should have offered in the first place. Chris you are doing amazing work. Keep up the great work on your rig.
 

Panzer07

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,548
Location
Ontario, CA
Chris is gonna be the hummer resusitator and new lead guy for the Hummer H4C and C would stand for Chris.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
Thanks everyone for the kind words!

Yes, the sway bar is off of a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser. It is actually the rear sway bar. On the land cruiser the rear sway bar is mounted on the axle and the rear axle isn’t centered. The pinion is offset making it perfect for us.

I mounted one tab off the 3rd link bracket and the other by the landing pad for the bumpstop. I still need to make the end links which I will do soon.

I did see that black SAS H3T added a Ford F-250 sway bar but the problem I saw for myself was that it mounted under the pumpkin and near the axle tube. Offroad I’d destroy that thing in a heart beat. The land cruiser sway bar is very similar but allowed me to mount it above the pumpkin and out of the way of rocks. The lowest point at full bump will be just above the control arms which should work decent.

Cj and I have talked about a sway bar for years but have struggled to find one that would work well. The aftermarket Currie anti rocks don’t seem to fit, the factory one obviously doesn’t...it just happened that a buddy with a land cruiser took them off and I looked and them and immediately said holy ****! These may work!!! Sure enough I think they will.
 

06 H3

a.k.a. "The Jackal"
Messages
9,350
Location
Meridian, ID
I’ll get more updates soon!

Transfer case is in and new high clearance crossmember is done! Plan is to drive it down south in a couple weeks for Xmas.
 

scoreh3

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,024
Location
SoCal
Squeaky is the Steve Austin of H3’s and Chris is the Oscar Goldman of the fab world.
And yes I know vehicles are she’s and Steve Austin is a male, but it’s California and and squeky’s had some modifications done need I say anymore.
Keep up the great work and maybe when you are down here over the holidays I can run up and say hi.
 
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