I started this project early 2009. As you can see it has been dragging on. Partly due to my having to travel so damn much, and not being able to supervise the build directly. Partly due to the one of the builders not taking it seriously and not working on the requested schedule. I would leave for 6 months, and when I would return, nothing had been done. They would do everything when I was there, and would finish just when I was about to leave again. This means that other than road testing, I haven't had a chance to go out a play with it :( Only reason I haven't stopped using them, is that their knowledge, and craftsmanship is about as good as it gets. Like every project of this magnitude, we have encountered many glitches. Many have been worked out, but many still need ironing out. I will be adding parts to this build, as I find some spare time. I have a 18 month old baby, which means I don't get much spare time :)

After years of having many Jeeps (Willys, CJ, XJ, ZJ, TJ, WJ, JK) I decided to get an H3 because I wanted something that could be an everyday driver. I really only got it because the WJ Grand Cherokee was no longer available as new. I'm really not a friend of IFS, but since everything out there was IFS I figured I would give the Hummer legend a try. Didn't want an H2, but I found the I5 in the H3 too weak. So I waited for the Alpha to come out. I custom ordered it because I wanted to make sure it had no chrome and sunroof. As an everyday driver, I really love it. I couldn't be happier. I also love the look of the H3. Especially when some tree-hugger Prius driver gives you the dirty look :) Now as far as a 4x4 is concerned, I quickly learned, thanks to the Hummer forums, that it was never going to meet my standards. Even if I hate IFS, I was willing to give it a chance. What really tipped the scales was the weakness of the front end. I mean the whole front end. Steering, Diff size, CVs, tierods, etc. So because of this, I decided to take a leap off the deep end. I could have gone the route Bebe went, which was my original plan, but I couldn't find anyone willing or with the knowhow. Here are some of the cosmetic changes we made at the beginning. Hope you guys like them.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/ReconH303.jpg
I got rid of those horrible plastic door handles that are way too flimsy for a real 4x4. You can get a peek of the slant-back rear, and the 6 point roll-cage.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/ReconH302.jpg
Here's another peek of the slant-back with the military taillights. The finished product will be much better integrated.

Believe it or not, by removing all the rear glass, the H3 has become quite a bit lighter. The tailgate still works, and will still house the spare tire. Upper hinge had to be lowered and the whole structure around it reinforced.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/ReconH304.jpg
Here you can see how the upper hinge was lowered and then reinforced.

Hey Recon,

I'm so glad you decided to share your project here on PBB. I'll let you get some pics up before I get too many questions going, but just make sure you end with the Ramp pics :D

Bebe

Edit - I want one of those Hunting permits :D

Ramp pic will come later :) Want to try tell the story in chronological order.

More pics of the finished interior.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/H32.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/H37.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/H35.jpg

The roll cage has padding on it now, but I don't have any pics. I won't be back in Cali till after the new year.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/17cbdf2d.jpg

Here is a pic of the front solid axle conversion. ProRock60 with JK steering setup.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/0672284d.jpg

Rear EvoLever setup also on ProRock60. The trick thing about these axles is that they are Dynatrac's first fully compatible axle with all the factory electronics (ABS, etc...) Plug and play and everything works without error codes or flashing lights. Part of the reason that this setup works is because I used the same axles front and rear. Another solid axle conversion was done on a white H3T, only he kept the factory rear axle. This gave all kinds of electronics issues. Another mod that had to be done, was to remove the front locking hubs, and replace it drive flanges. There was always some smart guy that would unlock the hubs. Since this is a full-time 4WD vehicle, it would cause all kinds of issues. The drive flanges avoided this problem.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/DSCF2284.jpg

Better pic of the rear setup after it was finished.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/2269ea71.jpg

This was the first time it came down from the lift. Still needed a lot of work done. Whole front bumper had to be remade using a military HMMWV bumper with it's original Warn short drum 12,000 winch. Snorkel is also missing, as well as the matching Hutchinson bead-locks.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/5d1b081d.jpg

Here's a pic from the rear so you can see the finished slantback. No rear bumper or spare tire yet. In this pic it's sitting on 40s :)

After doing some extensive road testing, we saw that everything was running great and that there were no electronics issues. The JK steering box was a little weak, so we planned to upgrade to a ram assist. Good thing is that the PSC Steering box already came plumbed for it. Just before I left for my next trip overseas, I had to try it on a ramp. Here are some pics. The ARB lockers hadn't been hooked up, nor did I air down, so it's not at it's full potential. :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/be81eaf5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/f9bfd6f9.jpg

Still no bumpers, but with the matching Hutchinson bead-locks, and IROK 37's.

