Jim,
I'm still very uncertain about moving towards an H1. Jason can tell you that I'm agonizing over which model to get and whether it'll really work for me & my situation.
I've got my opinions...but it would seem as if I'm choosing sides and knocking one vehicle over the other....so I'll proceed carefully.
The only reason for me to move towards a 1 is the offroad ability that would allow me to play hardball with some of the uglier stuff I've come up against. The more dramatic approach/departure angles would come in handy, the clearance underneath....and especially the skid-plates that can take the abuse. I'm not the least concerned about having the more impressive model or turning heads...I'm after the clearance and heavy-metal protection.
The H2 lacks clearance, we know this. I've considered the 2"-4" lift to help this, but I'm concerned about sacrificing side-slope stability...you can ask Jason about how much I tend to get sideways and get into situations where I'd be worried about anything raised. Seems to me most people run the lift entirely for looks...I'm very concerned about raising my center-of-gravity!
What I keep chasing is what I call "raising the skirt": I just want more clearance and less to get caught-up on...without sacrificing stability. The lift is not lifting the skirt...but slapping on a pair of high heels: looks hot, stable it's not! Darn if that analogy doesn't work too well
Oh yeah....I'd also lock myself out of my garage and that means plugging up my driveway and condemning the rig to a life exposed to the elements. Not to mention warranty issues, an increased height issue, decreased mpg/power, etc. I don't think the lift is the answer.
Until I saw your set-up, I didn't think an H2 could have heavy-metal protection on her bumpers. I dread dragging that rear-plastic down a rock! Just so ya know, my buddy Bill is putting together some awesome rock-rails that protrude further OUTWARD and have complete shielding (not webbing or ladders) along the side. I'll be sure to hook you up with him.
Now...as far as the 1, I don't think it would ever be more then just a weekend basher to offroad with. I doubt my wife will enjoy driving upto a weekend vacation home with 3 little kids and crammed into the passenger seat. The comfort sucks, the ergonomics blow and everything you gain in offroad performance you pay dearly for in comfort, reliability and overall practicality. Still...it's a bad-ass toy!
The solution is to have both rigs, but that just goes against my common sense. If I get a 1, it'll be a soft-top. I'll do it up 100% for offroad assualt, and I just may lift it 2" and run some 40-42" tires. E-lockers front & rear.
Yes, the lift takes it up...but it's sooooo wide that I doubt it'll compromise anything AND it'll still fit in the garage cause 1's are lower!
So these are my thoughts. Boring read...sorry.
I may just keep the 2. All these newbies and Hummer Happenings I seem to be involved with...they need to see a 2 "do it" so they know it can be done.
To make matters more interesting, that Hummmer magazine is starting to look like a reality, the club I started is up to about 200 members and my life is getting complicated!
Calgon take me away!