alpha t-bars in I5

[digglesworth]

So for the people that have swapped their t bars in their I5s for the alpha bars, I'm looking for some feedback. How did it change the handling characteristics of your truck? Stiffen up the ride at all? How well does it allow the front end to flex offroad?

 

[taylorblake831]

Yea I've been wondering too, and does it lift the front more? If so how much


-TEXAS FOREVER-

 

[amrg]

Alpha T-bars are noticeably stiffer than the I5 (its stiff enough that if you level it, the nose dive is very minimal- ive been riding 3 years without getting the extended stops while with the I5 I didnt last over a month)
On road handling, less sway. Dropping off kerbs has less side to side bounciness. Without the extended stops, the truck starts feeling unstable at speeds of 100 mph and above, as the front nose lifts up due to air resistance (below that speed is completely fine).

The Alpha bars dont lift the truck higher than non alpha, since both circumstances the bars can be adjusted. They just sag less when you add weight like a winch/bumper. You would still have to adjust for the added weight in both cases. The Alpha bars are less bouncy when you have weight added too.

 

[digglesworth]

Thanks amrg. Over 100mph huh?. I never drive my truck that fast. I'm putting the rancho kit on so the extended bump stops won't/can't be used. I do have a bumper, winch and brushguard up front so there's definitely added weight up there. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[cbetts]

I swapped mine out before adding a winch. The ride was pretty bouncy in the front. Two months later, I replaced the front bumper with a THORparts bumper and 12,000 lb. Badland Winch. Front sagged about 1/4" which required a little cranking to bring back up. Now the truck drives as it did back when it was new. I am also running Billstein shocks all around.

 

[digglesworth]

Thanks Craig. I just placed my order from gmpartsdirect. Alpha t-bars on their way. Along with LCA bushings, ball joints and new bilsteins. I'm hoping this rancho/soa combo is all that it's cracked up to be.

 

[Best4x4]

I've had my Alpha up to 102MPH using GPS. It handled fine, and sounded great, but it's not a race car. I was just cleaning out all the previous owners carbon deposits!

 

[cbetts]

I've had my Alpha up to 102MPH using GPS. It handled fine, and sounded great, but it's not a race car. I was just cleaning out all the previous owners carbon deposits!

O_O

It took a lot to get mine up to speed where the governor kicked in (90, if I remember). Got a little rocky when I started to hit the brakes. Scared me enough to not want to do it again.

 

[derian06]

O_O

It took a lot to get mine up to speed where the governor kicked in (90, if I remember). Got a little rocky when I started to hit the brakes. Scared me enough to not want to do it again.

Really? I hit 107 with 37's so really it was 117.7mph wasn't too bad.

 

[cbetts]

Really? I hit 107 with 37's so really it was 117.7mph wasn't too bad.

Well, the H3 is not a Formula racer. I am sure alignment was part of my issue. Still, I am gonna keep the speed down.

 

[06 H3]

damn you guys are nuts. Lol back when it was closer to stock I hit 90 that was years ago and I think it governed me out. Fasted I hit with the SAS was 86. That was before all the shock Valving and spring swaps. It's more stable now but even then I don't drive super fast in the hummer. 72-74 is a nice cruising speed for me

 

[derian06]

I wonder why its capping for yall? My speed limiter on my 07 and my alpha cut on around 105-7mph

 

[amrg]

I wonder why its capping for yall? My speed limiter on my 07 and my alpha cut on around 105-7mph

Mine is removed (tune). I did hit 120 once but without extended bump stops I didnt try that again (the front end floats too much) and it doesnt help that the rear stops are shot!

 

[Bigunit]

Sorry diggs just saw this thread. I echo what has already been said - less nose dive, less body roll, less bouncing, perfect ride and firmness with winch and BA bumper. It's been a great mod for me.

 

[rsm688]

I've got them on my I5, definitely stiffened up the ride. No more nose diving, very controlled suspension feeling. I'd definitely do it again, my original bars had 90k miles and it was a night and day difference when I swapped in alpha bars