Double-bushing front axle mounts?....

[4speedfunk]

I've been working on a SAS on my H3 for a few weeks. During this time I have been corresponding with a few Colorado/Canyon guys that are doing the same thing. I happened to catch a glimpse of a Canyon front axle, and noticed that the outboard mounts have two mounting bolts & bushings per side, instead of the H3's single bushing. I have always thought the single bushing design allowed way too much flex in the H3 assembly, and I even had some plans to fabricate second ear and attach it to the stock mount. At that time, I had no idea that the C/C axle already had this type of mount.

Well, I ended up discarding the idea because I'm swapping to a solid axle but, if someone is interested...I think this would be a good upgrade. You would have to get a Colorado/Canyon axle and pull the outboard mounts off and see if they even bolt up to the H3 axle (I bet they do). Then, you would have to locate the extra attachment point, drill the frame, and install a nut (might have to cut a small window in the frame rail). Seems like a simple fix to double the strength of the H3 mount. I've always thought the H3 axle breakage was due to this thing floppin around too much. Here's a C/C axle diagram...I'm talking specifically about the un-labeled piece between parts #6 and #3. It appears to be identical to the single-ear H3 mount....

Here's the same diagram for the H3...we're talking about part #12 (sorry about the small size)...

View attachment 3765
The rest of the C/C axle is of little use to us H3 guys. Its has a CAD (center axle disconnect) for 2wd/4wd mode, and comes with 3.73 or higher gearing which is also of little use to us. The pumpkin casting does NOT have the ear to bolt up to an H3 crossmember, so its of no use either. Basically...we're only after the outboard mounts. Here's a picture of one for sale on fleabay....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-GM-FRON..._Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_967

So who's willing to try this?

-4sf

 

[06 H3]

I would be willing to do it but it would have to wait till after moab. I would also have to look into a 2nd mount extension due to the rancho drop bracket. That may make it a bit easier actually...

EDIT: I was also looking into burning those bushings out and getting an easier swap in case the bushings go bad, Nugget did this.

 

[06 H3]

are these axles the same size in terms of width?

 

[08H3]

Nice find! I'd try it, but I'm hoping that by the time I need an axle alternative there's a viable SAS setup....hint, hint!

 

[4speedfunk]

I actually know the C/C guys well enough, that I might be able to acquire a pair of those double-ear mounts. I literally have "piles" of H3 parts to play with...

View attachment 3767

are these axles the same size in terms of width?

Doesn't matter...we only want the mounts.

I was also looking into burning those bushings out and getting an easier swap in case the bushings go bad, Nugget did this

Amen to that. Its a horrible design, and when those bushings get flemsy...POP goes the AAM. Adding a second one to each side might be just the ticket.

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

I actually know the C/C guys well enough, that I might be able to acquire a pair of those double-ear mounts. I literally have "piles" of H3 parts to play with...

View attachment 3767

So how much of its for sale CJ?

 

[cgalpha08]

^what he said

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[cgalpha08]

I call dibs in halfshafts!! .....sorry i had to be that guy

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[4speedfunk]

All of it eventually. Everything in that photo is available (except for the rack). I've got another AAM lying around. Also got another rack...cracked but not leaking. A complete Rancho lift. Front & rear sway bars. A good 4.56 R&P for the 8.6 rear axle. Its all off a 30K mile 2008. I'm keeping it all around until I'm totally done with the SAS...might need to rob some stuff to finish it off. I might sell my wheels & tires too. Ball joints are smoked on the A-arms. Other than that its all good stuff.

I might also treat myself to some new bumpers...in which case I'll sell my old ones. I know a guy that can get me bumpers for below cost. :wink:

 

[08SolarFlareH3]

All of it eventually. Everything in that photo is available (except for the rack). I've got another AAM lying around. Also got another rack...cracked but not leaking. A complete Rancho lift. Front & rear sway bars. A good 4.56 R&P for the 8.6 rear axle. Its all off a 30K mile 2008. I'm keeping it all around until I'm totally done with the SAS...might need to rob some stuff to finish it off. I might sell my wheels & tires too. Ball joints are smoked on the A-arms. Other than that its all good stuff.

I might also treat myself to some new bumpers...in which case I'll sell my old ones. I know a guy that can get me bumpers for below cost. :wink:

I would take the Rancho kit, or everything minus the rear leafs if you plan on using them in your SOA conversion (I would do the same). Maybe even that Thorparts front skid :wink:

 

[06 H3]

I call steering rack!

 

[06 H3]

How much for that turd of a diff? lol

 

[4speedfunk]

Sit tight on all this stuff...save your money. When I get my truck back on the ground and drivable...I'll go thru everything, clean it up, and post it on here for sale. I'm afraid to sell anything right now cause I might need it for the SAS. So far, I have kept the Rancho kit 100% intact (I'm using stock rear leafs)...and I plan to keep it that way. This makes it easier for somebody else to grab it and go, without calling Rancho and ordering a bunch of replacement parts.