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Hummer H3For the Hummer driver who wants the rugged look and off road capabilities of the Hummer, but in a smaller size and with a more fuel economy friendly engine.
Ok just picked up 2006 hummer h3 base wasn’t running great 192k. so far-done coils, plugs, cleaned the throttle body, cleaned maf, new air filter, new pvc hose on back of upper intake, new brake and rotors, new skyjacker 7000 shocks front and back, new rear sway bar end links, new front sway bar end links , new transmission fluids and filter, alll new gear oils and transfer case fluids. it’s 18 rims and tires. ok Monday I finish the rack and pinion bushing they shot and left and front tie rod ends. my issue is she still rides rough? Like bumps pot holes ect I want it ride like new any suggestions? And there’s very strange vibration when you rev up to 900 Rpm’s and hold you put your foot on the step up and feel bad Vibration ?? Thxs I’ll take all help can as I love my hummer
With 192k if suspension bushings and ball joints are original they are likely shot. Check the condition of your upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints. Also the rear leaf spring bushings. Check the front mount of the leaf spring and ensure the spring has not broken where it wraps over top of the bushing. If that happens, the only thing holding the spring in place is the weight of the vehicle. Also, make sure the jounce bumper between frame and lower control arm is installed and in good condition.
Try a seafoam treatment and see if that smooths out the vibration.
Ok just picked up 2006 hummer h3 base wasn’t running great 192k. so far-done coils, plugs, cleaned the throttle body, cleaned maf, new air filter, new pvc hose on back of upper intake, new brake and rotors, new skyjacker 7000 shocks front and back, new rear sway bar end links, new front sway bar end links , new transmission fluids and filter, alll new gear oils and transfer case fluids. it’s 18 rims and tires. ok Monday I finish the rack and pinion bushing they shot and left and front tie rod ends. my issue is she still rides rough? Like bumps pot holes ect I want it ride like new any suggestions? And there’s very strange vibration when you rev up to 900 Rpm’s and hold you put your foot on the step up and feel bad Vibration ?? Thxs I’ll take all help can as I love my hummer
Regarding the rough ride. I hate to say this because I’m sure you spent good money on the Shocks. (Guessing around $120-$140 for the set?) But those Skyjacker 7000 series shocks are a low end quality & designed shock. It’s just an oil filled hydraulic shock, that the manufacturer limits how many vehicle specific valving tunes they put in that shock. It’s going to very generic. It might have the same oil & valving as what you get on a Suburban or full sized truck Shock. Make sure your shock is mounted with the shock body down, boot up as the oil is dependent on gravity settling the oil and reduce cavitation. This oil only style of shock can give that harsher feel or that rough ride or hard jolt when hitting a pot hole at speed, as there is no high or low speed valving control in this style shock. The rough ride will be magnified when hitting a series of pot holes, washboard or chatter bumps as the shock has a slower response and will actually stay compressed a split second longer which means your shock is not ready for that next bump, which you feel as a harsh ride. A gas charged shock will give you that smoother ride and still absorb the high speed compression & control the rebound quicker.
IMO the Bilstein 4600 series (Yellow body shocks) are a great an affordable replacement Shock for any vehicle. Bilstein’s are a gas charged shock which is vehicle specific tuned. The 4600 series is a great on road shock that can handle light duty off roading. On Shock Surplus.com they sell the full set of Hummer 4600 series shocks for $315. It’s more than the Skyjacker 7000 series, but the quality & ride is a day & night difference. You won’t regret the extra cost.
If you plan to off road your Hummer, turn the torsion bars, increase tire size to 33 or 35 inch, or load it was accessories. I’d highly suggest the Bilstein 5100 series (silver body’s) as the valving was tuned for the larger heavier tire or added weight, and type of off road driving you will be doing. This shock will have a slightly firmer road ride, you will feel less body roll, but it’s not going to be harsh like Skyjacker 7000 Shock. The shock will also stay cooler longer with the correct valving when off roading over small washboard & chatter bumps. The 5100 series is a bit more money at $450 a set. Again well worth the money IMO if you plan on doing any of the upgrades I listed.
Another great option is the Fox shock package. Again a proper tuned shock for the Hummer, if you are going to add larger tires, add accessories and use the Hummer off road. That package is going to cost allot more around $700 a set.
Regarding your rough idle or at lower revs around 900 RPM. Take your Hummer to a shop that has a Tech 2 scan tool. That’s the GM scanner that is amazing for diagnostics on GM vehicles. They will be able to watch live what each cylinder is doing. They can see & control fuel, injectors & spark to see if you are having a low RPM misfire and what cylinder it could be. They can watch your O2 sensors and ever sensor that’s going on. You can chase your tail and throw a bunch of parts & money at it, and just get yourself frustrated. The couple hundred dollars you might spend having it diagnosed is money well spent. I’ve been in your shoes in regards to idle & a misfire on a Chevy Silverado. It was frustrating until I leaned whst the heck was really going on.
Having arrived on the H3 scene in Feb 2007, IMHO the best shocks for close to a factory ride and off road use combo are either the OEM ACDelco shocks that came on the adventure/off road package, or ARB OME Nitrocharger Sport set. The OME cost is about $50 more ea than the GM ZM6 suspension shocks, but I highly recommend the extra $$ as well spent. No shock is going to correct the problems that might exist that NMH3 suggested you review.
