Leveling First...Cognitos Later...Any Issues?

[Sheriff]

I have spent all morning searching and researching information about leveling my '06 H3. I have come to the conclusion to just use the stock keys to level and then buy the Cognito shocks to adjust for the height difference.

I have some time in the next couple of days to work on leveling, but I don't have the shocks yet. Are there any issues driving around (no offroading during this time) with just the leveling, but no shock upgrade? Or should I just wait until the shocks arrive?

[tomp]

Only downside will be that it will be very bouncy and uncomfortable

[Sheriff]

I went ahead and made my adjustments to the torsions bars. I fugured since I had the time I would see what it would take to level my H3. Since it is easy to do, it would be easy to undo if I didn't like the ride characteristics. Turned the driver side bolt 3 1/2 turns and the passenger side 4 turns and got up to 23 3/4" (+/- 1/8") and stopped there. I like the improved look and the ride to work this morning was fine. I didn't notice any change in the ride or handling. I still plan to install the Cognitos though. Hope to get them mid to late week and install them next weekend!!

I'll post updates and pics!

[nicos]

i think alignment is very important after cranking the torsion bars.the quicker you get it done the better.as soon as you lift the front,the wheels point outwards and lean inwards,i saw the specs cos i done the alignment with my cousin and couldnt believe how much difference it makes by cranking 3.5 turns!

[Sheriff]

Thanks Nicos! I have already schedule an appointment this afternoon!!

[navigator32v]

I just received my cognito bilstiens also. I am trying to get the stock shock out but can't. It seems I am missing some part of the equation. Do you have to compress the shock or remove a cv or a-arm or something? Any help is appreciated.

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

I just received my cognito bilstiens also. I am trying to get the stock shock out but can't. It seems I am missing some part of the equation. Do you have to compress the shock or remove a cv or a-arm or something? Any help is appreciated.

Raise the front end from the crossmember so the A-arm can droop. At full droop the bottom shock bracket should be free of the A-arm.

You'll need to compress the Cognitos to fit them them on though.

[navigator32v]

Thanks for the help. I decided it was free oil change time so the dealer said they'd put htme on for me on the cheap. I put the bolts back on and I'll let them screw with it. I've put in my share of wrench time over the years and decided anything worth doing is worth paying someone else to do. (joking)

[Sheriff]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

...anything worth doing is worth paying someone else to do...

Come on...where's your "Tim The Tool Man" spirit??

My girls (wife and daughter) have plans this weekend, so I am installing the Cognitos and a Magnaflow exhaust system. Modifying my "toys" is my form of therapy! I'd rather pay someone to cut the grass, paint, wallpaper,..........

[navigator32v]

I usually put in the wrench time myself as well. Unfortunately I can't fit my truck in the garage (the boat's in the way) and Seattle weather has been 35 degrees and raining... So the shocks are on, t-bars cranked, I just need to tweak them a little and it's off to the alignment shop.

[Sheriff]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

....So the shocks are on, t-bars cranked, I just need to tweak them a little and it's off to the alignment shop.

Let us know how you like them!

I got word Friday that because of a "computer error" my Cognitos didn't ship until Thursday and not Monday as they originally said. Well, at least the Magnaflows came in and I got those on!! I guess it will be next weekend for the shock install!

[navigator32v]

I should maybe start a new thread, but I'm in a hurry. Bilstien Cognito Report:
So I got two silver shiny shocks now dressing up the otherwise subdued undercarriage. They look sweet. I haven't been to the alignment shop...yet, but scheduled for next Mon. The ride is definately stiffer in the front with the t-bars cranked up 3.5 turns +/- ea side. It is still about 1/2 - 3/4" shy of level in the front and on level ground. On road with the bilstiens still a bit rough over stock, but tolerable. Lowered bumpstops would make a huge difference in a minor amount of swaying. The nose also "lifts off" a little during launch from a stoplight, but I drive a manual and am relatively aggressive. Now the good part--Off road. Kicks A$$. Took them on some really steep rutted hillclimbs, and it seemed to track really well, fire roads are confidence inspiring (see "turning off stability assist" and "hanging the a$$ end out"). Overall, the upgrade seems to be worth the money spent, but still wish I could make the front end a little more supple on the street. Thoughts?

