My New Toy...Suggestions for this Build

[JDstagg]

So I picked this up in Atlanta last month. Got a good deal on it and came with only 39,900 on the odometer. Need some suggestions for ideas for a build for this thing. I basically want to utilize it with the leveled stance it already has and just add some new shocks.(Looking at Billsteins) I also want to do some stealth mods that I can fab up myself or possibly get help doing. Im thinking of doing a half rack for the back, a recessed winch in the front bumper, some rock rails or side steps, and definitely need a navigation package. What do you guys think?

JD

 

[3Hummers]

Sounds like a good start. Several good threads on here about building racks, rocker panel protection, etc

 

[JDstagg]

Thanks 3Hummers. I have been digging through them and most have given me a good bit of intel. Thats what I have been doing, just pouring over all the different threads.

 

[Hans3T]

Looks like a solid canvass! Bigger tires can make a night and day difference... not that I know (yet) from personal experience.

Sent with Tapacrack

 

[Expendable]

Congrats! sounds like you got some awesome projects in store for you!

 

[JDstagg]

Thanks guys, I can't wait to get this move over with so I can get started. I have to look to getting new tires first since I know these snow tires wont last in Florida. Cant really decide what kind of tires I want though. I'll probably just get a set of BFG's or some Toyo AT's. I wish I knew someone with some takeoffs I could just get to be rid of these tires I have. They make the H3 look like a soccer mom car.

 

[alrock]

I like the color!

I occasionally see H3 takeoff tires on Craigslist but not too often. Heck, you could probably find some used tires if you don't want to drop too much $ right now.

 

[Flash]

So I picked this up in Atlanta last month. Got a good deal on it and came with only 39,900 on the odometer. Need some suggestions for ideas for a build for this thing. I basically want to utilize it with the leveled stance it already has and just add some new shocks.(Looking at Billsteins) I also want to do some stealth mods that I can fab up myself or possibly get help doing. Im thinking of doing a half rack for the back, a recessed winch in the front bumper, some rock rails or side steps, and definitely need a navigation package. What do you guys think?

JD

39,000 miles is a great find. Bilstein shocks are popular. I went with Fox reserve resevoir Rod Hall shocks. Pretty nice shock for the H3 - but pricey. Factory rocker rails and UCP are well suited to this vehicle platform with the factory rocker rails even having removable side steps. Tires are pretty individual and if you like BFG's then get those. Attached are a few pics of my custom half rack for your review.

 

[MtnRsqDawg]

I'm diggin the plans. Like others have said, tires are a personal choice. Then again it depends on how much you plan on offroading your rig too - more = muds / occasionally = ATs. So far I'm totally satisfied w/my KM2s.

:corn:

 

[JDstagg]

Flash, can you shoot me the specs on that rack? If you're cool with it I would like to use your platform for my build. Also did you build those rock sliders too? Alrock I will take a look today and see if I can find some tires for it on craigslist. Thanks for the advice MtnRsqDawg, I think I am pretty well set for getting soem AT's cause my wife likes to drive this too so I know she would be furious with the road noise that comes with some MT's. Plus I tend to offroad mostly to hunt and some light trail use so the AT's should do just fine.

 

[08H3]

I guess I view a build as more of a fabrication project, not just bolt ons. I really think that if you are going for a true build, the solid axle is the first thing you should undertake. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDIT: I misread your initial post. I take it you are making the rack rails, bumper, etc from scratch. Even if you're not, the bolt ons do add to the truck-- I just don't really consider them a "build".

 

[Schwarttzy]

LOL your on the same road as me it sounds like. I want most of my mods to go unnoticed, leaving the Hummer for the most part factory looking. I build and sell rock sliders I'm finishing up on my solid skid plates right now, and my next project is going to be a hidden winch just above the frame rails. I'm not trying to stop you from fabbing up your own products, but just saying you might want to build off of my designs. No reason to reinvent the wheel twice.

 

[JDstagg]

Schwarttzy, I completely agree. I have been hitting up some guys on here to get the specs for these parts I want to build. Also, out of curiosity, what do you charge for your rock rails? My idea for the skids was to kind of mimic the ones I have seen for Jeeps where they are made of aluminum, just to save weight. The winch I really want to be recessed like youre talking about cause I just like the overall look of the H3 and I dont want to alter that with a bunch of bolt ons. If you do get specs up or have some prototypes you need the hell beat out of let me know I will be glad to help out and if you get some designs Ill try to get something built when I get moved this summer.

JD

 

[Schwarttzy]

Also, out of curiosity, what do you charge for your rock rails?

I charge $590 + shipping for them.

As for my skids, I wanted to do aluminum too but to get it thick enough to do the job is expensive and was turning into more of a pain.

 

[frumaker]

Schwarttzy, I'm glad u don't mind if people copy ur design on the sliders. I followed the general design and changed some things and it worked out great. Pretty cheap build too


FRU

 

[Schwarttzy]

Schwarttzy, I'm glad u don't mind if people copy ur design on the sliders. I followed the general design and changed some things and it worked out great. Pretty cheap build too

Ya I don't mind at all. All I care about is that we actually make some progress to remedy the feeling Jeepers have towards use. (I blame Chrome parts, and people that bought Hummers with no intentions of ever wheeling them)

Any chance you got some photos of them?

 

[frumaker]

Ya I don't mind at all. All I care about is that we actually make some progress to remedy the feeling Jeepers have towards use. (I blame Chrome parts, and people that bought Hummers with no intentions of ever wheeling them)

Any chance you got some photos of them?

FRU

 

[Schwarttzy]

awesome

 

[JDstagg]

Schwarttzy, I agree.. I dont understand the animosity toward fellow wheelers. I mean sure some of my buddies make fun of me for getting rid of the Jeeps and getting into an H3 but realistically I used them both for the same purpose plus now my wife will actually ride around with me. As for the skids and rock rails thanks for the price and advice on the thickness. I will look around and see if I can find some stuff out this next month while I am up at my buddy's place in Va. Maybe I can get soemthing designed or built during this school I have to go to. I appreciate the help.