Upgrade Steering and Suspensions Parts

[citiboy]

All the parts that i've ordered came in.....i'm goin' to install 'em this weekend.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3914.jpg

Here's the parts list:
ARP exhaust manifold stud kit
AC Delco exhaust manifold gasket
Exhaust manifold donut
Torsion bar bracket support bushings
Cognito steering support kit
Cognito front stabilizer link kit
Cognito upper control arm kit
AC Delco rear stabilizer links
Moog inner and outer tie-rods
Bilstein front and rear shocks
Bilstein steering stabilizer

I have to deal with the broken exhaust manifold bolts on rear passenger side. Hopefully it'll come out without a fight .

Next mods will be to re-gear the front and rear diffirential with yukon gears 4.88 and also install front eaton e-lockers .

[Hellz]

wow... thats going to be a fun weekend for you..

[citiboy]

yeah, hopefully it's goin' to be a smooth install.....the only things that worries me is that pesky broken manifold bolts :mad:.

Did you ever replaced your torsion key support bracket bushings...mine's are welded to the frame and i have to drill new holes for the replacement parts. When i replaced my TB keys, i've noticed the bushings so loose and caused clunking when suspension flexes.

[tyler1bo]

Wow..That's a beautiful sight. haha. But hard work!

[citiboy]

Wow..That's a beautiful sight. haha. But hard work!

LOL....btw, how do you like your rancho steering stabilizer? i'm tempting to get that but go with the bilstein instead, hopefully i made a good choice.

[tomp]

You will want to add the cognito limiting straps to go with those control arms and shocks as this setup will cause front arms to hang on upper ball joint rather than the shock as the limiter, which casues premature ball joint failure. straps will cure it

[citiboy]

You will want to add the cognito limiting straps to go with those control arms and shocks as this setup will cause front arms to hang on upper ball joint rather than the shock as the limiter, which casues premature ball joint failure. straps will cure it

Thanks tomp, this is a great info...i'll install it next time :D .

[pdxrealtor]

Nice parts list and ya... Fun weekend ahead of you.

Start with something you know will be easy to conquer and get your momentum going for those busted mani bolts.

Not sure if you read my header post but I had a stud remover. Took two turns on the stud and it snapped a second time.

[citiboy]

Nice parts list and ya... Fun weekend ahead of you.

Start with something you know will be easy to conquer and get your momentum going for those busted mani bolts.

Not sure if you read my header post but I had a stud remover. Took two turns on the stud and it snapped a second time.

Thanks for the heads-up bro, i have all the tools that needed as i'm an auto technician by trade (master tech at honda). Yes, i saw your post on broken manifold bolts....hopefully mine wouldn't give me a hard fight.

One thing though, can you check your torsion bar support bracket bushings if it's welded to the frame....mine is and it's loose....it's kinda stupid move from gm though.....now, i have to drill holes to install the replacement parts.

[pdxrealtor]

I'll check.... ASAP. What wasn't a stupid move by GM?

[citiboy]

I'll check.... ASAP. What wasn't a stupid move by GM?

Thanks...LOL!

[SummitUp]

Those Moog Tie Rods don't look any beefier than OEM TR's.

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=54032&stc=1&d=1345822805

If you do any amount of serious off-roading you might want to upgrade to something like <THESE> (http://dmaxstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23_173_137&products_id=377).

You will want to add the cognito limiting straps to go with those control arms and shocks as this setup will cause front arms to hang on upper ball joint rather than the shock as the limiter, which casues premature ball joint failure. straps will cure it
Tom, good to see you over here! Thanks for the reminder on the straps, I really need to get a pair of those. I've been lucky so far, been wheeling with the Cognito UCA's for quite a while now, but the ball joints don't seem to have suffered any.

[tomp]

Good advice on the TRs Summit! Moog makes good stuff but those TRs look weak like OEM.

Even highway miles will wear those ball joints early without the straps. Of course mines a daily driver so I see the early failures more than most and Im running their uniballs.

[citiboy]

Summit, i went with the Moog tie-rods because of one thing....these will act as a fusible links on the steering. If i install a stronger tie-rods, something will give down the line. It's easier to replace the tie-rods especially on the trails. Recently, i busted my RF inner half-shaft....luckily a friend of mine had a spare and i replaced it on the trail....imagine if the half-shaft didn't give, the next in-line is the diffirential. I replaced it with Cardone Select and i never had any problem yet.

