The H3 appears to be "stinkbugging". Over on the Colorado forum they are able to raise the front almost 2" by adjusting the torsion bars. Can this be done on the H3 to level the ride height?

The H3 appears to be "stinkbugging". Over on the Colorado forum they are able to raise the front almost 2" by adjusting the torsion bars. Can this be done on the H3 to level the ride height?

One of the biggest things you need to keep in mind with adjusting the torsion bars on a GM product, the bump stops are part of the suspension design. If you look underneath, the lower control arm rests on the bump stops. However, the bump stops are not a solid rubber design. They actually operate to reduce the oscillation of the suspension just like a shock.
Also, a torsion bar is a suspension spring. It's design to twist to provide spring-like action. Vehicle springs are designed to hold the vehicle up. Without getting too involved in design and application, the more you twist, the more it fatigues. Get to a point and it'll break or sag.

Thanks for the info Jagular. On the Colorado forums they talk about an aftermarket "offset key" that helps prevent the increase in torsion stress. I will keep looking and see if I can visually compare when I p/u my H3 on Tuesday.

This must be the "offset key" although most say it is not needed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-hummer-h3-2-lift-le...temZ7991953905QQrdZ1

The instuctions are "It takes an 1 1/8" Socket. Take pressure off the torsion bars by jacking up you truck. Put on the emergency brake. Mark the bolt and frame with a chalk mark to keep track of rotations. Each full turn equals around 1/2" lift. I think I turned mine 4 turns and picked up 1 1/2", just enough to level out the truck and equal the clearance on the wheel wells. The next day I took it to the dealership and had it aligned it is free up to 7,500 miles on you new truck. They said it neede very little adjustment."

hey honda, how difficult is this to do. i am not very good with mechanical stuff. what do you actually do. do those "offset keys" get installed or do they help you raise the truck. do you think its safe as far as damaging the integrity of the suspension or driving capability.
thanks man
bret

boulder lux is expected on the 14th

If you go here and search "torsion lift" you will know as much as I do:

http://www.coloradofans.com/search.php

I will do this next weekend and post details w/pics.

thanks man

1. I took the floor jack and lifted the front tires off the ground.
2. I marked the bolts for the torsion bars with a red marker to give me an index point.
3. I then took a 1-1/16" socket and gave 5 full turns of the bolt and dropped it off the jack.

The end result...1 1/2" of lift on the front and alot more level appearance. I need to check the headlight aim and toe-in later...

NOTE: No offset keys were needed.

Leveled...Back is only 1" higher than the front now.

you turned them 5 turns?

How does it ride now? It has to be very stiff! I think you're the frist owner to do this. Give us an update when you get a chance please.
Thanks,
Tim.

i'll keep my fingers crossed for you and hopefully it doesn't go *pop*

Yeah.. I walso want to know how stiff the ride is now.. when I did this in my old ISUZU trooper the ride was awfull...

Also, what are the offset keys for? What difference would that make?

Good job MX.

Adjusting Tbars does not affect ride comfort, unless you give it too much 2+ inches then your upper arms max out and it rides like a wagon. 1-1.5" is the most you should adjust for.

I'm interested in how it rides too.
Me thinks it will fit 35s with the offroad suspension with only a little front fender trimming

-C

which way did you turn it.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H3Lady:
which way did you turn it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Righty tighty Lefty loosey... clockwise to lift, counter clockwise to lower.

I will report back tonight on ride quality.

can you give us a couple side pics as well...

ANYONE KNOW IF YOU SHOULD PURCHASE THE OFF SET KEY IF YOUR GOING TO RAISE THE FRONT AN INCH AND HALF??
THANKS
BRET

No need to do such thing.
By the way, make sure you raise the front with a jack under the cross member, not the LCA.

The wheels must hang freely before you adjust the t-bars.