I know this has been asked a million times but Im working on getting some new tires and wheels..and going to level my vehicle.. Is it fine to just turn the bolts 2 turns I believe is what I was read on each side.. and thats it? how will that differ in ride> or should I go with the leveling kit and if so I also see some kits come with shocks.. is this necessary to replace the shocks.. does it all matter? I dont take my H3 off road ever... but I want to do the right thing.. Thanks Bruce

 

Welcome.

OK so you know there are a bazillion threads on this topic, but did you read any?

Why bother if you are not going to wheel it, just leave it nosed raked for fuel efficiency.

Leveling kit = NO, NEVER!

Make sure not to exceed 23.4" fender lip to hub center after adjusting the T Bar Bolts. The position of your T Bar has zero effect on spring rate. Get an alignment done after changing adjusting the T Bar front height.

You do not "need" new shock, bump stops, or anything other than an alignment.

 

Thank you Doc for answering my question I read all the related topics and from what I got out of this is dont waste your money on buying the leveling kit its not needed.. better to buy the better dampening shocks then adjust the T bars.. and important to get it aligned afterwards.. is this correct.. the shocks the others recommended are these

The correct front Bilstein shock number if doing a Torsion lift is F4-BE5-C153-HO. The proper rear Bilstein part number is F4-B46-1698-HO for stock height rear ends.

so this is what Ill do.. correct.. only thing is ..how hard is it to change the shocks front and rear.. so these are a great shock to buy... can I do it myself.. any tricks or hints I need to know.. Ill order the shocks tomarrow.... Thanks so much again.. Bruce

 

Nope, I would not buy the Bilstein Shocks, many many of them start leaking way too soon. You do not need any new shocks. I would recommend the ACDelco OEM Adventure model shocks. I have Old Man Emu Nitro Chargers, even better. Do a search here on shocks.

Shock swaps on an H3 are very easy DIY projects. On a scale of 1-10, about a 2.5. There are how to vids on the web, some threads here too.

 

Well Im glad to hear its an easy do it your self project.. but Im still confused.. I wont go with the Bilstein shocks but you say I dont need new shocks but I recomment the AC Delco Adventure model Shocks..

 

Just because you raise the front via T Bar adjustment does not require anything but turning the T Bar Key Bolts and an alignment. Does not require new shocks = do NOT "need" new shocks.

If for whatever reason (age, miles, time of day, boredeum, pissed at the wife etc...), you want to replace your current shocks, I would not recommend the Bilsteins... my opinion after seeing many put on H3s only to live a short life before need of replacement.

IMHO the best shocks for the H3 are the OEM ACDelco shocks that come on the Adventure package, or OME Nitrochargers.

 

X2! It will ride like it did from the factory with the OEM Adventure shocks (good ride), It will ride like a dream on the Old Man Emu Nitrochargers (on and offroad).