Thanks for the suggestions though :D .

[tomp]

If Summit adhered the the Fusable Link principal, he wouldnt last 5 minutes on the trails he wheels on. The H2 tie rods are severely under sized compared to the strength of the rest of the steering components. In fact, you can buy the strongest tie rods you can find an they will still be the first thing to give out. As far as the front diff goes, all of diffs I have heard of breaking had OEM shafts and I have yet to hear of an H2 front diff give out on the trail. Maybe some have & I haven't heard of it. All of the ones I have heard about have been on the street. The later model H2 front diffs 04+ have proven to Hold up very well. So well that I plan to install the Unbreakable RCV shafts. The reason the OEM and Cardone shafts break easily is because the outer metal housing is softer than the hardened ball bearings. This causes the bearing to peen the housing with small indentions over time. You never know what will cause them to break, might be something rediculous when they let go.

[citiboy]

Well, got a 45min. spare time and installed rear shocks and stab links...only thing that bother me are the grease fitting on the links....hopefully rocks wont shear them.

http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3923.jpg

[citiboy]

tomp, thanks for the great info as always, for now, i'll see if this TR would hold for the type of trails we do here....i actually almost bought the DMAX rods.

We have one H2 front diff grenade on the trail and his oem half-shaft we're perfectly OK. Don't know how what happened though.

[pdxrealtor]

I peeked under the truck and yes, my bushings are welded also.

[citiboy]

I peeked under the truck and yes, my bushings are welded also.

Thanks bro...... while in there, did you checked if the bushings are loose? you might be surprise what you find.

[pdxrealtor]

No, but I will. I was just taking a quick peek for ya.

How do you tell if they're loose?

[H2ummer]

All good stuff. I did most of that last year.

Cognito steering support kit
Cognito upper control arm kit
Rare Parts Tie Rods
Bilstein front and rear shocks
Rancho steering stabilizer
Moog Pitman and Idler

But I also added Crown Stainless Steel brake lines. No failures with those puppies.

Good luck with the install.

[citiboy]

No, but I will. I was just taking a quick peek for ya.

How do you tell if they're loose?

get a pry bar and pry it side to side....if the rubber bushings are separated from the housing then, you have a bad one. i've noticed that they we're bad when i replaced my tb keys. mine's 08 and they're needed to be replace :rant: .

[citiboy]

All good stuff. I did most of that last year.

Cognito steering support kit
Cognito upper control arm kit
Rare Parts Tie Rods
Bilstein front and rear shocks
Rancho steering stabilizer
Moog Pitman and Idler

But I also added Crown Stainless Steel brake lines. No failures with those puppies.

Good luck with the install.

Thanks, how do you like the overall ride of the Bilstein? i can't tell yet the ride quality of mine 'coz i only installed the rear.

Crown brake lines are definitely on my to do list :)

[[__--MUD--__]]

Talking about tie rods...Here is something i'm working on-

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/2012-08-079510-56-5395630.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/2012-08-099512-32-1695402.jpg

My chromoly centerlink, idler and pitman should be showing up soon. Machine shop didn't follow my directions on the splines, had to redo it. :twak:

[SummitUp]

Summit, i went with the Moog tie-rods because of one thing....these will act as a fusible links on the steering. If i install a stronger tie-rods, something will give down the line. It's easier to replace the tie-rods especially on the trails.
As Tomp said, you can buy the strongest tie rods you can find and they still will be the first thing to give out, as there really is "nothing down the line" that will give way before even the strongest TR does. Sure it's easy to replace the TR's on the trail, but it's still no fun and you will be doing that more often than you like!

Here a video of our friend Alec losing a tie rod on a very easy trail here in Colorado, shows how easy it is to break an OEM style TR:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxrdwXXat14

Recently, i busted my RF inner half-shaft....luckily a friend of mine had a spare and i replaced it on the trail....imagine if the half-shaft didn't give, the next in-line is the diffirential. I replaced it with Cardone Select and i never had any problem yet..
Oh yeah, I've been there, done that. Last time was in Moab, and guess what? The half shaft I grenaded was a Cardone Select! Nothing is bullet proof, and IMO the Cardones are no stronger than OEM's.

