Steering/Suspension Issues - Newbie

[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.

[First Hummer]

OK guys I am stepping up to the plate for all of you in H3 land.I have ordered a set of Rancho RSX shocks for my H3.If this in any way helps ,and someone else follows a donation to my H3 fund would be appreciated I think its only fair.J/K.

[FormerJeeper]

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

Let us know how they ride.

-C

[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.

[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.

[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

[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]

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.

[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:
<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. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am going with the Rancho rsx instead.

[tonka61]

YA SO GO BANG ON THE MANUFACTURER

[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!

[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.

[f5fstop]

Had the same problem with my Vette, replaced the RunFlats with non-runflats, and the problem went away. Sidewalls on the Goodyear runflats are stiff as a 2x4, and caused the front and rear of the vehicle to bounce when going over expansion strips on a curve.
Same problem with my Jeep when I air up the Yokohamas to 35 psi or greater. Problem goes away with air pressure at 30 or lower.
Shocks could be a problem, but the stiffness of the sidewall, due to manufacturing or due to high air pressure can also cause the same symptoms.
Most vehicles are shipped from the plant with high air pressure; dealer is supposed to check and adjust pressure to the pressure noted on the tire pressure label during the pre-delivery inspection procedure (they are paid to do this by GM).

[MxHonda]

Please let us know how it turns out.

[Hummertech]

Listen to Paragon, he always gives good advice.
One other thing to check is the tire pressure.
They come overinflated big time from the factory, and you'll probably notice a much nicer ride with the tire pressure set correctly.

[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.

[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 would think 40lbs would be too much but going down to 32 might sacrifice quite a bit of gas mileage. What does it say on the door that the tires should be set at?

[timgco]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PARAGON:
I would think 40lbs would be too much but going down to 32 might sacrifice quite a bit of gas mileage. What does it say on the door that the tires should be set at? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It said 35psi. But I'm not sure if that is the same between the 32's and 33's. We took ours down to taht and it helped a little, but that damn LOW PREASURE light keeps coming on.

[PARAGON]

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