Front end upgrades? What to do?

[rascole]

So, I am getting some new shoes this weekend. 315/75-16 BFG AT. Now the next step for upgrades is going to focus on the front end parts. I have literally spent HOURS reading thread after thread for suggestions. I want to start by saying thanks to all who have taken the time to share their thoughts and suggestions.
My thought is that if I am going to tear apart the front end I want to do it only once.
My research has led me to the following.
1. Scorpworks front diff cross member.
2. Steering rack mount.
3. Tierods, here is where I am at a loss. Should they be upgraded or are they sufficient stock?
4. Sway bar link disconnects. I have only been able to find 06 H3 mod.
5. Any other suggestions?

 

[Mb30sdl]

SAS swap

 

[alrock]

I think the stock tie rods are sufficient. They rarely break so I think the return on investment would be low for any of the upgrades I've seen. However, if you have an 06 with the 14mm tie rods, the investment to the 16mm tie rods is very small and the chances of breakage do go down significantly.

I think you've got a good list. Not sure how many miles are on your truck but it's always good to check ball joints and control arm bushings for wear/slop. Also doublecheck your diff mounts on each side and make sure those haven't failed. And, if for any reason you need to pull the half shafts its always good to throw a new seal in at that time.

 

[rascole]

SAS swap

Ha, I wish. Maybe in a few years once the kids are out of the house and tuition is paid.

 

[08H3]

I don't know if it's worth it, but you might also consider the cast iron carrier. No idea if it really makes a difference, but I did blow an aluminum, and the CI is still working well (knock on wood). Also, if you believe in a higher power, prayer always works well when getting to the tricky parts of the trail!

 

[rascole]

CI with locker will be a long shot...but it might just go on the next list of to do.....God willing.

 

[4speedfunk]

I feel all three bushings should be replaced (not just the crossmember bushing)....

http://www.outfitterdesign.com/do-it-yourself-front-differential-bushing-kit.html

 

[08H3]

I didn't realize Outfitter Designs had the diff bushing kit. The web site says it's for the first gen crossmember. What makes this kit fit only the first gen? Can it be modified by a DIY'er to fit the second gen?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I didn't realize Outfitter Designs had the diff bushing kit. The web site says it's for the first gen crossmember. What makes this kit fit only the first gen? Can it be modified by a DIY'er to fit the second gen?

I'm curious.... did anyone get more vibration through their steering wheel when they upgraded that bushing?

and OP - what year H3? 2008 up can already have all the updates (CI diff, bigger tie rods, etc)

 

[alrock]

Never had any additional vibration when I've upgraded diff bushings. While the OEM rubber is surely there for NVH reasons, the poly replacements like in the Scorpworks crossmember do not create any harshness. FWIW, while we experimented with a poly bushing in the side diffs it's a huge amount of work to get it done - more than most driveway mechanics might want to tackle. I've blown the passenger side bushing, but never the driver's side.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I've been playing with bushings, and found the delrin bushing just transmitted too much vibrations. I've got something on there now that's about half as solid (if that makes any sense - went to 48 instead of the 92 that is delrin) - and it's solved the clunk and the vibration. That said, I'm still testing for longevity - so the jury is still out.

 

[freeze]

I didn't realize Outfitter Designs had the diff bushing kit. The web site says it's for the first gen crossmember. What makes this kit fit only the first gen? Can it be modified by a DIY'er to fit the second gen?

The design of the bushing in the old style cross member is different than new one. I do think the bushing can be made to fit the new style. We have been looking for a new style cross member to design a bushing for it, but have not got our hands on one yet.

 

[Bigunit]

Need to point out that Scorpworks has had the new style cross member bushing fix for almost 2 years now. I've been running it on my H3T with absolutely ZERO issues for over 24k off road & on road miles now. Tested and proven, lifetime warranty included. :thumbup:

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapataint

 

[rascole]

So I went ahead and bought the Scoprworks front diff crossmember. Should be here by tomorrow and installed this weekend. I have not seen any detailed installs with pictures so I will start a new thread.

 

[alrock]

Rascole, PM me if you have any questions on the install. We can talk through the process. It would be great to have an install thread.

 

[rascole]

Great, thanks for the help.