Tons of people over the years went the Bilstein route, most ended soon and unhappy as they are often leakers and wear out prematurely.
When I bought my 09 Alpha Off Road it had Monroe Reflex shocks, road like a truck, they were gone ASAP. Side by side of the Monroe and OME for the front. ARB makes quality beef with a substantially thicker piston rod!
18" wheels with what size tires? 285/65/R18s?
What tire pressure?
What is the distance between your front wheel hub and the bottom of the fender flare?
How much distance is there between the front progressive damper and the lower control arm?
Regarding the rough ride. I hate to say this because I’m sure you spent good money on the Shocks. (Guessing around $120-$140 for the set?) But those Skyjacker 7000 series shocks are a low end quality & designed shock. It’s just an oil filled hydraulic shock, that the manufacturer limits how many vehicle specific valving tunes they put in that shock. It’s going to very generic. It might have the same oil & valving as what you get on a Suburban or full sized truck Shock. Make sure your shock is mounted with the shock body down, boot up as the oil is dependent on gravity settling the oil and reduce cavitation. This oil only style of shock can give that harsher feel or that rough ride or hard jolt when hitting a pot hole at speed, as there is no high or low speed valving control in this style shock. The rough ride will be magnified when hitting a series of pot holes, washboard or chatter bumps as the shock has a slower response and will actually stay compressed a split second longer which means your shock is not ready for that next bump, which you feel as a harsh ride. A gas charged shock will give you that smoother ride and still absorb the high speed compression & control the rebound quicker.
IMO the Bilstein 4600 series (Yellow body shocks) are a great an affordable replacement Shock for any vehicle. Bilstein’s are a gas charged shock which is vehicle specific tuned. The 4600 series is a great on road shock that can handle light duty off roading. On Shock Surplus.com they sell the full set of Hummer 4600 series shocks for $315. It’s more than the Skyjacker 7000 series, but the quality & ride is a day & night difference. You won’t regret the extra cost.
If you plan to off road your Hummer, turn the torsion bars, increase tire size to 33 or 35 inch, or load it was accessories. I’d highly suggest the Bilstein 5100 series (silver body’s) as the valving was tuned for the larger heavier tire or added weight, and type of off road driving you will be doing. This shock will have a slightly firmer road ride, you will feel less body roll, but it’s not going to be harsh like Skyjacker 7000 Shock. The shock will also stay cooler longer with the correct valving when off roading over small washboard & chatter bumps. The 5100 series is a bit more money at $450 a set. Again well worth the money IMO if you plan on doing any of the upgrades I listed.
Another great option is the Fox shock package. Again a proper tuned shock for the Hummer, if you are going to add larger tires, add accessories and use the Hummer off road. That package is going to cost allot more around $700 a set.
Regarding your rough idle or at lower revs around 900 RPM. Take your Hummer to a shop that has a Tech 2 scan tool. That’s the GM scanner that is amazing for diagnostics on GM vehicles. They will be able to watch live what each cylinder is doing. They can see & control fuel, injectors & spark to see if you are having a low RPM misfire and what cylinder it could be. They can watch your O2 sensors and ever sensor that’s going on. You can chase your tail and throw a bunch of parts & money at it, and just get yourself frustrated. The couple hundred dollars you might spend having it diagnosed is money well spent. I’ve been in your shoes in regards to idle & a misfire on a Chevy Silverado. It was frustrating until I leaned whst the heck was really going on.
. Paid 220 for skyjackers so trash em ? Not going off roading or anything like that just normal daily I’d like be smooth rider and if I need go off road or snow or something it’s there
18" wheels with what size tires? 285/65/R18s?
What tire pressure?
What is the distance between your front wheel hub and the bottom of the fender flare?
How much distance is there between the front progressive damper and the lower control arm?
they are 275/65/r18 ,40 psi ,front center cap to bottom of fender is 20 inches, front of the rim to bottom was like 11 inches sorry doing my best lol and other idk
Having arrived on the H3 scene in Feb 2007, IMHO the best shocks for close to a factory ride and off road use combo are either the OEM ACDelco shocks that came on the adventure/off road package, or ARB OME Nitrocharger Sport set. The OME cost is about $50 more ea than the GM ZM6 suspension shocks, but I highly recommend the extra $$ as well spent. No shock is going to correct the problems that might exist that NMH3 suggested you review.
Tons of people over the years went the Bilstein route, most ended soon and unhappy as they are often leakers and wear out prematurely.
When I bought my 09 Alpha Off Road it had Monroe Reflex shocks, road like a truck, they were gone ASAP. Side by side of the Monroe and OME for the front. ARB makes quality beef with a substantially thicker piston rod!
i just want some smooth shocks front and back don’t cost ton of money for daily driving and maybe very lite off road or like snow or bad weather or something
. Paid 220 for skyjackers so trash em ? Not going off roading or anything like that just normal daily I’d like be smooth rider and if I need go off road or snow or something it’s there
Id hate to say trash them How was the ride when you first got the Hummer, and with the old shocks? Did you put the 18 wheels on? What size tire is on the 18 inch wheel? A lower profile tire has a stiffer sidewall and can make the ride feel rougher over pot holes or rough roads. Maybe check all the things the other guys listed to see if any of those things are contributing to the issue.
New owner 2006 h3 questions?
