HD Torsion Bars have been ordered!!!

[HummBebe]

YAY, we got them ordered today

All those who confirmed, please send SamCo Fab (http://www.samcofabrication.com/contact.html) your deposit of $200.00.

You can pay the remainder prior to shipping, shipping is not included in the price of $475.00.

Please confirm when you have completed your transaction with SamCo, so I don't lose track :)

These torsion bars have a springrate 30% over stock. The new V-8 bars are 17% over stock. (got that info today) 6-8 weeks for delivery....they are fabbing them especially for us!!

HELP IS ON THE WAY WINCHES!!!!!!:jump:

[The ArchiTexan]

Yay!!! :excited:

[RuggedH2]

Cool, thanks for the work on this Beebs!

:cool: ;) :beerchug:

[HummBebe]

I love your new avatar:giggling:

[RuggedH2]

I appreciate that! ;)

I originally made it for YELLOHOMO, but then DRTY banned him till July.

So now he's NOMOYELLOHOMO, and I'll probably replace it before the little ebonics speaking teenager gets back. :giggling:

I don't miss him, at all. :dancingbanana:

[SnakeH2]

I appreciate that! ;)

I originally made it for YELLOHOMO, but then DRTY banned him till July.

So now he's NOMOYELLOHOMO, and I'll probably replace it before the little ebonics speaking teenager gets back. :giggling:

I don't miss him, at all. :dancingbanana:

Didn't know that. SWEEEET
:beerchug:

[The ArchiTexan]

I appreciate that! ;)

I originally made it for YELLOHOMO, but then DRTY banned him till July.

So now he's NOMOYELLOHOMO, and I'll probably replace it before the little ebonics speaking teenager gets back. :giggling:

I don't miss him, at all. :dancingbanana:


He's actually an AE of a long time member/lurker here.......mods doesn't know that! He has another AE lurking around, so watch out!! :violin:

[DRTYFN]

He's actually an AE of a long time member/lurker here.......mods doesn't know that! He has another AE lurking around, so watch out!! :violin:
You saying AE is funny. Care to let everyone know your real screen name?:fdance: :jump:

[The Green Lantern]

Damn alter ego's!!!!



:grouphug:

[HummBebe]

I don't wanna rush you guys, but SamCo has fronted the cost....so please get your orders in ASAP.

Thanks:beerchug:

[SR1355]

Bebes I've tried emailing samco several times... mail box full...:(

Who should I talk to if I call...

[HummBebe]

Bebes I've tried emailing samco several times... mail box full...:(

Who should I talk to if I call...

Sam usually answers.

[SR1355]

Thanks Bebes,,, I call tomorrow... you got anyone working on rear leaf springs yet???

[RuggedH2]

I spoke with him yesterday, cool guy, very knowledgeable.

I'm gonna get those rear shackles also, and try to put the quick rear sway bar disconnect package together at the same time.

With the new shocks and torsion bars in addition to the CI diff, I'm hoping to see a difference off road.

That's probably as far as I'm gonna go with it for awhile.

EDIT: That is until I steal Bebe's rear bumper and side pieces.

[HummBebe]

Here is a Sway Away product description from their website:

Truck Torsion Bars
Sway-A-Way torsion bars are designed specifically for lifted and lowered trucks and SUV?s that demand superior suspension performance.

The bars are manufactured from aircraft alloy steel have a 20% - 30% increase in spring rate over stock bars. Sway-A-Way torsion bars eliminate hard bottoming when offroading or towing heavy loads, improve vehicle handling on the street, and provide a more consistent spring rate for better vehicle control.

[trailerpup]

I need a set!!! :crying:

[HummBebe]

give Sam a call!

[6pack]

I just talked to Sam and order the tri-fecta: bars, shackles and shocks. Thanks for your help Hummbebe! Can't wait to get them!

[trailerpup]

Talked to Sam today. I on the hook for the the T Bars and Shackles... already have the shocks. But, now I want the RH Shock setup in front, cut out the cans, etc... but then we started talking about an A-arm kit. SAVE ME!! And I am going to find out about having Deaver whip me up a set of leafs.

[6pack]

Got the shocks and shackles. Man those shocks look nice. Any tips on installing them? I'm guessing the shorter ones are the front ones?

[HummBebe]

That would be correct. It is not really necessary to jack up the truck or pull off the wheels.

You can if you want.

