Guys -

Can I get some honest comments about raising my H3? Like how high? Do I need a Lift Kit? What size wheels and tires are recommended? I don't any problems later on, like stress on other parts from adding larger wheels or tires.

09 H3 Alpha.

Thanks!

 

Image added ... The orange H3 on left is what I want mine to look like .... Is it possible? Pros and cons? Please keep it real.

Thx.

 

Without doing anything you can fit 315/75R16 tires (35"). You can crank the front torsion bars for a 1" front lift but you will loose downward travel.

You can also go with 285/75R16 (33") or 305/70R16 (33") if you have an H3 that came with 265/75R16 as well.

 

I recently lifted my H3 using the torsion bar lift up front. It rode well but when braking it dove forward. I installed 1/2" extended bump stops and made a world of difference. After the wheel alignment i was left with a tilt back look that I did not like. After posting up here I got great feedback and bought/installed some Warrior products 1/2" rear shackle lift. I recently upgraded from the stock 285s(33) to 315s(35) and completed my adventure as far as lift is concerned . Im pending Blisted shock installation to further enhance the driving experience. Overall i feel much more comfortable looking straight out the window and not have to hyper extend my neck up to see traffic lights. I don't feel and grinding rubbing which would indicate excessive stress on parts. As for the lift kit is concerned allow me to break it down for you by the dollar as far as my experience:

Option 1

Lift kit = $200 plus installation
Total pending installation $200

Option 2(my recommendation)

Torsion key lift = Free
Alignment = $90
Extended bump stops = $40
Rear shackles(optional) = $50
Total pending installation $180

 

^^^^^^we did what he just described^^^^^^^

No lift kit, just T-bolt adjustment, shackles, alignment and taller tires on 18" wheels. We did install the Bilsteins with the 1/2" extended stops and the ride is great. I don't have any photos of ours parked next to a stock H3, but the height of ours in VERY noticeably different when we pull up next to one.

We looked at a ton of H3's on the 'net and in person to decide what we wanted to do. Ours certainly doesn't please everyone on here, but we love it.

I'd suggest you do the same before dumping a bunch of cash and then wanting something different.

 

Great - Thanks again guys!

 

I did the t-bolt lift and couldnt be happier, no change in shocks either and it drives as well as it did prior, but looks cooler.

 

The orange H3 in the picture is mine. I can break down everything that is on there as far as the lift, wheels/tires and other suspension parts but its a little more than $200. I started off with just a T bar crank and 35s but eventually picked up a rancho lift and installed it.

 

blaud87 -
Thanks for responding. I love the look of your orange lifted H3. If you could advise what mods you did, the costs involved, and if any problems ... ?

- Thanks

 

The wider stance comes from the different backspacing of the wheels compared to stock. The I wheels in that photo were 5" backspacing but the wheels I have now are 4.5" of backspacing. I have Firestone airbags in the rear to fix the sagging leaf spring issue after lifting the vehicle. And of course I have the rancho lift kit.

Prices:
Rancho lift w/ shocks: paid $700, ordered online probably $1400-$2000
Firestone airbags: paid $200
Wheels and tires: paid $1400 for all 5

You can fit wheels and tires like mine without a lift installed. You can crank your torsion bats to 23" to fix the factory take if you want. There is no point in buying leveling keys unless you just like to waste money for no apparent reason. All of the prices I paid were done by self installation. Expect to pay a lot more if a shop is doing the work.