Thread: H3 4'' LIFT
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Old 08-28-2005, 12:14 AM
jagular7 jagular7 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Lnxa, KS
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About the only way to get a lift on a torsion bar suspended front is to lower the mounting locations of the arms, or minimum the lower arm with a new elongated knuckle. Then lower the crossmember holding the torsion bar to keep it level with the frame/ground as it requires a certain geometry with the arm (perpendicular centerline with the motion of the arm).
When GM came out first with the large truck using the torsion bar back in 1988, the bar was not actually part of the frame mount on the arm. It was offset into the arm and actually swung with the arm movement. This places stress at both ends of the bar as one moves and the other is still. The long length lowered the stress at the crossmember.
Today's technology, 1 or 2 aftermarket companies are now offering a strut coil/shock in replacement of the torsion bar with the lift kit. This keeps the center of the vehicle high and no dropping of the crossmember. The kit usually requires a stronger lower arm to take the abuse of the strut. Ford trucks (1/2 ton) went to a torsion bar IFS back in 97. In 04, they went to a strut IFS. Go figure.
To lift the H3, it's r&p steering will set precidence on the lift. Either slight lift keeping all stock and within the geometry of the stock components (limiting to the cv axle extended length), maybe swapping in a new longer lower arm or a large enough lift to drop the pinion of the diff below the crossmember and clear it. If this, then expect frame lowering brackets, maybe a new cradle for the diff, a elongated knuckle, and maybe the strut coil/shock setup.
For the rear lift, simple and easy due to the leaf springs. Slight lift, longer shackle. Slightly larger lift, maybe an add-a-leaf (should be full length and not the stubby). Large lift, spring over axle. Though I would really like to see a coil rear suspension swap.
Just note, that lifting the IFS front and due to the way the arms are attached to the frame, the tire will be drawn under the vehicle, making the track width smaller. Wheel spacers may be required to bring the tire back out. In the rear, with the leafs, axle will only swing forward minimally/unnoticeable, maybe.
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