What to avoid in a used H1?

[MAC]

There are certain years or models to avoid with many used autos.
Example, you don't want Jaguar sedan before '96 pre-Ford models. Avoid older model S500 pre-2000 or 2001. MB avoid anything above 75K miles(or 50K). As I started looking into H1, I saw gas engine, diesel engine, HT or open top or wagon. I know I need a wagon and I know I want black only. I know to avoid military conversion.

Is there anything or any years to avoid if you are buying a used H1?
Gas or diesel?
What's the maximum miles you find acceptable?
Is there any basic guideline to price/year? example, 3 yrs old should be $XXK.

[MAC]

There are certain years or models to avoid with many used autos.
Example, you don't want Jaguar sedan before '96 pre-Ford models. Avoid older model S500 pre-2000 or 2001. MB avoid anything above 75K miles(or 50K). As I started looking into H1, I saw gas engine, diesel engine, HT or open top or wagon. I know I need a wagon and I know I want black only. I know to avoid military conversion.

Is there anything or any years to avoid if you are buying a used H1?
Gas or diesel?
What's the maximum miles you find acceptable?
Is there any basic guideline to price/year? example, 3 yrs old should be $XXK.

[Joe]

Mac.

Here is a link to a good article on looking at pre-owned H1's

http://www.amghummer.com/features/gas_vs_diesel.html

This site is also an excellent reference for H1 info.

Be carefull when looking at pre 97.5 H1's and if possible get a truck with a factory warranty.

Hope it helps.

2001 H1 Opentop

Former 03 H2 Adventure Series

http://homepage.mac.com/babiak1/

[1BADH2]

I heard to stay away from '95 and down due to ****ty hvac systems.( I think) Also you have to get the turbo diesel or you wont get out of your own way.

[Black H1]

I would definitely make certain that the maintanace book is present and stamped. With H1's prior to 03 the 12000 mile maintenance needs to be performed or the warranty will be voided. This maintenance check generally costs around 1500.00. I would ask to see the maintenance records and that all of the work was done by a reputable dealer

[JSA_3]

Mac
Definitely go for a post 97.5, and I agree w/Black H1

Mine had 12k when I bought it (Nov '03) and all documentation up to that point. I had the 12k maintenance done for $1,200 - - all checked out O.K.

----------
'02 HMCO

[Axleman]

From an offroaders viewpoint:

It depends on what you are going to use it for.
97.5, 98, and 03 are pretty much the best years, unless you find an earlier truck with the updated HVAC. For offroading, the 99-02 trucks with ABS/TT4 usually do not do as well as the earlier models (hence '03 with electric locker). For offroading use the 94-96 with the 6.5NA diesel is probably best. Remember the KISS rule. The 6.5 non turbo is a mechanical engine, no electronics and is pretty reliable, but slow on the big road. You don't miss the power in most offroad scenarios, however. No ABS, no TT4 traction control (yeah, right). In terrain like we have around here, it's usually the old trucks that end up strapping the newer ones over the obstacles.

Scot Smith
1994 HMC4, Locked
"They're right, Wider IS Better..."
Southern Axle & Steering (http://www.southernaxle.com)Remanufactured Driveline & Steering Parts for Hummers

[Buckeye Hummer]

Axle,

I've heard this same info from many, in fact I've gone out with various years and see an '01 not get up an obstacle that I was able to do quite effortlessly with the rear locker. It makes a BIG difference. I plan to add the front locker too but have some concerns about breakage in the front. What is your experience on this?

[alecs wife]

Buck, Why not the front locker?? It will be standard on all 04' models with the off road package. What would be the difference for your truck?

R2

Front Locker, Stealth winch, 37" Super Swampers SSR,low center of gravity = Ultimate H2

[Buckeye Hummer]

R2, So far I've been able to get over everything I've encountered with the rear locker and BTMing the front, however, the day will come that I need it in a BAD WAY!
Also, a friend of mine has a front locker in his soft top and says he can't steer when engaged AT ALL. I know this isn't much of an issue but most of the obstacles I've had a little difficulty with required a turn of some sort. I plan to check on the front locker this week, I just want to be sure I do it right. Breakin' up is hard to do!

Sidenote: My MTR's look like Sh%t! I've ground through so much dry rock and steep slopes. I gotta take a pic and show you guys the carnage on these tires.

Damn, one more thing. I LOVE my rear E Locker. It's just incredible how effortlessly this thing works. What a great piece of engineering.

[Axleman]

I use an auto locker in the rear of mine, similar to a Detroit. It unlocks rather easily for turns, but when I need it, it's on and locked without buttons and the associated wiring that goes with it. I'll be putting one in the front in a couple of weeks. I expect steering to be affected somewhat, but still driveable.

The biggest potential problem with having an Eaton in the front is if the thing gets stuck in lock mode. Just hope that you're pointed in the direction you want to go! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Scot Smith
1994 HMC4, Locked
"They're right, Wider IS Better..."
Southern Axle & Steering (http://www.southernaxle.com)Remanufactured Driveline & Steering Parts for Hummers

[Buckeye Hummer]

Axle,

Hmmm, how much are you looking at for a front locker? I just talked to Mike at cerritos and he said 5k labor and parts for Hummer's version but the bad news is he said it would be hard to get one because all the inventory is being installed in the '04's. He said Eaton has a version coming out soon.

[Axleman]

Well, it won't be so bad for me because this is what I do in my business. Eaton is supposed to have a retrofit kit for the E Locker in the not-TOO-distant future. I have to say that $5k sounds pretty steep. Should be around half that for an ELocker. The Detroits and Aussies that we do run around $1400 exchange (not counting your install cost, but they are pretty easy to put in.) ARB Air lockers run about $2k.

Scot Smith
1994 HMC4, Locked
"They're right, Wider IS Better..."
Southern Axle & Steering (http://www.southernaxle.com)Remanufactured Driveline & Steering Parts for Hummers