I just got a used 2009 H3 adventure. The stock tires have 30K on them and although they clearly have some tread left I think I'm going to replace them with some 35's. I'm thinking BFG KM2's or the Goodyear kevlar's. My question is should I level the truck. From using the search function I know that they should fit un-leveled, so what are the reason's for leveling it. Personally, I don't mind the slanted look. I'm mostly concerned with off-road performance because I think the truck looks great leveled or unleveled. Are there any off road performance advantages for leveling? I guess you would have more clearance in the front, but I think the lowest point is under the rear axle anyways. BTW this is my first 4x4, I'll be using it mostly off-road and road trips in the SW desert area. Thanks guys!

 

i say level it. looks better and more clearance.

when you go in to have it aligned after leveling how do they know what settings to use? wouldn't they just set it at whatever settings the books tells them to put a stock H3 at?

 

Your right the diff's are the lowest point so bigger tires are are the only way to gain more clearance. leveling the front will give alittle better approach angle but won't help over all ground clearance

 

I say level it.

Its easy. takes less than an hour and all you need are your keys, a socket, and a tape measure.

(a jack and a breaker bar will help ease the process)

edit: 1 1/4" socket. I got mine from lowes.

 

What keys?
socket, tape & an alignment & yes on the other stuff

 

I think he meant your truck keys.

 

Dont forget a level surface and some white touch up paint, chalk or a crayon. use the paint to make a reference mark on the adjusting bolt and the surface next to it. this way you can keep track of how mant full turns you make on each bolt. then write the # down for ref. if you want to bring it back down to stock. should take you no more than a 1/2 hr.
the biggest hassle is climbing out and measuring and going back under again.

 

I think leveling is the # 1 appearance improver on an H3
I hate the raked look. Leveling was the first thing I did to my week old truck.

With that said, here's how to do it right, and you need a 1 1/16th socket NOT a 1 1/4th. Took me 20 minutes. I cranked till I measured 23 1/2". I didn't bother marking and counting turns because it's never going back down.

https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=11428

 

Leveling it will add a good 2" of lift (aka clearance) on the front end. So I'd say, leveling your truck and removing the nerf bars will be the BEST factory-lift you can get for it. Then some nasty 33's or 35's would lift it another 1-3".

Leveling should be done, in my opinion, even with stock tires if you guys offroad. That 2" of lift is actually quite nice offroad.

PS, get Goodyear Duratracs. They wont hit your mileage going from 32's-33's, last forever, and will go thru anything.

 

Definitly count and record the # number of turns for each side. After a year or so the front will sag a little. In a years time, mine dropped almost 1/2 inch. I then fully adjusted to 24" it's a good idea to know how many turns of the bolt is from stock.