After having been gone for six months, I came back to find that nothing had been done. They were supposed to have done both the front and rear bumper, install the snorkel, and fab up the ram assist. Not a thing. It was very frustrating. :mad3:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/1f999f81.jpg

Here's what the front bumper is starting to look like. It's actually a HMMWV winch bumper made by Warn that houses a short drum version of a M12000. The bumper fits like it was designed for the H3. There were some mods required. I decided to add the the oem fog lights to cover up some of the bodywork that the original bumper hides. They are angled down and out. More like rock-lights than fog lights. I planned to keep the OEM push bar and d-rings to try to keep that factory look. Since we were running out of time, instead of making a rear bumper, we just got an ARB one and did some mods to it. This is were the compromises started to happen due to the lack of keeping up with the schedule. :(

Here is what the near finished project looks like.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/8140d194.jpg

Front bumper and snorkel installed and color matched.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/0a28e65d.jpg

Rear also done and color matched.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/a469dc7d.jpg

Details of the second d-ring that was added, as well as the backup camera. The original ARB bumper doesn't have the two d-rings, or the hole for the backup camera. A must now that there is no rearview mirror or window.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/553ffdf9.jpg

Final, and most important detail, before she goes off to SEMA. I was gone by then, so I didn't get to try it...... again :(

Awesome Project. :grinpimp:

So what's next besides power steering setup? I think we talked about maaaaaybe an atlas2 spd?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/32e2c28f.jpg

Finally got to go to try out the rig for photo shoot. Only got one pic though. Was too busy looking things over. Nothing too extreme. Peterson's 4Wheel & Off-Road was doing an article on it, and I wanted to see if there were any issues. All crazy builds like this always do. The two hour drive on the freeway was eventless. It drives very well and that's great because it's my daily driver. Onto the rocks. The suspension worked great but I did run into a problem. The JK steering box is inadequate for this size rig. It would lock up all the time. It's a Howe modified version and still it couldn't handle it. Got to do something with the front brake lines because they get very close to the coils and would hate to pinch it. Once the day warmed up I started to see the temp gauge rise. It never went passed 3/4 but then I wasn't wheeling hard. Will have to do something to improve it. Maybe some additional electric fans and a tranny cooler. Other than that, it went pretty good. If I did anything different it would be a manual transmission. Not a big friend of autos. May even throw in an Atlas to avoid known issues in the long run. Hopefully I will be able to finish it off after the new year. It's been a long year and half!!!!!!

Trans Cooler is a good idea, I did that a year or so ago. We just picked up a Flexalite from Summit, easy weekend project. We kept the fan manual so I could turn it off before water crossings.

The temp thing has been hard to figure out. There was a TSB out not too long ago mentioning Calibration issues with the gauge. If it's over 80* mine runs between 1/2 and 3/4 pretty consistently, but it's never shut down , gone into limp mode or overheated. So I just keep on driving it :D

Climbing the passes I turn on the t-cooler fan and it stays below 3/4. So it helps.

The tranny cooler setup I wanted to do, was a copy of yours. :) Saw it on one of the other Hummer forums. Just haven't had the time. :(

Well I hope you get some time in the next few months before you head out to North Carolina. I'm sure we'll both be doing 'fine tuning' for a while :) But I would love to do some wheeling with you and that awesome 3.

Maybe if you're around in February, you can bring it out to Johnson Valley during KOH and we can go hit up the Bull Frog trail or something.

This thing is just awesome.

Very nice work.

Unfortunately we move to NC first week of February. :(

This thing is just awesome.

Very nice work.

Thanks bpipe. It's been a long winding road.

