H3 Upper Control Arms - How Would You Improve It?

[Alpha X]

In another thread I inquired changing the ball joint in the H3 Upper Control Arms. Looks like it's not really possible.

Upper Control Arm - Ball Joint?
https://www.hummer4x4offroad.com/forum/showthread.php/13674-Upper-Control-Arm-Ball-Joint

Let's assume, for a moment, you could make a totally new UCA for your H3. It has to be a bolt on solution, no welding on new frame brackets, etc.
What would you revise/change/improve?

1) Different Ball Joint? Silverado style, or something else that can also be rebuilt/replaced? (let's assume we can change the knuckle to accommodate a new style ball joint)

2) Would you retain or change the cam style adjustment where it mounts to chassis? Or, is there a better way to get some adjustability?

3) Cast and/or machined aluminum or fabricated/welded steel?

4) Anything else?

 

[alrock]

I don't know that I'd go the distance of replacing the knuckles to accommodate a different UCA. My only wishes would be replaceable ball joints and bushings. For me, I don't see it as a huge opportunity since the UCA is only about $125 per side.

 

[Traxx]

Wonder how much trouble it would be just to swap in the front suspension from a Silverado? Never bothered to look under one but it would certainly make a lift kit easier.

 

[atvspeed4]

Wonder how much trouble it would be just to swap in the front suspension from a Silverado? Never bothered to look under one but it would certainly make a lift kit easier.

We have the CAD files for both and looked into building a subframe to do this but its not worth it. Funny enough, the H3 has much longer control arms and more wheel travel than the 99-10 silverado 2500/ 3500/H2. The geometry of the silverado suspension is better but not worth the battle.

We have a couple bags of rebuildable H3 balljoints sitting on the shelf ready to go into a set of arms but there really isnt much of a market out there unfortunately so it hasnt been an urgent project. Aftermarket H3 arms really should be "Stage 1" and "Stage 2".

Stage 1: rebuildable balljoint and replaceable or lifetime control arm bushings
Stage 2: rebuildable balljoint and cam washer delete

 

[Alpha X]

Thanks for the replies. Good info to consider. Silverado UCA/LCA will not swap without a lot of work, even then I'm not sure if it's possible.

atv - will you elaborate on the cam washer delete idea. How would it be adjustable?

We have a couple bags of rebuildable H3 balljoints sitting on the shelf ready to go into a set of arms but there really isnt much of a market out there unfortunately so it hasnt been an urgent project. Aftermarket H3 arms really should be "Stage 1" and "Stage 2".

Stage 1: rebuildable balljoint and replaceable or lifetime control arm bushings
Stage 2: rebuildable balljoint and cam washer delete

 

[atvspeed4]

heim joints instead of bushings