Looking @ buying a 2001/02 softtop

[DIRTYVEGAS]

I have a H2 and would like to get into a used H1. How is the maint. on the diesel and are there years to stay away from? Should I expect any common problems?

[Joe]

Loaded question. How do you plan to use the truck? Street? Off-Road?

Makes a huge difference on answering the maintenance question. Generally H1's are expensive on maintenance compared to an H2, etc. I've found the big challenge is in the suspension components, i.e. pitman, idlers, etc. but then again I tend to be a bit rough on the truck. I've spent the better part of the last 6 months away from the offroad scene and sure enough my maintenance costs have gone way down :)

If your looking specifically at a 2001 or 2002 there is really not all that much of a difference. 2003+ you start seeing lockers and interior upgrades. 2001+ you have TT4 which some will debate is not as good as 1997.5 trucks w.o. it for offroading.

Just a couple of points. More with more details

[DIRTYVEGAS]

Thanks, I would say 75% city and towing a 4000lb boat around and 25% off road. I am disappointed in the H2's towing capability and thought of the diesel engine.

[Joe]

does not sound like anything the H1 could not handle easily. I've never towed anything big with mine so I would defer to someone who has but given the weight you described even with a "hefty" trailer your not at a point that you would tax the H1.

[BACKNBLACK]

Again, Maint is insane. Keep in mind the 2001 has the following issues.

1- Power Door Lockouts (Fixed in 2003)
2- Exterior Marker lamps are stil recessed into the body (Fixed in 2002)
3- Wheels were 16.5 anf 17" 2 Piece Star Rims. (Later 2002's had the 2 PC Forged Beadlock Runflats Rims)
4- The Lockers are the Same 2001-2002 Detroit Mechanical Locker (2003 Eaton Electronic Loacker Takes Over :-))
5- 2001 have the 8 cyl block crack issue check the vin number to verify if it was part of the build issues 137ZA is bad :-)
6- Make sure the Geared hub seals have been changed if over 20K and the brakes are fresh (Expensive job)
7- Make sure you do not have any HVAC issues with the 2001-2002 they still had issues until 2003 (Updated GM Components in 2003)
8- Lastly where I got burned on all 3 of my H1's was the pwer steering box. It leaks but only needed a clamp replacment. make sure if it leaks you check the clamp.

Anything else you want to know please feel free to ask. If i was going to get another H1 I would not get anything besides the 03 it was the H1's best year mechanically. Those words are right out of a Hummer H1 builders mouth)

-Peter