I just remembered we have a member here REDLYNER who is just outside of Charlotte - has a built up TJ he uses his Alpha to tow it. I'll PM you his contact info.

He's going to making the trip out to Moab in April from NC. He wheels a lot out there, I'm sure he can hook you up with shops out there too.

That's nice :smokin:

I just remembered we have a member here REDLYNER who is just outside of Charlotte - has a built up TJ he uses his Alpha to tow it. I'll PM you his contact info.

He's going to making the trip out to Moab in April from NC. He wheels a lot out there, I'm sure he can hook you up with shops out there too.

Excellent :) Thanks Bebe

Unfortunately we move to NC first week of February. :(
Didn't realize you were making a move to NC Recon. Didn't think I would get a chance to see your beast in person but we have to head north from FL to find much of anything good anyway :smokin:

Just wish we could go back to Tellico :mad3:

Recon! Can't wait to see this thing in person.

The wife and I moved from Colorado out to NC about 2 1/2 years ago and keep very busy (4 wheeling). As Bebe mentioned, we run an H3 Alpha and a built TJ around all of the parks in this area. The Alpha (adv pkg) is torsion lifted on 35"s and sees its share of the trails as well.

Tons of private parks out here to flex out on. I sent Bebe a list to forward on to you about all of the places to go.


I followed your build on the other Hummer forums, love everything about your H3 man! You will draw huge crowds everywhere around here.


One more thing- if you have never wheeled in the South, you are in for a whole different experience. It is absolutely nothing like the West. Every rock out here has mud in front of it or on it. Zero traction, and crawling is a term most are are not familiar with. Everything is big axles, big tires, and big engines. The sound of a bouncing rev limiter is about the most common thing you here down here.


If you are bored, youtube the following rock parks for some video entertainment:

The Farm, NC
The Flats, NC
Devils Playground, NC
The Gulches, SC
Mountain City, TN
Windrock, TN
Harlan, KY

Are the suspension setups one-off or jk-based and then adapted to the H3? Cool rig!

Looking forward to wheeling in NC Redlyner. I've actually never wheeled in Cali. First vehicle was a company BMW. Hummer was my first personal vehicle and that has been a never ending project. Haven't had a chance to enjoy it. I'm very familiar with the terrain your talking about with my TJ overseas. We call it slick "soap" mud. Fun and challenging stuff :)

Are the suspension setups one-off or jk-based and then adapted to the H3? Cool rig!

It's made specifically for the H3. The design is not something new and original. It's used in race cars. The French manufacturer Citroen has been using it since the 50s. The new Lamborghini coming out in January also uses this system. What's neat is how they adapted it for long travel suspension. Be it on a TJ, JK or H3, It works very well and allows you to keep a low ride height if you want.

Followed your build on HXC. Best looking H3 ever, IMO (sorry Beebs :p ).

We need to get your rig and Bebe's together at some point though to compare the different suspension setups.

Followed your build on HXC. Best looking H3 ever, IMO (sorry Beebs :p ).

We need to get your rig and Bebe's together at some point though to compare the different suspension setups.

Thanks Sewie. You actually know how long this project has been dragging on. :) I would love to put my rig side by side with Bebe. That way everyone would be able to see the best of both worlds. It might even be possible if they finish it soon enough before I move out. Keep your fingers crossed.

Very cool, I hated these "little" hummers ever since they came out, but this thing is BAD ASS! Nice job on the cage.
One question. Why no high steer, is the tie rod still on the bottom of the steering arms ?

Very cool, I hated these "little" hummers ever since they came out, but this thing is BAD ASS! Nice job on the cage.
One question. Why no high steer, is the tie rod still on the bottom of the steering arms ?

Thanks Flatdeck. Highsteer is one of those things that have to be addressed but are not a priority. First I have to iron out many other little things that are more important. One day :)


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/SOT.gif

Dude, I can't wait to see this when you hit NC, its a serious build!

That looks great, can't wait to see more pictures of it in action. The H1 Alpha we sponsored for Baja was also supporting the Wounded Warrior Project.