[citiboy]

Summit, i always thought about the weakest link in the system, easier and cheaper when it need replacements. You and tomp really changing how i viewed this especially with our trucks. I only install the Cardone Select because it's cheaper than oem and i read somewhere that it was a good choice for cranked tb keys to prevent vibrations above 70mph.

On the other hand, did you ever fix or are you still having issues on the cognito steering support bracket, i found your thread on the other forum. I hope that i won't have any rubbing issues after i've install mine.

I'm all open to suggestions especially from you guys that knows H2 more than me and more experienced off-roaders. I think this is we're a good forum shines. Hat's off to you both.

Keep 'em comin' :D

[tomp]

That was likely me that reported cardones have less vibration with cranked TBs above 70mph. It was very clear they are smoother when cranked.

[citiboy]

That was likely me that reported cardones have less vibration with cranked TBs above 70mph. It was very clear they are smoother when cranked.

Maybe that's why i never have vibrations at highway speeds.

Did you ever have problems or replaced your torsion key support bracket bushings?

[tyler1bo]

LOL....btw, how do you like your rancho steering stabilizer? i'm tempting to get that but go with the bilstein instead, hopefully i made a good choice.

To be honest I'm really not noticing a great difference over stock. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the Bilstein at all, they make great shocks. I think the only way you could really tell a difference either way is if you got dual stabilizers.

[citiboy]

To be honest I'm really not noticing a great difference over stock. I don't think you'll be disappointed in the Bilstein at all, they make great shocks. I think the only way you could really tell a difference either way is if you got dual stabilizers.

Thanks for the update :)

[tomp]

Never had an issue with that bushing

Bilstein stabilizer will be fine. However, upgrading to an aftermarket one is still questionable on an H2 as most folks upgrade before ever experiencing a need to - over the stock stabilizer. Once you lose your steering while offroading, you will wonder if upgrading the stabilizer to a stiffer unit made matters worse.

[citiboy]

Is it only me that having bad tb key support bracket bushings :mad:

I don't have any problems with the stock steering stabilizer. When i saw my stock steering stabilizer that rusted (not leaking yet), i thought, i'm upgrading the steering anyway, so it's time to replace it at the same time and have a spare for the trails :D.

[SummitUp]

Summit, i always thought about the weakest link in the system, easier and cheaper when it need replacements. You and tomp really changing how i viewed this especially with our trucks. I only install the Cardone Select because it's cheaper than oem and i read somewhere that it was a good choice for cranked tb keys to prevent vibrations above 70mph.

On the other hand, did you ever fix or are you still having issues on the cognito steering support bracket, i found your thread on the other forum. I hope that i won't have any rubbing issues after i've install mine.

I'm all open to suggestions especially from you guys that knows H2 more than me and more experienced off-roaders. I think this is we're a good forum shines. Hat's off to you both.

Keep 'em comin' :D
Citiboy, I assume the thread your referring to was on the H-u-m-m-e-r-X forum? <LINK> (http://tinyurl.com/8t2gfhz)

I started the Same Thread (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34586) here on Elcova as well (and I see the photos that I linked from the H-u-m-m-e-r-X site don't show anymore. Elcova has since instigated a policy of not allowing links to other Hummer sites, total BS if you ask me, but as you see from the link above there are ways around this!). The problem your referring to was not seen by everyone, and we finally concluded that the reason for it was that there were differences in the actual castings of the steering knuckles (and perhaps LCA's) due to different production runs from different subs who provided the parts to GM. This also explained why some had rubbing issues with 37" tires and some did not.

At any rate at that time I solved the problem (for myself at least) with the modification of adjustable turn limit bump stops. But this is all moot for me at this point as I have replaced all the OEM steering components with a custom Hydro-Assist steering upgrade.

[tomp]

I have replaced all the OEM steering components with a custom Hydro-Assist steering upgrade.

...of which we are still awaiting pics:dancingbanana:

[SummitUp]

...of which we are still awaiting pics:dancingbanana:
OK, asked and answered! :D

As shown in This Post (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=70808&postcount=12) from This Thread (http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=455) from way back in 2004. Can't take credit for the design, I purchased this from Hummie2 about a year ago when he sold his H2. Best upgrade ever for my Deuce! :perfect10s:

OEM steering components shown at bottom of photo, replaced by Hydro-Assist components shown at the top:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9759&stc=1&d=0

[citiboy]

Wow, that's some serious steering upgrades...man, if i know these upgrades before i bought my steering parts...i'm gonna get this instead. Well, this goin' to be on my many upgrades to do list. Can you tell me some of your experience on this set-up.

