Upgrading shocks and leveling for 35"s

[Waldo]

Since I picked up my '09 H3T Alpha last October I've been aching to get my new wheels, some 35"s and get it leveled out. Problem is the time is here and I'm stuck choosing what to run for a 35" tire and which shock to run. I'm trying to decide between the General Grabber(black sidewall) or Nitto Trail Grapplers: both 35x12.50, price on the Nitto's is around $200-300 more BUT the Grabbers are limited supplies everywhere, but also 20-30kgs lighter per tire. Add in the fact that 75% of my driving (daily driver) is pavement or washboarded hard-packed dirt and gravel country roads.

So there's the tire question, Nitto Trail grappler or General Grabber?



As for shocks I'm deciding between Bilstein 5100's or Bilstein remote resevior 5160 shocks in the front? My 3T arrived with yellow Bilstein HD's in the rear, so I'll be upgrading the rear to 5100's when I can but I'm in no rush.

Shock question, Bilstein 5100 or remote resevior 5160's?





Any reviews, opinions or recommendations? I've left Toyo M/Ts out (I know they're similar to the Nitto carcass wise) but the retailer that sells them and I don't get along.....at all. I'm HEAVILY leaning towards the Grabbers and the 5160's because of the roads I drive, but wondering if the shocks might be overkill?

[Bmszondi]

The one thing I have heard about the grabbers lacking in is the sidewall protection as they are more of a baja tire, all depending on if or what kind of off roading are looking at doing

[Khamul]

My two cents....



I ripped my billsteins off after only one year!! GARBAGE!! I just put rancho's on all round and couldn't be happier...



I don't personally like nitto mud grapplers as they tend to have a lot of side slide.... A lot!

I'll be replacing my km2's in the fall with either dynapro mt's or Goodyear mtr's.....

[Sugarphreak]

Not sure what to recommend for tires, my Toyo's are REALLY heavy... I noticed a loss in mileage and power on the highway when they went on. I've learned to deal with it, although I am rocking a manual transmission which makes it easier to compensate. I would imagine the Nitto tires are similar in weight as they are also made by Toyo.



I'd recommend going Rancho, my suspension has been unbelievably good on my H3T since I went that route.



A quick clip of some trails I was flying down... it was soaking up bumps like nothing and the truck was riding super smooth with great control.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsNeKp6mj4Q[/media]

[Bmszondi]

Phreak thats crazy, ive noticed little to no mileage loss with putting my toyos on. I guess it could really have something to do with the amount of stop and go traffic in the big city compared to here in medicine hat.



Also I finally just got levelled and Im wondering also what shock to go with. Id really like the rancho rs9000xl cause of the adjustability, but according to rancho they only come in stock height and 4" lifted...

[johnnyspikesH3]

Check out theses . They do a great job at a great price . 2 inch front exstended for leveling . Compared to BilStein at $89+ for 1 . I run them and so does John Beattie . They even have their scratch and dent . If you want even cheaper price . They perform awesome . http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=s ... heZidNSR8w

[Bmszondi]

[quote name='johnnyspikesH3' timestamp='1335725571' post='36498']

Check out theses . They do a great job at a great price . 2 inch front exstended for leveling . Compared to BilStein at $89+ for 1 . I run them and so does John Beattie . They even have their scratch and dent . If you want even cheaper price . They perform awesome . http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=s ... heZidNSR8w

[/quote]



Awesome thanks!! I take it youre running the nitros for that price?

[johnnyspikesH3]

[quote name='Bmszondi' timestamp='1335727643' post='36499']

Awesome thanks!! I take it youre running the nitros for that price?

[/quote]

Actually i did a Boo boo when i ordered them through National 4wd . I ordered the Hydro shocks by accident . It was my bad so when they arrived . I just grabbed them. They are great shocks , firm and controlled . So i can just imagine the Nitro shocks . Have you lifted ( cranked your torsion bars yet ?) I have mine cranked , but i have been curious to see the comparison between cranking them and a kit . So i will be doing a comparison soon . I ordered the Rough Country H3 leveling kit . They dont change keys they use your own with a spacer and rear shackles for the back . I should get it tomorrow UPS tracking said . Also the kit is $69 dollars . How can you beat that ?? I think my cost in total after tax , duty etc .Is around $89 dollars . So stand by for true comparisson . Also in this kit Rough country states 33's i spoke with them when i ordered they said yes 35 easy . It was a corporate decision when they did the add . Also as for National 4wd there mechanics are good but their rep customer services guys dont call you back you have to call them for updates .. JMO . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id8LrtJNieQ

[Bmszondi]

Ya I just leveled mine on Friday by cranking them! I was only 35s stocks with no rubbing. So you should have no problem with the rough country kit! Thanks

[H3Luxembourg]

Hey did you think about the Coopers STT? I run them 315/75R16 and i'm glad <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... lleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='::)' />