-Alex

Thanks John and Alex. I can't wait to put it into action. :) It's been a long road to get to this. Alex, Give my regards to Emil.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/SOT.gif

Nice!:mr-t:

Atlas project scrapped for now. Not enough time, and the one they sent was wrong. Oh well. Maybe somebody else will have tried it by the time I get back to it. This way I'll know what kind of headache we are talking about.

Atlas project scrapped for now. Not enough time, and the one they sent was wrong. Oh well. Maybe somebody else will have tried it by the time I get back to it. This way I'll know what kind of headache we are talking about.

Bummer, well, I might be next anyway :smokin:

Make sure you talk to Advance Adapters since they probably know what the issue was. I'm finally back in Cali tomorrow. If after the SHOT Show all is done on the truck, I might be doing a run up to NorCal. Would love to stop by to see your rig.

Please do - you have my # :D

I am not a very active forum member here but I am on CHO 24/7 and have followed Bebe's build and read through Recon's build a while back on HXC and I would love to watch these 2 rigs wheel together! it would be insane:D

Recon, I love how you have not only made a beautifully fabbed vehicle, but it is also something that is useful and can be used on the streets. To me, that is what a real 4x4 is all about. Seriously, top notch work.

Thanks guys. Being a streetworthy 4x4 was really not a choice. It's the only vehicle we have besides my Buell. It did turn out better than I expect. The guys have been doing an amazing job. I can only take credit for the crazy idea and the technical input on things I have a lot of experience with. I'm just dying to try it out properly.

Finally got to see my H3. Ram assist was on and so were the sway bars. You can see in the pic how it turned out.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/0a1b00d6.jpg

The funny thing is the white H3T was also in for the same setup. :) Not every day that you see two solid axle H3s in the same place.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/356adf61.jpg

Did he get his issues straightened out?

That's probably a once in a lifetime pic :)

Did he get his issues straightened out?

That's probably a once in a lifetime pic :)

Won't know till he hits the road. Sunday will be my first true outing if all works out. Will take pics :)

He needs to have a build thread...here, yes? And is Offroad Evolution on here? Have they seen your thread here?

He needs to have a build thread...here, yes? And is Offroad Evolution on here? Have they seen your thread here?

Those are two questions only they can answer. OE knows that I have posted the build on different forums but I don't think he's gone to see it. I don't know the H3T owner. Only his truck. We've never coincided in the shop and OE is very strict about giving out other peoples info. BTW, there is another H3 that will soon be getting a solid axle conversion :)

I may actually go wheeling with the owner of the H3T this Sunday. I'll definitely mention the forum to him.

That thing is fawning sweet! I really like it, good work

I may actually go wheeling with the owner of the H3T this Sunday. I'll definitely mention the forum to him.

<-----------Jealous:emb:

This is an awesome build... Would you happen to know the color code?

This is an awesome build... Would you happen to know the color code?

No code number. It's Brownell's Allumahyde II, Coyote Tan. Just in case you don't know what Brownell's is, it's an online firearms store(www.brownells.com). I copied their color so that I could do all my own touching up with their spray cans. This way I can also paint some new add-ons like Donaldson pre cleaner. Their spray paints are hardcore for painting firearms and can take some serious abuse.

That H3T is sick! Now I am not sure which one I like better! (I am a partial to pick ups) Both a stella rigs for sure!

That H3T is sick! Now I am not sure which one I like better! (I am a partial to pick ups) Both a stella rigs for sure!
Time to dump the Nissian for an H3T and start over, I have a set of wheels for it :D

Awesome Thanks


No code number. It's Brownell's Allumahyde II, Coyote Tan. Just in case you don't know what Brownell's is, it's an online firearms store(www.brownells.com). I copied their color so that I could do all my own touching up with their spray cans. This way I can also paint some new add-ons like Donaldson pre cleaner. Their spray paints are hardcore for painting firearms and can take some serious abuse.

Is the fastback a fab or a kit? Did you have to change the tail lights from 24v to 12v?

I am not partial to the H3...that thing is the H3.5...I am partial. Wounded Warrior Project is a great program!

Is the fastback a fab or a kit? Did you have to change the tail lights from 24v to 12v?