[Hellz]

']Talking about tie rods...Here is something i'm working on-

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/2012-08-079510-56-5395630.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh300/__--MUD--__/H2/2012-08-099512-32-1695402.jpg

My chromoly centerlink, idler and pitman should be showing up soon. Machine shop didn't follow my directions on the splines, had to redo it. :twak:


i had looked into creating or buyign TR's like that, but being in a a state with harsh winters (Minnesota) it is advisable to not go with something like that as the winter grime will chew through the poly bushings on destroy those TRs pretty quick.

instead i went with the Kyrptonight TRs, and havent looked back.
Hell, they sent me some upgraded ends before i deployed and i havent gotten them on yet. guess there was a recall on the ends awhile back.

i cant really comment on the Bilstien shocks. I have them installed for awhile now.
They are great, but i have my T bars cranked, so my ride is pretty stiff.
i do notice i dont get alot of bouncing when i hit potholes or bumps.
I think if i was to buy new ones, i would go with adjustable ones though without a doubt.


I liek that setup, and i remember the pics of that when it was floating around here. would love to throw that in my duece, but it (looks) is a total overhaul, relocation of the steering components.

[[__--MUD--__]]

Michigan here....more salt on the roads than snow. But I already thought of what you said. I have rubber boots to keep all the **** out and seal them full of grease. Problem solved.

[citiboy]

I just finished installing the Cognito steering support bracket and i when i tested it....they we're both touching the cross member at full lock....can anybody tell me if this is normal:mad:.

Cognito pitman arm bracket touching the cross member when full lock.
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3946.jpg

Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcC9pop6VPg&list=UU3oul2x-TppNQMJNrdM6sUQ&index=2&feature=plcp

Cognito idler arm bracket touching the cross member when full lock.
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3952.jpg

Here's the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qjoblqML28&feature=share&list=UU3oul2x-TppNQMJNrdM6sUQ

[pdxrealtor]

Mine does the exact same thing, although it's hard to tell if it's to that extent.

One thing I did read from a guy who sells these kits on another forum, and it's hard to tell from your pics/video, is that the nut closest to the eyelet should be cinched up tight against the eyelet. At that point the last thing to tighten up would be the bolt on the other side of the bracket.

When I tightened this last nut it actually pulled the bracket in toward the eyelet.

If I remember, it was contradicting to the instructions but made sense when done.

The other part of importance was to make sure the eyelet was nice and centered on the ball, which it appears from your pics, you've done.

[[__--MUD--__]]

Maybe summit up will post some details on his adjustable steering stops to eliminate that.

[citiboy]

Well, just finished installing everything (except the torsion key support bracket bushings), goin' to the alignment shop tomorrow. I've notice that my suspensions we're a little softer now even with the cranked tb keys as compare with stock shocks , the ride we're definitely smoother. The steering we're tighter and i don't feel any more looseness. I think the upgrade we're definitely worth it. Next is the re-gearing and front e-locker :D

Cognito UCA
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3973.jpg

Bilstein 5100 shocks http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3974.jpg

Moog Problem Solver inner and outer tie-rods
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3975.jpg

Broken passenger side (rear) manifold bolt
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3976.jpg

Removing the passenger exhaust manifold broken bolt
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3977.jpg

That pesky broken exhaust manifold bolt
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3979.jpg

ARP stainless studs and AC Delco exhaust manifold gasket
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3980.jpg

ARP stainless steel stud kit installed
http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq224/barako13/Hummer%20H2%20Steering%20and%20Suspensions%20Parts /IMG_3981.jpg

[pdxrealtor]

Nice pics!

Nice to know your shocks aren't as firm as the stockers either. I got the Rancho 9000 adjustable and even at firm they felt softer than factory.

I really liked the firm factory ride. In fact, it was one of the main deciding factors in buying the hummer over a couple of other large SUVs.

My Ranchos did firm a bit after a few miles. Let us know if your Bilsteins do the same!

Congrats on your upgrades!

