Lowering vs Leveling
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Lowering vs Leveling
D VADER
7/30/2007 6:50:39 AM
I'd like to actually lower my H3 a couple of inches. I've seen the threads on leveling the H3, mainly because the rear sets to high.
This is what they are selling as a lowering kit. It's for the rear only. Are you supposed to lower the front by ajusting the torsion bars? I'd only lower the front 1". Then an alighnment is needed, right?
2006 - 2006 Hummer H3 Part: Lowering Kit
Brand: Ground Force
Description: GROUND FORCE SUSPENSION LOWERING KIT, REAR -- 2" Drop, Including, Rear Coils, Shocks, Precision Engineered Coil Springs Are Designed To Work With Or Without Spindles To Provide Drop, Coils Are Hot Wound For Precise Fit, Quenched, Shot Peened And Powder Coated For Sleek Looks And Corrosion Resistance
Price: $146.53 Quantity:
Dennis
7/30/2007 6:58:00 AM
That Kit Bob..is it for the H3?..because we have the leaf springs in the back...the only thing I could see to do is use a shorter shackle on the front and rear end of the springs or remove leafs...
And yes, with any suspension change..and alignment should be done..I believe it is always a four wheel alignment on most cars these days anyways...(not sure if they do the rear on an H3) but my service receipt said 4 wheel alignment performed..
The problem I see with lift kits, is that unless it includes special parts to lower your axel too, you could eventually put a strain on the front CV joints being over extended.
D VADER
7/30/2007 7:13:17 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: Dennis
That Kit Bob..is it for the H3?..because we have the leaf springs in the back...the only thing I could see to do is use a shorter shackle on the front and rear end of the springs or remove leafs...
And yes, with any suspension change..and alignment should be done..I believe it is always a four wheel alignment on most cars these days anyways...(not sure if they do the rear on an H3) but my service receipt said 4 wheel alignment performed..
The problem I see with lift kits, is that unless it includes special parts to lower your axel too, you could eventually put a strain on the front CV joints being over extended.
You're right, the rear are leaf springs. "Ground Force" is a popular suspension company. I guess I need to look into this farther.
I realize you moved this as it should be Dennis. I hope it gets the visibility in this forum.
D VADER
7/30/2007 7:29:21 AM
HummBob
7/30/2007 4:35:55 PM
I have the Ground Force Kit!!! Works GREAT!!! 2 years now and NO PROBS!!!
Linus Gump
7/30/2007 4:47:35 PM
I hope the pictures in those links are just stock pictures, because the H3 has LEAF SPRINGS not COIL SPRINGS. Also, since the leaf srings go under the rear axle, all you need is a lift/lowering block to put between the spring pack and the axle. This will lower the vehicle the height of the block. They are available from almost any four wheel drive shop, suspension shop, auto parts store, JC Whitney, ect. As for the front, all you need to do there is turn to torsion bars the other way from what you would to lift it, counter clockwise I believe. New, shorter shocks with stiffer valving for the front will help retain the ride and control. Once you turn the torsion bars down, the ride will get real spongey without the shocks. The rear shouldn't need new shocks because all you have done is move the axle closr to the vehicle. The shocks will still be in their normal travel range, albiet more limited now. The only other thing that may need to be addressed is the bump stops. They may be a bit long, but they can be removed and trimmed to fit before reinstalling them.
D VADER
7/31/2007 4:44:12 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: HummBob
I have the Ground Force Kit!!! Works GREAT!!! 2 years now and NO PROBS!!!
So Bob, what's with the springs? Both of my links showed rear springs???
What does yours have?
Linus Gump
7/31/2007 9:37:22 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: D VADER
quote:
ORIGINAL: HummBob
I have the Ground Force Kit!!! Works GREAT!!! 2 years now and NO PROBS!!!
So Bob, what's with the springs? Both of my links showed rear springs???
What does yours have?
He has a H2. It's different.
HummBob
8/1/2007 1:42:26 AM
D VADER
10/9/2007 10:29:00 AM
I guess this is what you get in the $345 Ground Force Kit for the H3. Add $50 S&H plus alignment. No mention of front springs. It's still not clear.
Genuine Ground Force Lowering Suspension Systems Kits.This is a BRAND NEW in the factory sealed box kit of Ground Force Lowering Suspension Systems Kits.
Fits 2006-2007 Hummer H3, Included Front torsion keys, Alignment cams, Rear blocks, Rear shocks.
HummBob
10/9/2007 8:58:21 PM
Doc Olds
10/10/2007 6:39:39 AM
That kit could be overkill D Vader if I understand what you want to do?? If, you are happy with the front height, and you want to lower the just the rear, you would only need the (a set of) rear blocks to space under the axel and above the springs, and new longer shocks, maybey??? longer rear U bolts? This would lower the rear to appx level with the stock front. The front T Keys and Allignment shims would accommodate lowereing the front even further, and then you would need an alignment by someone cabable of following the kits new alignmant specs. So I guess it is a matter of how much drop this kit has in the rear?
I thought I saw somebody selling just a rear lowering kit, (blocks and U bolts) but I can't put my finger on it???
D VADER
10/11/2007 2:51:51 AM
quote:
ORIGINAL: Doc Olds
That kit could be overkill D Vader if I understand what you want to do?? If, you are happy with the front height, and you want to lower the just the rear, you would only need the (a set of) rear blocks to space under the axel and above the springs, and new longer shocks, maybey??? longer rear U bolts? This would lower the rear to appx level with the stock front. The front T Keys and Allignment shims would accommodate lowereing the front even further, and then you would need an alignment by someone cabable of following the kits new alignmant specs. So I guess it is a matter of how much drop this kit has in the rear?
I thought I saw somebody selling just a rear lowering kit, (blocks and U bolts) but I can't put my finger on it???
I would like to drop it at all 4 corners. Looks like the kits give you 1" in front and 3" in the rear. I assume that makes it level. I probably wouldn't do the install and alignment so the whole deal is rather pricey!!