I am not partial to the H3...that thing is the H3.5...I am partial. Wounded Warrior Project is a great program!

The slantback is a one off fab. The tailights are made by Grote and they come in both 24v & 12v. Thanks :)

Is that a center brake light at the roof line? Did you hook up the black out marker on the Grote tail lights?

Is that a center brake light at the roof line? Did you hook up the black out marker on the Grote tail lights?

Yes it is Sabre. Black out lights is still a pending project since it requires figuring out how to disable DRL. It will also include IR driving lights and strobes.

I have a source for IR assemblies...I have one for my project truck and hope to figure out switching out the 24v lamp for a 12v lamp.

I have a source for IR assemblies...I have one for my project truck and hope to figure out switching out the 24v lamp for a 12v lamp.

I plan to get some custom made IR led lights. That way I can tuck them between the grill and bumper.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/6a4e2563.jpg

Hittin the hills near Castaic to test the H3. Wanted to hit some more serious trails but they were all closed. :( Both H3s did well. The 3T was a bit stiff in the rear since it had the factory leafs. I discovered I hadn't hooked up my e-brake. :) Also one of my small pre-cats is also crushed and rattling around. Plan to remove it since it has no sensors and is so exposed. All in all it was a good day even if I didn't get to do any more extreme wheeling. Next time.

Looks friggin awesome man, the nicest H3 I've seen to date.:D

Times up!. In the end, after al these years of living in Cali, the only 4x4 I got to do with my H3 was some snowy trail :( No Rubicon or any of the other great trails. This is partly due to my crazy schedule, and not coinciding with any of the club outings. It's also partly due to the build not getting done on time. Instead of returning from overseas and going out and testing the rig, I would have to do everything that didn't get done while I was away. Very frustrating. I'm sure I'll find great places in North Carolina, and great people to hang out with. This is the beginning of a new phase in my life.

Sad to see you guys leaving, happy for you that you are leaving this political quagmire. :D

Maybe we'll get a chance to wheel together sometime. You do have to bring it to Moab at least once!

I hope I can make Moab one day :)

Your lose on the West coast is our gain on the East coast :D

Your lose on the West coast is our gain on the East coast :D

:flipoff2:

You'll be the only one who has seen both...

Actually, I already lived in Connecticut for 5 years before moving to Cali, so I already know both coasts. :)

I meant he will be the only one who has seen both our Hummers.

I took him on a Snow Run on Fordyce :D

Ok :)

That's a good looking front bumper....

That's a good looking front bumper....

Thanks. It's actually a Warn HMMWV winch mount that was adapted and the OEM fog light mounts added. The push bar is the original that came on the H3 from the factory.

:flipoff2:

You'll be the only one who has seen both...

Ding ding ding, that's my goal :laughing: :D

Well, we are waiting for you over here!


There is a trip lined up for The Gulches off-road park on February 19th and then one of the private rock parks (Devil's Playground) is opening up for an open ride on February 26th.

I know your feelings on The Gulches run (it will be a zoo), but I would highly recommend making it out to the DPG event on the 26th! Just a warning though, you will be swarmed with on-lookers. :smokin:

Well, we are waiting for you over here!


There is a trip lined up for The Gulches off-road park on February 19th and then one of the private rock parks (Devil's Playground) is opening up for an open ride on February 26th.

I know your feelings on The Gulches run (it will be a zoo), but I would highly recommend making it out to the DPG event on the 26th! Just a warning though, you will be swarmed with on-lookers. :smokin:

DPG sounds like fun. Where is it located?

I've been contemplating on what I would have done differently. First it would have to be the auto tranny. I would definitely go for a manual transmission. So much simpler and much better control of the truck in tough situations. Second would be shorter front shocks. I don't get enough up travel right now. I would have to raise it too much. An inch or shorter would make a hell of a difference and not sacrifice too much overall travel. That can done down the road. Just have to find the time to send it back to FOX. I would also place the front axle forward a little more. It would allow for a bigger tire down the road. Other than that, the rig is just awesome :D Just dying to try it harder.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/97758a0b.jpg

Just went to the local 4wheels parts in Raleigh, NC to check if things were rubbing or binding. Instead of putting it on the lift we decided to ramp it on their 20 degree ramp. I had to stop when the rear e-brake line was about to pop. The heim joint at the pitman arm was also at it's limit. All fixable things fortunately. The cool thing is that it was at, or close to 1000, and after the fixes it will give even more :) I'm a happy camper. Tomorrow I'll give it a try at Devil's Playground. Can't wait!!!!

