So nice of this thread to randomly pop up. Pleasantly surprised to see some fellow 1st gens (355) on here. Here's my 2008 GMC Canyon SLE Offroad, 3.7l, 4x4.
-Hummer H3 front suspension swap
-Colorado ZR2 CV axles
-Badlands torsion keys
-Extra leaf + lift shackles in the rear
-Bilstein 5160(front) and 5100(rear) shocks
-Mayhem Metal Works steering rack kit
-Electric dual fan conversion
-Badlands Front diff protector
-Badlands quick-disconnect sway bar link
-Homemade bed rack
-Tuff Stuff Trailhead tent
-Homemade front bumper (WIP)
-Rocktrix 17x9 RT107 wheels
-******** Cepek Trail Country EXP's in 285/70/17
Despite these vehicles' couple major drawbacks for these kinds of activities, and the complete absence of afterket support, I've been extremely impressed with how it performs. The rear end with extended shackles with lifted-H3-spec rear shocks flexes soooo good, easily on-par with stock JT's and JK's. I can upload some pics if anyone curious, but I can stuff one tire until it hits the inside of the fender liner, and drop the other tire until it's nearly completely below the bedside. And the front is impressive too, for IFS. When I did the H3 front suspension swap, I just cut the front bump stops off, because they were kinda in the way of the shocks. I intended on setting up some better ones or getting air bumps, but haven't felt the need yet. I also cut off a bit of the back corner of the diff mounts, which normally serves as the H3's droop limiter, so that the diff mounts would clear the H3 LCA nut with my dropped diff. So the H3 suspension, with both the bumpstops and droop limiters gone, and the installation of ACDelco Colorado ZR2 CV axles, has a super impressive amount of both up and down travel. I didn't take any measurements, but its easily more than double what I had with the stock suspension components (the stock suspension was pretty pathetic). Next time I have it apart I'll take some measurements. And the G80 rear locker is a much-appreciated touch from GM. Winch will be going on soon, once I get the bumper 100% done and the sylvania light pods installed.
I've been living in north MS for school, and we have to travel a bit to get to any good wheeling. Arkansas is (by far) my favorite area so far; the trails in Ozark NF are literally endless, and Hot Springs ORV Park is a freakin RIOT. I'm hoping to check out Land Between the Lakes (KY), Hawk's Pride ORV Park (AL), Windrock ORV Park (TN), and Adventure Offroad Park (TN) before I graduate next spring. I'll also be living in Michigan this summer, so I hope to check out as much of that state as I can.
If anyone is in either of these areas and wants to wheel and/or camp, hit me up!!!!
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