So...I'm going to do a SOA Conversion here soon...I'll keep you all updated

[07Custom]

Hey guys, so I finally go my axle out! It was a pain trying to jack that thing up but it happened...time to actually start cutting stuff!

 

[06 H3]

Keep it up!!

 

[silvrzuki77]

My buddy just did the rancho lift on his colorado and soa the rear. He kept the stock hanger drilled a new upper hole and trimmed the bottom. Looks awesome and super clean plus free. He also drilled a new hole in the frame in the rear and made a new rear shackle.

 

[06 H3]

That's awesome!!!!! Great idea!

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

and the driveline angle was?

 

[silvrzuki77]

Whatever he set it too since he welded the perches on. Since he builds custom transmissions and third members for trophy trucks and unlimited class only sure the driveline angle is perfect.

 

[4speedfunk]

Re-drilling the stock perches had occurred to me, back when I did mine. I was hesitant because I hadn't seen it done before. But that's a nice looking job.

 

[06 H3]

Same for me...it's just the annoying small hold ups

 

[silvrzuki77]

Nice to see different options. At least we have guys not afraid to cut stuff up lol!

 

[06 H3]

were slowly getting there!

 

[4speedfunk]

For anybody that is curious about the SOA and/or a SAS front axle...Bam!...



The stance and proportions are just plain bad-a$$.

Great job Ken. Glad to see your rig is getting the improvements it deserves.

 

[06 H3]

Ken was emailing me and 4speed throughout the project with questions and concerns. Anyone else tackling this project feel free to call or email me when you need answers. Good job Ken!

As for those old ride quality to now he told me that the ride quality is much better then before and this gave him the confidence to fix his front end. Before we know it I think it will be a solid and reliable vehicle for off road use.

 

[Hans3T]

Looks like a fun, ballsy build. Enjoy it -- I'm looking forward to seeing the end result!

 

[07Custom]

Right on! Thank you 4speed for updating the thread.

I've seriously emailed 4speed over 100 times in the past 2 years and finally got the balls to do the SOA. I even called 06H3 about 3 times for help when I ran into issues. Is there a way to mail beer to people, because these 2 guys deserve it! :cheers:

 

[Bigunit]

I agree 07Custom. Keep posting updates on your SOA, as it will only help others considering this mod...including me. Thank you. :cheers:

 

[07Custom]

Honestly it isn't really that bad. I mean, the welding is the hardest part, and even then it isn't horrible. Laying on your back with molten metal burning through your clothes is a bitch! :gaah: But we shall see if this stands the test of time...I think it will! I also say go for it! There are certain little things you learn along the way. Once you grind the axle it's all good from there, the excitement builds.

Now all I need is to fix that front end!!!!! And I also need a grille guard and a roof rack. Anyone? :shifty:

Also, if I can do this, I'm sure anyone can. I have literally never done this level of work on a vehicle. It's scary, which is why it took me 2 years to do, but it was a satisfying feeling knowing that I can do what a "pro" can. Also, if anyone is doing this I'm here to give pointers too...although I'll say 4speed is an automotive genius (alright I'll stop kissing his ass already lol) and 06H3 is a really helpful intelligent guy. I give them so much credit because I was scared ****less of doing this project.

 

[Bigunit]

07Custom, I have both waiting for you. Let me know when we can meet up around Gallup, NM. This will save you on shipping. I should be having to travel there in the next month or so & am planning on driving the KIA...plenty of room for both.

 

[07Custom]

Check your inbox :thumbs:

 

[06 H3]

change your signature...Its not a "future SOA" anymore :cheers:

4speed is a genius, he helped me too and this project is a great stepping stone to fixing your front end. I didnt know much but the basics about your front end until 4speed filled me in. I dont even remember the pictures now but it seems fixable and you will start to love your H3 even more once you get that taken care of.

The big thing is buttoning up the spring over. Longer brake lines, disconnecting the abs lines from the little clips so you it can handle the added droop you will now have. Going to NAPA auto and getting thicker o rings so the diff fluid doesnt leak from the abs hole and bumpstops then a driveshaft.

Brakelines: Crown performance. They dont have H3 ones online but they do if you call. They will ask you if you want all 3 sets (front, top of axle to the hard brake lines, and at the axle to the rear caliper) You want the top of the axle ones, I would say 5-6in over stock.

ABS lines: Use a flat head screwdriver and pop the clip open, then let the line hang you can run up to where it plugs in and see you can pull it down further. You dont want to rip those, they arent cheap IIRC. I havent ripped one but I remember checking. Why spend extra money for no reason. lol

O rings: On the ABS sensor you will see an o ring, bring it to napa (take a different car so you dont lose diff fluid) and get the exact size but fatter.

Bumpstops: you have two options you can cut off the ears and move the bumpstop lower with a bracket or build a taller bracket and plate on top of the spring plate. you want to "bump it" with the yellow bumpstop fully compressed and with the spring flat.

Then the driveshaft...

I would say its drivable but the concerns are for wheeling. The easiest are brake lines, o rings and abs mounts. All of those can be done cheap and easy. I would start there and do the bumpstops and driveshaft after.

 

[RamRod]

O rings: On the ABS sensor you will see an o ring, bring it to napa (take a different car so you dont lose diff fluid) and get the exact size but fatter.

When I called the dealer to talk to them about the leaking fluid they said it was all one unit and the O ring couldn't be replaced on a stand alone basis.... never trust a dealer I tell you... any pics of the process, I might have to do this this weekend because this is driving me crazy having a tiny bit of fluid leaking!

 

[06 H3]

are you ****ing kidding me?!?! you take the o ring off and put a new one on...its not one unit.

if you pull out the sensor you see the o ring take it off and go to napa and ask them to take out the little o ring box they have. Then match em up and make sure its the same diameter but thicker.

 

[RamRod]

Ha! Sounds simple enough!