Sweet man! There is a Gatekeeper obstacle (totally optional) that is an awesome way to start the day. It all depends on the weather, I've climbed on 35"s dry and been denied on 37"s when it was muddy.

Should be a fun day!

Sweet man! There is a Gatekeeper obstacle (totally optional) that is an awesome way to start the day. It all depends on the weather, I've climbed on 35"s dry and been denied on 37"s when it was muddy.

Should be a fun day!

One thing is for sure is that if I try anything it will have to be with the help of a good spotter. My tranny pan is totally exposed and I don't want to pop the heim on the pitman.

Had an amazing day at Mud Devils Playground here in North Carolina. Finally got try out the H3. Nothing too hardcore since there are still some issues that need to be worked. These were the only pics that a guy took. I was too exited that I forgot to get somebody to take some.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/7c63d993.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/9903643c.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/2c8c3ae5.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/4bf263f5.jpg

The rig felt great but heavy. I've been spoiled with a superlight TJ. Even then it performed extremely well and didn't have to gun it at any moment. Once I iron out some kinks, I'll feel much more confident trying out some more hardcore stuff :)

Got to see this thing first hand at the Playground today. :smokin: rig. Worked really well from what I saw.

I should have gotten somebody to get some video so I could see it in action. It would help to see how it performs and what needs to be changed/improved. Next time. Had a great time meeting people from the forums. Redlyner was a big confidence builder since he knew the area well. Thanks guys.

It was nice to meet you this weekend. Hope your enjoying raleigh!

URE opens april first, should be able to get all the kinks worked out by then!

Unfortunately I leave Tuesday to go overseas so I won't be able to work on it till June/July. At least this time I leave having been able to test it some :)

This build is exceptional. I am a details guy, and you certainly covered those. Nice work.

Nicely done! That thing is awesome!!

Here's a great pic Redlyner took of my H3 at Devils Playground.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/66beee50.jpg

Just saw this thing in Peterson's latest issue. Usually I am not big on Hummers but I have got to say this is probably the most badass H3 I have ever seen. Love what you have done with it. Very nice work. :smokin:

Great pics! What did everyone think about it?

And while we are here, let's talk about your 'kinks' :D

What springs are you using on your C/O's? I can't believe I didn't think of asking you that before. How are the springs working - too stiff? To soft?

Great pics! What did everyone think about it?

And while we are here, let's talk about your 'kinks' :D

What springs are you using on your C/O's? I can't believe I didn't think of asking you that before. How are the springs working - too stiff? To soft?

I got quite a lot of positive feedback. Great people at the event. They did want me to wheel it harder and also enter the rockcrawling comp. Unfortunately without UCP that was out of the question. Oil pans are exposed and tranny selector could get snagged in a second. Left wheel ebrake needs rerouting. It gets too tight and could pop in an instant. Tie rod needs to be flipped because heim is also at it's limit before suspension runs out of travel. All simple fixes fortunately but it does require time and tools. The front and rear axle need to be shifted an inch so wheels don't rub. I can also raise the coil overs an inch or two since I have room in the garage. I have no idea what the spring rates are. The day I raise them I'll see. It rides perfect for my type of wheeling. If I wanted to do more high speed stuff I would need stiffer springs. I would also like to add some Fox bumps stops just incase I run into a nasty surprise bump. I'm sure I'll find other thing as I go along but for now it's running great :)

Interesting! We are going to move my axle back an inch too. Do you think they ORE would mind if I called them for the spring rates?

I also just saw the atricle in May issue of Petersons 4 wheel & off-road. Congratulations! The rig looks great, the article makes it sound like you live in California though since it says the 5.3L push the H3 easily over the steep california grades. Not that its a big deal at all, but I thought it was interesting. Great job on the rig

Have you had time to play around with different tire pressures on the 37's yet? Those Hutchinsons look kick ass!

