Firstly, I have done the search already. I couldn't find the answers I wanted.

I'm trying to compare and contrast between these two lift kits. I have a 2007 Hummer H3 that I'm looking to lift on my own and this is my first off-road vehicle. What comes to my attention the most is that Rancho is much more expensive than Tuff Country. Does this make them better? If it does, why? What sets them apart from Tuff Country?

My friends, who will be helping me install this lift, really like the fact that the Tuff Country installation instructions have actual photographs to help you install the product. We've looked into a few forums and people have brought up everything from cutting into the frame, welding, and dropping the differential? I have no idea what all this means and I'm just looking to get 4in. on my vehicle for moderate off-roading. I'm not looking to take this thing over boulders down the Rubicon Trail, I just want to go over moderate trails and challenged. I want the capability of doing it.

What do you guys think? Before I spend the money I want to know what you guys have an opinion on between these two products. What kind of trouble am I getting myself into by doing this myself? Will I need to regear anything, or have issues with differentials? I really don't know what I'm doing, but I'm eager to learn.

Thanks.

 

I too, would love to read some input regarding the different opinions the Hummer Forums community might have on this subject.

I'm wondering the same thing, and saving up to get a lift kit.

Any answers?

 

OP does not need this advice.

 

It does help a little bit, I appreciate you taking the question seriously.

Could you go into that rear locking differential a little more? At the moment, I have the Hi and Low lock function. I'm aware that there is another button on the far right of that same strip that locks something else but I honestly couldn't tell you what it does. I don't have that on my vehicle, but I have seen it on other Hummer H3's. If that's what you're talking about, how would I be able to get that on my H3 and what help does it offer? I mean, obviously it's something extra that helps you, but how precisely?

To be honest, my tactical edition has taken on more fashion then function. Some people theme their vehicles out as Zombie Response Vehicles, I think I'm going in the whole tactical theme. Like, I plan on putting M.O.L.L.E. webbing on the backs of the seats, I'm hard-wiring the 5.11 PC3.300 flashlight into the driver's side door panel, and mounting a pistol holster on the underside of the driver's side dash console to run with that theme. The lift kit is going to help the image, I think. It sounds all silly, but it's going to be cool in my eyes and I think that's all that really matters in this case. : )

I do a little off-roading, yes. I got stuck on a downward hill sloped tree stump and it upset me. I feel that an extra four inches would have helped me clear everything. I get the physics of the differential not being higher and such, though. Maybe I should just put the money into a different bumper/brush guard combination and a decent winch..

At the moment I have 32in. Nitto tires and had planned on going to 35in. Toyo Open Country MT's (Since I live in Washington State and it's always wet and raining here..) after the lift, unless you think stock could fit 35in. now?

 

As Tainter states above - 35" tires will fit on ANY H3 without ANY modification. Most people adjust their torsion bars to level the vehicle and gain more clearance.

You hit the nail on the head when you stated that you should put your money into a bumper/winch. Having the right tires and having recovery equipment is much more important than sitting higher.

As for looking cool, just putting on a bigger tire (32's are tiny) and leveling your truck will make a huge difference in how it looks.

 

Aaahh, I'll have to look into adjusting my torsion bars to level it. That sounds like I can do it without extra parts or anything and I'm sure one of my guys could help me figure it out. Then I could purchase up some larger tires first and see how I like it. If I need to go larger, I'll then get the lift kit I suppose.

That still gets us back to the debate of Rancho Vs. Tuff Country. I understand Rancho is just bat-****-crazy amazing, but do you honestly think Tuff Country is worth the money or do you think I should go all in an buy the Cadillac of Lift Kits? With the amount of moderate off-roading I will do from time to time in the Wet Washington Wilderness, is it worth it for me to save up the money and buy Rancho?

I would also still like to hear more about that rear locking differential upgrade Tainter was talking about as well..

 

OP does not need this advice.

 

There are other opinions out there but Tainter and Bunger probably represent the majority opinion of most that have experience with such matters.

I would say, in most scenarios, more thought into how you tackle the obstacle will help you more than 4" of lift. A winch can help a lot more than a lift as well.

Take a look at some of the wheeling pics from members here and other places. You'll see most have exactly what those gentlemen pointed out, 35's and torsion bar leveling.

 

I wasn't given an owner's manual when I purchased the vehicle.

Is it possible to install the two locking differentials after the fact? If so, how would I go about getting them installed? I would love to have that option in the future.

As to the lift, I'm thinking i can get by with only purchasing the Tuff Country lift instead of the Rancho if I do decide to get a lift. Unless you guys can tell me why you think the Rancho is better in quality then the Tuff Country? I'd love to hear that reasoning, I like to have as many reviews as possible before I purchase something.

 

OP should heed this advice:

OK bro, time to use the SEARCH function on the top of every page. Read, Read, Read. If you can't find an answer or don't understand something you read AFTER your search then ask.

All of your questions have been answered on here before. Think of the forum as a research tool to quench your thirst for knowledge.