The fronts are tough because of the fender liner. It's a knuckle buster:)

[6pack]

Do the Fox shocks need to be compressed to get on?

[trailerpup]

The front Fox shocks will need to be compressed and kept compressed to install them. The are very hard to keep compressed. I used a large wire tie to keep them compressed. Put them in place and put the bottom bolt through then cut the wire ties and let the shock expand the bayonett up through the mounting hole. The rear are easier... Put the bolts in the upper mounts and compress by hand and push onto the lower mount. Now, the front "clips" are a different story. Good Luck. Post pics.:popcorn:

[6pack]

Thanks for the info. What clips?:confused:

[trailerpup]

There is a stainless steel "clip" that is bolted to the front upper shock tower that keeps the Fox shock from rotating. If the clip is not used the shock could rotate and the piggy-back reservoir could come into contact with the upper A-arm during suspension cycling. The kit comes with 2 clips and 2 self-tapping bolts to hold the clip to the shock tower. The tower is double wall, so get out the 1/2 drill. This is why the front wheel needs to come off when you mount the front shocks, that and the fact that it is much easier to get the shock in there with the wheel removed. Hope this helps. Also, there may still be an issue with "leveling" the front end with the Fox shocks as they are not any, or not very much longer than the stock shock (we are still trying to come up with an extended length measurement for the front Fox shock. Sorry, I put mine in before checking (oops). Once the HD Torsion bars arrive, I will be cranking the front-end up. Time will tell if I stay with the front Fox shock, modify the Fox bayonet, or go with the Cognito shocks to allow for the increased suspension "droop" when the T bars are cranked. Hope this helps. Post pics (we are looking for a side by side shot of the Fox and, the stock shock at it's full extended length). This is gonna be good! :popcorn:

[6pack]

Crap. I started doing it this morning and it was just way to hot and humid so I took it to a local shop. I didn't give them the clips. :( Does the shock need to come back out to do it?


EDIT: I'm looking at the pic now. Looks like the stock is installed when the clip is put on. Good.

But I won't be able to get you a side by side pic of the two shocks. Sorry. I can give you a length of the stock one, though.

[trailerpup]

The clips only need to used if you want to keep your shocks from being broken. See your instruction sheet. The clips can be put on after the shock is installed. But, you will need a 1/2 drill and will need to put something between the shock and the drill bit. The measurement that is needed is for the front Fox shock. So, no the stock shock length does no good. Lood Guck.:confused:

[6pack]

Thank for all the help. I'm getting ready to go out an add the clips now.

Any tricks for replacing the torsion bars? I haven't received them yet, but would expect them within a few weeks.

[Sewie]

Any tricks for replacing the torsion bars?

Some of the details may be different for the H3, but here's an article on replacing the T-bars.

http://www.offroad-tech.com/tech/tb401/

[6pack]

Thanks Sewie.

Clips are on. I got a reward for letting someone else do my work for me. The clanking I heard as I got close to home today, that I thought was the reservoir hitting the A-arm, was actually the passenger side, front shock itself banging all around! The nut and bushing that holds the top of the shock on was gone! The guy must not have cranked it down. So I got a replacement bushing and washer from him but it's not stock. Should I order up a replacement?

As a bonus, the bolt and nut that came from Fox with the clip did not match. The bolt was coarse thread and the nut was fine thread, and the bolt wasn't long enough anyway. :/ So after two trips to Home Depot I got the right length bolt, right thread nut and a lock washer for good measure. And the truck got a bath afterwards. Ready for the t-bars and shackles!

[6pack]

After a few emails with Sam at Samco, it seems they gave me everything I needed. The fine threaded nut was for the shock and the coarse threaded bolt was a self-tapping bolt for the clip. Wish that would have been spelled out some with the instructions. A few extra words would have gone a long way to saving me a lot of aggravation.

[trailerpup]

Sounds like you are set. Congrats. I like mine. Every once in a while I take a look under there to see my thousand dollar shocks!!:D

[Idaho-Hummer]

Sounds like you are set. Congrats. I like mine. Every once in a while I take a look under there to see my thousand dollar shocks!!:D


So if you look under there to see your thousand dollar shocks, do tell us did they make a differnece in the ride of your H3 and was it good or bad. And what I am curious about is does it ride/handle better going down the dirt roads.

[trailerpup]

about the same.:shhh:

[6pack]

Thanks for your help trailerpup.