Interesting! We are going to move my axle back an inch too. Do you think they ORE would mind if I called them for the spring rates?

Go for it. Mel will surely help you out. The white H3T ran different springs. Since he did both he'll be able to best advise you.

I also just saw the atricle in May issue of Petersons 4 wheel & off-road. Congratulations! The rig looks great, the article makes it sound like you live in California though since it says the 5.3L push the H3 easily over the steep california grades. Not that its a big deal at all, but I thought it was interesting. Great job on the rig

Have you had time to play around with different tire pressures on the 37's yet? Those Hutchinsons look kick ass!

I used to live in Cali. Moved to North Carolina. At Devils Playground I was running 15psi and it did great. I would even go lower. The trick is to find the pressure that doesn't make the tires bounce. I still need to do more experimentation.

cool rig man! :smokin:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y109/CanaryLupo/Recon%20H3%20Project/97758a0b.jpg

Just went to the local 4wheels parts in Raleigh, NC to check if things were rubbing or binding. Instead of putting it on the lift we decided to ramp it on their 20 degree ramp. I had to stop when the rear e-brake line was about to pop. The heim joint at the pitman arm was also at it's limit. All fixable things fortunately. The cool thing is that it was at, or close to 1000, and after the fixes it will give even more :) I'm a happy camper. Tomorrow I'll give it a try at Devil's Playground. Can't wait!!!!

I'm in Chapel Hill...haven't seen your rig around yet, but now that I know you're here, I'll keep my eyes open.

Just so you know, about a half mile down Glenwood from the 4-wheel parts store towards 540 is a fab shop called East Coast Gear Supply.

Not sure if they are on here, but they are on the forums at NC4x4.com

Welcome to the Triangle

I'm in Chapel Hill...haven't seen your rig around yet, but now that I know you're here, I'll keep my eyes open.

Just so you know, about a half mile down Glenwood from the 4-wheel parts store towards 540 is a fab shop called East Coast Gear Supply.

Not sure if they are on here, but they are on the forums at NC4x4.com

Welcome to the Triangle

I already went in and talked to Chase and the guys. Next time I'm back I'll be going in to get some stuff done by those guys. They do some impressive work. Thanks for the heads up anyways.

This thing is BAD ASS. Top notch my friend :beer:

This thing is BAD ASS. Top notch my friend :beer:

Thanks. Coming from a Jeepaholic that's a hell of a compliment. ;)

the site wouldn't let me change the name....

the site wouldn't let me change the name....

I had the same problem on a firearms forum. I even told them I would put it on my sig that I was previously known as....

one of the most badass hummers of all time

I had the same problem on a firearms forum. I even told them I would put it on my sig that I was previously known as....

oh well. Just know, i am NOT a Jeepaholic. While i think there are some nice ass Jeeps out there, they are not God's gift. Great Canvas to start with, but so are plenty of other rigs.

What are your plans for this thing?

What are your plans for this thing?

Two things are sure. One: it's my only vehicle there and I have to keep it safe and functional. Second I don't plan to use it as a competition vehicle for the same reason as above.

Before I can start using it for more hardcore stuff I need to iron out some small kinks and get some decent undercarriage protection. Originally it was going to used to attract donations for the Wounded Warrior Project at different shows. Unfortunately it's become a nightmare to deal with them. I still plan to use it at other events to help out our troops. There are plenty out there that I am already in touch with. I also plan to volunteer at the local SAR for when things get nasty. Other than that I plan to enjoy it out on trails when I have the time.

completely understand. Forgive me, but where is 'there'? Are you deployed right now or something?

I can guarantee you that service members all over the world appreciate your dedication to helping those who are still active, and those who are now veterans.

completely understand. Forgive me, but where is 'there'? Are you deployed right now or something?

I can guarantee you that service members all over the world appreciate your dedication to helping those who are still active, and those who are now veterans.

Not deployed (considered too old :)) but I am overseas. It's the least I can do in return for what they do for us.

ahh, ok.

I read through again and seen where the H3 is.

Again, thanks for the support.