[Sheriff]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

.... Bilstien Cognito Report:....

Thanks for the follow-up report. I finally got my Cognitos on Tuesday. Plan to install this weekend. I will also "file" a follow-up report for comparison.

[navigator32v]

I'm interested to hear your feedback as well. Drive it like you rented it.

[Sheriff]

FINALLY installed the Cognitos this weekend. Easy install with the right tools! Also did a final adjustment on my torsion bars to level the left front with the right front. I was about 1/2" off.

Since I had gone about 3 weeks with the old shocks after leveling the front, I had a pretty good feel for how the handling / ride was with my H3. The Cognitos made a significant improvement in ride quality. Much smoother feel across uneven/rough pavement. I was "feeling" a lot through the steering wheel with the old shocks, but much improved with the Cognitos. Also, much less nose dive when hard braking. I didn't do any offroad test yet, but then I haven't done any real offroading in the last 3weeks for a comparison.

Not sure why I saw more of an improved ride than navigator32v? Maybe my original shocks were in worse shape. I did notice a little greasy/oily buildup on both of them. Maybe mine needed changing anyway, but with just 30K miles you wouldn't think so!!

I am very pleased with the quality and fitment of the Cognitos. I firmly believe these shocks are the way to go after leveling the H3. Low cost....LARGE return!!

[navigator32v]

That's good feedback. Did you notice a considerable increase in rigidity when you cranked the t-bars? Also how many turns did you go? i think i was in the 3-3.5 range. Another strange fact--slight rubbing on sway bar now with my 35's at full lock. No rubbing before.

Also I honestly am starting to wonder if the bilstiens made that much of a difference on road at all. By turning the t-bars you are increasing the torsion of the bars which should make it stiffer, a new key does the same thing as the screw just by changing the placement. The shocks increase the travel to keep from feeling "topped out" so you are in the middle of the shock travel not at the end of it. So is the stiffness of my ride normal?

[Sheriff]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

...Did you notice a considerable increase in rigidity when you cranked the t-bars? Also how many turns did you go?....

The only difference I noticed after raising the front was a more noticeable "feel" of the road through the steering wheel. It also felt like I had a little less steering control if I hit rough pavement or significant bumps. The Cognitos totally eliminated those conditions!

I turned the left side 3.5 turns and the right side 4 turns. This gave me ride heights about 3/8" - 1/2" less than the rear heights. I decided to leave it there because it is real hard to notice the difference anymore.

The biggest difference that I see with your set-up and mine is that you have the 35" tires and I still have the stock (265) tires. This could be why you notice a harsher ride than I do!?!

[navigator32v]

That's an interesting thought. I do notice a little more bumpsteer which is a common symptom of lift kits and larger tires. I would think that the tires would be more forgiving and absorbing, but maybe the opposite is true. I am happy with the look regardless, getting my alignment made a big difference in the handling. Having spent the money...I guess it's worth it, I'm not going to change it back. Plus I have an extra set of shocks around with 10,000 miles on them.

One last thought, did you install your shocks or did you have someone else install them? The dealer put mine on and I was thinking about the spacers at the top of the shock. If they were installed improperly (i.e. spacer placement) it would counteract the extended length of the shock, correct? Resulting in similar ride quality to standard.

[Sheriff]

Originally Posted by navigator32v

...One last thought, did you install your shocks or did you have someone else install them? The dealer put mine on and I was thinking about the spacers at the top of the shock. If they were installed improperly (i.e. spacer placement) it would counteract the extended length of the shock, correct? Resulting in similar ride quality to standard.

I did install mine. There is no adjustment at the top and pretty obvious how the rubber bushings/insulator and metal "washers" go. If you want, it should be pretty easy to check. Right at the top of the bellows you should be able to pull it down enough to see if the lower ones are correctly. From the top you should see a stud w/ bolt on top of the metal washer that holds the rubber bushing in place. The bushing and washer will be the mirror image below the shock mounting surface. The diagram below is of the stock set-up, but basically the same. Hope this helps!!

[navigator32v]

Thanks so much, I think everything is right, but it's worth a check.