I do not notice any difference on the road. Maybe slightly stiffer. It will be a month or so before I have a chance to get off-road. But it is one piece of bling I like to see. :)

[trailerpup]

good deal. We will see the difference when we put HD Torsion Bars on there. Just remember when anyone asks, that these Fox shocks are Bad ASS!!!:giggling:

[trailerpup]

Oh yeah. And, it is real bling. Not like throwing some 20 inch spinners on there (not that there's anything wrong with 20 inch spinners). By the way, a little birdie told me that I can get Russell stainless brake lines for the Hummer H3 through Jegs. Here I go. Keep the shiny side up!
:dancingbanana:

[HummBebe]

I don't think you are going tonotice much of a difference until you heat them up, or are trying to correct a basket ball effect from turning up the bars.

You'll notice a difference on washboard roads, and everyone behind you will get smaller and smaller;)

[trailerpup]

Hummbebe wrote: "I don't think you are going to notice much of a difference until you heat them up, or are trying to correct a basket ball effect from turning up the bars. You'll notice a difference on washboard roads, and everyone behind you will get smaller and smaller"

She's right! Sorry. These nitrogen charged Fox shocks will really show their worth when they heat up. The piggy-backs also allow the shock to run more juice as well. You will notice much less fade and greater damping at increased rates. They really are designed for "high speed - desert racing" and, I would imagine, "all-day rock crawling" - where a normal shock would start start losing its mojo!

We are still attempting to find the actual "bottom of lower top bushing washer to center of lower eye hole measurement. If I remember correctly they were another 1/2 to 3/4 inches longer than the stock "adventure" package shocks that they replaced on my rig.

I was still considering a switch to the Cognitos when I crank my bars. However, I am going to wait until Sam brings Festivus in the Summer to some of us who have the SAWs on order. My rear shackles only add 3/4 inches of lift in the rear. My 35's stuff all the way, even at stock height up the front. I am only going 1.5 - 2 inches higher in the front (I kinda like a little of the "stink bug" look - so shoot me). I'm hoping with the Fox shocks on there the front end won't go all Payton on me when I start crankin'.

And, I should add that the with the Fox shocks I did notice a little difference on the Road... a little bit less roll and a somewhat-firmer ride... a greater sense of stability, if nothing else. Maybe not a thousand bucks worth, but that's not why I got them. Like H-bebe alluded to, I'm building my rig for the desert. And, combined with the SAWs I am looking forward to a having a can't lose combo. I should also say that I am having Deaver build me a 7 leaf progressive packs for the rear. Hopefully this will all help me keep it off the roof.

Just my 2 cents. And, apologies - I will put more thought into my posts in the future.

Hope this helps. Let the flaming begin!! Peace!

:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:

Boy, I just love those dancing bananas!

[Wisha Haddan H3]

What are SAWs?

[trailerpup]

Sorry. Old Tacoma habit. SAW = Sway A Way (HD torsion bars). I guess 6'er is getting a set, too. Used in a sentence: In my opinion, SAW makes bullet-proof parts!

Here's a dancing banana for ya!
:dancingbanana:

[HummBebe]

Festivus for the rest of us!!!!!

:jump::jump::jump::jump:

[trailerpup]

Hey H-bebe. Nice reply!! :excited:

We will have to start thinking about T Bar unloading tool. I heard that it is definitely needed for the Chevy pickups. But, I'm not so sure on the H3/Coloraydo/Canyonarro.

Cheapest I found on the web is http://www.thepartsbin.com/cartools/speciality_tools-torsion_bar_unloading_tool-d.html OUCH!

I know I only needed the tool one time with my old Hard Body. Once the bars are in there, they ain't coming out. I might try to get some other folks to go in on it and pass it around... just a thought. I'm still researching if we need it... still waiting for my GM manuals from Helm, so I don't know what the Good Book has to say about it - http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.asp?Style=&Mfg=GMC&Make=HUM&Model=H3&Year=2006&Category=&Keyword=:confused: &Module=&mscsid=UMD96QT884P48JT39RXRTKJX29VD6H03 :confused:

[aws86]

My brother did not need an unloading tool when he put indexed keys on his Colorado.

[6pack]

If we need one, i'd be up for chipping in and passing it around. Can anyone give a quick instruction list on replacing the t-bars? And the same for the shackles?

