Back spacing and Rear end suspension

[H3nightrod]

Hello everyone.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried backspacing afterleveling their H3. I have leveled my H3 with 35s and Bilstein front shocks.After moving up to 35s there has been some loss in turning radius due to somerubbing. I was curious to see if adding .500” or 1” backspacing would helpeliminate this problem without creating a new one like premature failure toother parts.
My second question is there any rear air suspension productsanyone could recommend. I occasionally do some heavy towing that has cause myrear end to drop causing even more stress to the leveled front end. I was lookingfor something to assist with heavy loads and keep the rear-end leveled forsafety and control reasons. I have seen some air kits that help with thisissues but was wondering if anyone has some info on them. Also I have not donemy Bilstein rears yet, should I still do this mod considering the airsuspension mod?

Thanks for the help,
josh

 

[benlaud87]

I used to have 35x12.5x15s and the wheels had 3.75" backspacing. I ran them like that and with a 25mm spacer after some caliper rubbing issues making them essentially 2.75" backspacing. (yeah they stuck out pretty far) I had really bad rubbing issues in reverse especially. Now I have 5" backspacing and have 0 rubbing issues, I just installed a lift, but before that 0 rubbing still.

Im interested in the air suspension for the rear as well. I know someone on here has air bags in the rear with their rancho lift.

 

[H3nightrod]

THanks for the info.

I am running stock rims with the 35 MTZs. I figure maybe .5" would help with the rubbing. I just want to make sure I wont damage any other parts due to the wheels putting more straine since they are farther out.

 

[gfbh3t]

For air springs use Firestone ride-rite kit 2190 it is for a Chevy Silverado it works, I have it on my T . The Firestone ride-rite kit 2460 for the 3 and T is not available anymore.

 

[gfbh3t]

You can see pics of airbags in my album.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

The rubbing with factory wheels after leveling with 12.5" wide tires is mild. Its nothing to be concerned about and it will only happen a full lock. The H3 has an amazing turning radius and I don't think it is affect much by the sway bar rub. Just my :2cents:

 

[Hunner]

THanks for the info.

I am running stock rims with the 35 MTZs. I figure maybe .5" would help with the rubbing. I just want to make sure I wont damage any other parts due to the wheels putting more straine since they are farther out.

What height are you running in the front?
In some cases lowering just a little may eliminate the rubbing.

 

[06 H3]

For air springs use Firestone ride-rite kit 2190 it is for a Chevy Silverado it works, I have it on my T . The Firestone ride-rite kit 2460 for the 3 and T is not available anymore.

I am assuming it helps with ride quality but how about flex on the trail? are those manually adjustable with a switch?

 

[gfbh3t]

Yes it helps the ride. I've ran them on the trail at 0 psi, 17 psi, and 40 psi. No problems. Mine are manual adjustable. I have 2 valve stem set up. I would go with a the available tee and only have one valve stem, we cannot carry enough weight to need to have more air in one side than the other like larger trucks. I went with the 3" spacer but there is room for the 4" spacer. These take the place of the stock bump stops. The 3" spacer is Firestone f2367 but some other suspension companys also make the spacers. I will pull my rear tire and post some pics later today.

 

[H3nightrod]

What height are you running in the front?
In some cases lowering just a little may eliminate the rubbing.

Hey Hunner

WHen I did my leveling 3 months ago I was at 23.50. But I will check to see if it has settled since then.

 

[H3nightrod]

You can see pics of airbags in my album.

Thank for the info gfbh3t and nice looking T

I will look up the details and might be ordering soon. I hate having my truck sitting low when I tow. Did you have to make your own hols in the frame for the plate? or are those the stock holes from the bump stop plate?

 

[gfbh3t]

There is a single hole on the bottom of the airbag which if you don't have the rancho lift it could be mounted directly to the plate on the axle with a single bolt from underneath. If you have the lift then you will need the 3 or 4 inch spacer and have to drill a couple of holes in the axle plate. On the top I had to drill holes through the frame. So 1st mount the top plate to the airbag. 2nd mount the airbag to the axle or spacer (if you have the rancho and then the spacer to the axle). 3rd where top plate lines up on the frame drill two holes run bolts through. If I were to do this again I would put the truck up on jack stands and have the axle at full droop, then raise and lower the axle with a floor jack as needed. I did it all with the tires on and on the ground it would have been much faster and easier the other way. I did not use all the parts that came with the kit just used what I needed to make it work.