[Hellz]

i like those ARP bolts.
im dreading the day i break anothe bolt.. i know im going to be bitching and moaning the whole time i rip apart everything, and i wont use the GM bolts either. that will prolly be when i get new headers...

broke it to the wife not too long ago that i need new tires, and thats what the $$$ is my savings acct was for... ya she isnt pleased.. so it will have to wait for the headers

[Bimmer9938]

D-max tie rods on my rig.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/470731_357750847618295_236118984_o.jpg

[citiboy]

I'll see if i can break these tie-rods, hopefully NOT....then i'll install those heavy duty tie-rods.....there's nothing wrong with my oem rods and i haven't break one yet...my H2 has 52,000 hard miles....i changed the rods for preventive maintenance and have a spare for the trails at the same time ;) .

Well, the alignment was done and the truck drives like it used to compare to the oem shocks....it rides softer and smoother now even with the cranked keys.....i think the Bilstein shocks we're softer than oem and the Cognito uca contribute for this also. For now, i'm very happy with the mods and this week i will put it to the test....a hard test :D .

Next mods will be installing the Yukon 4.88 front and rear gears and Eaton front e-lockers :D .

[SummitUp]

']Maybe summit up will post some details on his adjustable steering stops to eliminate that.
Details with pics are on the thread I started on the H-u-m-m-e-r-X forum back in 2008: <LINK> (http://tinyurl.com/8t2gfhz)

[SummitUp]

I'll see if i can break these tie-rods, hopefully NOT....then i'll install those heavy duty tie-rods.....there's nothing wrong with my oem rods and i haven't break one yet...my H2 has 52,000 hard miles....i changed the rods for preventive maintenance and have a spare for the trails at the same time ;) .

For now, i'm very happy with the mods and this week i will put it to the test....a hard test :D .

Looking good citiboy! Be sure to post pics of your bent/ broken tie rod(s)!:jump:

[citiboy]

Looking good citiboy! Be sure to post pics of your bent/ broken tie rod(s)!:jump:

Thanks man, yes, i'll definitely post pics if i do break them :giggling: .

[SummitUp]

If you don't break 'em, your not wheeling hard enough!! :D :D :D

[citiboy]

If you don't break 'em, your not wheeling hard enough!! :D :D :D

Hahahahaha....good one bro, i'll try to wheel really hard to break 'em :giggling:

[citiboy]

Finished wheeling last week....broke my RF half-shaft AGAIN on the way home in the highway....WTF??? This time is the outer Cardone Select. I think, the outer bearing cage cracked when i did some rock crawlin' and finally let go on the highway. No broken tie-rods though :giggling: . Man, i wish that RCV half-shaft was not that expensive....:mad:

Here's some pics :D
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42907

[[__--MUD--__]]

Driving style?

Isn't the RCV lifetime warranty?

[citiboy]

']Driving style?

Isn't the RCV lifetime warranty?

I meant..... i broke the newly installed cardone select.....need to buy a new one again for a whooping $43.00 :D ....i want to get that rcv half-shaft but waaaay to expensive for me :mad: . well, time to save-up :D .

Does anybody have used EMPI half-shaft? are they any good compare to the Cardone Select?

[SummitUp]

Finished wheeling last week....broke my RF half-shaft AGAIN on the way home in the highway....WTF??? This time is the outer Cardone Select. I think, the outer bearing cage cracked when i did some rock crawlin' and finally let go on the highway. No broken tie-rods though :giggling: . Man, i wish that RCV half-shaft was not that expensive....:mad:

Here's some pics :D
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42907
Oh man, I feel your pain... Been there, done that! Also a Cardone half shaft on the right side (passenger side). I have another friend who's broken half shafts also only on the right side. He's convinced that for whatever reason the power flow through the front diff goes more to the right than to the left. I'm beginning to think there may be something to it. I'm also beginning to think we get what we pay for with these cheap Cardones, but then $2495 for a pair of RCV's Ultimate Half-Shafts (http://www.rcvperformance.com/product-details-axles.aspx?sku=H2001) is ridiculous. And if your half-shafts are unbreakable what gives next, your front diff? I'd much rather swap out a half-shaft than a differential on the trail!

[citiboy]

I called Rockauto where i bought these and they will replace it under warranty :clapping:. For now, i have the other cardone select on left and oem on the right.

I decided to stay with cardone select as it act like a fusible links to my front diff. Easier to replace 'em than the blown differential.

I ordered a set of 2" wheel spacer, i'm tired of this rubbing issues....hopefully, this would solve that problems.

Thinking of doing the 2" body lift....i have a light rubbing from full compression front and rear.