[trailerpup]

From further research, it looks like we will not need the tool. The last thing I checked was a .pdf of the Traxxes (or something, or other) instructions for swapping out the index keys. They said nothing about using the tool. So, it should be pretty easy.

On my Nissan hard-body, back in the day, I remembered where angle the key was when I had the bolt loosened. I also measured the length of the adjustment bolt (how many threads were showing through the back side of the key. When I put the new SAWs on, I put the keys in the same orientation, cranked the bolts until I had the same measurement, and I was pretty much back where I started with the stock T-bars.. I will explain all of this in greater detail... and I am sure some others will have some tips, when we get closer to T Bar heaven.

By the way, I just ordered Russell Stainless Braided brake lines, 180 bucks. I also got the speed bleeders. All from Jegs. The brake lines are a special order part #799-689780.... for anyone that's interested.

I spend all my money on this kind of bling. I like stuff that helps keep you going, or helps get you back (I did sink a bunch into the Stereo/DVD/Nav, though... gotta be comfortable too!).

Peace.

[HummBebe]

Here is the best tech I've seen so far....you may have to register to read :)

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65871

[trailerpup]

Excellent link. I am still a little freaked out about having the "tool." It is all great to not need it, but a real bummer if you find out you need it while your under the truck. When I get a chance, I might give Sam or the guys at Rod Hall a call. Thanks!

[H3slate]

Excellent link. I am still a little freaked out about having the "tool." It is all great to not need it, but a real bummer if you find out you need it while your under the truck. When I get a chance, I might give Sam or the guys at Rod Hall a call. Thanks!
I have confirmation that we do not need any special tools. You just need to mark and keep track of how many turns it takes to remove the adjuster bolt.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/knappe18/Photo_2007_7_11_0_25_55.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/knappe18/Photo_2007_7_11_0_29_9_edited.jpg

[trailerpup]

This is great work. Perfect! Now we just have to wait for the T Bars to show up in the mail. In the meantime I have been collecting other parts to go on at the same time (hunner skids, russell stainless brake lines and bleaders, SamCo shackles, purple cranium diff guard). It is going to be one heck of a parts party one of these weekends coming up! The big deal will be to see how many turns the Fox shocks will be good for. Let's see who is the first to get their T Bars in the mail. I don't want to bug Sam cause he is at the mercy of SAW, but I am getting antsy!!!
:excited: :excited: :excited:

[6pack]

Me too. I wish they'd hurry up!

And nice install info. Thanks!

[6pack]

Has anyone received there's yet? I still havent' received mine.

[Sewie]

Has anyone received there's yet? I still havent' received mine.

Nope.

[trailerpup]

Negative. Sam told me it would be about 6 weeks back on Jun 18th. So we should be getting close. :grouphug:

[Samco Fab]

I got 3 sets in today, I ordered 12 sets:confused:

I will get the 3 sets out to the first 3 people that made the deposits, thanks for the patience, and I will let the other couple of people know asap when I get the next few from SAW.

[HummBebe]

Sweet, I know who I am calling today:)

[trailerpup]

I just know I didn't make the top 3. I hope they send my shackles anyway. That will help take some of the sting out. :(

[trailerpup]

Hear anything yet, Bebe? :popcorn:

[6pack]

I think I was one of the last ones that ordered. :( I have the shackles, but have been waiting for the t-bars before I put them on.

[trailerpup]

When did you get your shackles 6pack?

[6pack]

I got them right away, with the shocks. I paid in full and he asked if I wanted the shackles now or would I rather wait until the bars came in, so I said to send them now. I didn't think the wait would be this long though, or else I would have put them on and cranked the stock bars right away. The nose dive when braking and shifting fast is driving me nuts, I'm hoping the stiffer bars helps with that.

[Samco Fab]

Did everybody get the SAW Torsion bars??

One added note that I should have mentioned, the bars are marked on the box with a L and a R. They should be installed as Left and Right as noted on the box.

Thanks for the patience, I do have more bars in stock. I would really like to hear feed back on what people think of them once they are installed.

[trailerpup]

Got mine yesterday. Thanks Sam. Samco Fab is Great!!

[6pack]

I have not received mine yet.

Is Left the drivers side and Right the passenger side?

[trailerpup]

Left is Driver. Right is Passenger side. Very important. Don't put them in wrong.

[6pack]

Got mine yesterday. Man, they are red.
Thanks Samco!

[marin8703]

now put those bishes on and let us know how they are