Steering/Suspension Issues - Newbie

[Desert Dan]

Check your air pressure in you tires and have the dealer check the alignment

No need for the max tire pressure, sometimes the tires are overinflated for the shipping process.

[tonka61]

YA REPLACE YOUR SHOCKS.... ALSO ITS A TRUCK SO GET USE TO IT...... A LITTLE HAS TO DO WITH THE SPARE TIRE ON THE BACK

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MxHonda:
QUOTE: "when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces" "while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph"

What kind/where are the roads are you driving on with those hazards at those speeds? What did you drive before the H3? Get it checked out if you think there is a problem. Hummer service is top notch! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Highways 280 and 101 between San Francisco and San Jose. I previously owned a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited. I've got an appointment set for tomorrow with Putnam Hummer.

[Desert Dan]

Rayenet

Check your tire presure yourself and let us know what it is.

I would start with the air pressure around 32 PSI for starters and see how it rides.

Figure the H3 weighs 4700 lbs that is approximately 1200 lbs pound on each tire.

You only need the max pressure on your tires when fully loaded and the tire in near it's weight limit.
No need for 40 - 60 psi in your tires.

[PARAGON]

I like the 5000. But I have put the RSXs on my F250 4x4. I put the 9000 on the H2 because I wanted to "dial in" the ride. But the RSX have the similar technology, just not adjustable. I have the 5000 as a steering dampener on my H2 but other than that, I don't know. You can get the RSXs for less than $50ea, so they are not terrible.

One of you guys needs to take the chance and get the shocks for the rest, that's how we learned with the H2s. I really think you will be "shocked", sorry for the pun, about the difference better designed shocks will have. Just remember to drive over some spot that causes your truck to get unsettled right before you switch 'em out and then go drive right back over after so you can see how big of a difference it makes and tell the masses so they'll know if it's worth it also.

You can get the RSXs for $47.25ea here http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=38 or you a few dollars more here http://hotrodoffroad.com/detail.aspx?ID=2154

FWIW I ordered my shocks from the first place and had no problems and they got here within a couple of days. Several other H2 guys ordered theirs from the second place with no problems and the shocks showed up the next day for some, so these should be decent places to order from but also had the cheapest shocks.

[firm]

I notice the same shuffling on my H3. I also noticed that over time the truck will not sit up as high. Will I need to get a lift, or will the shocks allow it to sit high again.

[rayenet]

I just got the word back from the dealer and they say nothing is wrong with the suspension or the tire pressure.

Well, I guess I'll have to upgrade my shocks to the Ranchos to correct this issue.

First Hummer, let us know how the new shocks work out.

[PARAGON]

Oh, I forgot about those. Supposed to be in all cars by sometime in the near future.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bparker:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GrimReaper:
Well it is an offroad truck... :-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

/agree

While I like the way mine handles it does shuffle over some bumps but thats due to a stiff suspension with large tires.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Shuffle is the rite word,good to hear its not me.

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
I like the 5000. But I have put the RSXs on my F250 4x4. I put the 9000 on the H2 because I wanted to "dial in" the ride. But the RSX have the similar technology, just not adjustable. I have the 5000 as a steering dampener on my H2 but other than that, I don't know. You can get the RSXs for less than $50ea, so they are not terrible.

One of you guys needs to take the chance and get the shocks for the rest, that's how we learned with the H2s. I really think you will be "shocked", sorry for the pun, about the difference better designed shocks will have. Just remember to drive over some spot that causes your truck to get unsettled right before you switch 'em out and then go drive right back over after so you can see how big of a difference it makes and tell the masses so they'll know if it's worth it also.

You can get the RSXs for $47.25ea here http://my4by.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=38 or you a few dollars more here http://hotrodoffroad.com/detail.aspx?ID=2154

FWIW I ordered my shocks from the first place and had no problems and they got here within a couple of days. Several other H2 guys ordered theirs from the second place with no problems and the shocks showed up the next day for some, so these should be decent places to order from but also had the cheapest shocks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess I should ask, if by changing the shocks will it affect my warranty.

[rayenet]

Bottom line, this is a safety issue. I don't care if it is a truck or not, most of us will be driving our H3s on the road everyday and pounding the trails on weekends. So, balancing on-road safety with off-road capability is crucial.

This issue needs to be addressed and corrected by the manufacturer.

[FELNTPSY]

SHocks do NOT provide lift. They are designed to control the up/down movement of the axle at high or low speeds. This is why adjustable shocks have benefits for most vehicles that see some offroad and onroad action.

[FormerJeeper]

I would have got Old Man Emu myself or Bilsteins, but no matter.

Let us know how they ride.

-C

[PARAGON]

Time for some upgraded shocks like the Edelbrocks or the Ranchos.

[MxHonda]

Please let us know how it turns out.

[PARAGON]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by First Hummer:
I guess I should ask, if by changing the shocks will it affect my warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>No, shocks are not something that will affect a vehicle's warranty by the mere fact of replacing them. It would be akin to replacing your tires affecting your warranty.

[rayenet]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Desert Dan:
I would experiment with lower air pressure say 30-32psi.

You want the tires to take up some of the bumps etc. on the hwy
With the live axle and leaf springs, the rear will bounce and take bumps rougher than the front with independent suspension. And on a turn the rear may bounce sideway a bit over bumps.

Each car is different and the wheel base etc will effect how the car/truck takes the bumps.

Out here in CA on the freeways there are expansion joints, on some of my vehicles the difference form 35 psi to 28psi would make all the difference.


35 psi would be great if you are fully loaded and going on a long high speed trip. This will reduce heat buildup and provide better handling </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the tips!

[First Hummer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You really think just by changing shocks this will stop.

[PARAGON]

Simply upgrade the shocks and it will stop.

[MxHonda]

QUOTE: "when I drive on the highway and go over larger bumps and uneven surfaces" "while going anywhere from 60 to 80 mph"

What kind/where are the roads are you driving on with those hazards at those speeds? What did you drive before the H3? Get it checked out if you think there is a problem. Hummer service is top notch!