Mechanical Improvement Option

[MarineHawk]

Thanks everyone for all the good advice.

Originally posted by PhilD:
Considering how easy it is to wear out the Pitman/idler arms, I would seriously consider [a Cognito thingy]. Like Paragon says, I'd wait until your stock stabilier and/or shocks wear out before replacing them.

I think I'll do that. By chance, do you know where I can get one?

Originally posted by PhilD:
Add an ax.

Done.

Originally posted by PhilD:
An air tank can reseat a bead (a big ratchet strap can help sometimes), run air tools, etc, and will inflate your tires much faster. But seeing as you have already invested so much in compressors, you may just want to wait until you discover you need(ed) one.

My main thing on the air tank isn't cost (though that's always a factor); it's more space. I didn't really invest in what I have. Air comp in rear came with the H2; I got the "Power Center" with part of the credit from the dealer for leaving that atrocious spare tire cover with them when I left there with my new vehicle; the other one might be useless - it came with my old Trooper when I bought it - it weighs maybe 2 pounds. I probably should get the PowerTank, but I will wait.

Originally posted by PhilD:
... if I were to buy a brand new H2 today, I would go the same route as you [lifts, lockers, etc.], do it all in one go, no doubt about it. I wouldn't waste my time with one of those stock lowered H2's

I would too - except that I would then have to buy another vehicle to drive to work.

Originally posted by timgco:
If you are running 37's, go get the upgraded steering stabilzer (Rancho or Fabtech), this will help off road. I also have the Rancho 9000's shocks and they ROCK! Big difference IMO. When I put my 37's on the first H2, the steering wheel seemed to almost yank out of hands off road. My steering stabilizer could have been shot at that point though. Anhow, I noticed a HUGE difference. Same while cornering!

Thanks for the input. How long had you run your stock shocks before you got the Ranchos? I'll probably run my stock shocks for the remainder of the year, and then take your advice.

Originally posted by timgco:
Also, a progammer (superchips or Hypertech) helped with shifting and a slight power increase. It's also nice to have the option of plugging in your truck while out in the middle of BF Moab to see what's wrong.

I'll probably take your advice on that too, but also down the road a bit.

Originally posted by PARAGON:
Do you have a Gobi?

Same problem as with lift - parking. See above. I know they are removable, but I assume it's a PITA? I was thinking about just getting a cargo carrier to go on the cross bars for long trips, and leaving excess, non-wheeling gear at the hotel/campsite.

When I get the the Cognito steering supports, I'll have to get an allignment done - so I'll probably crank the T-bars no more than an inch then too. Then, I can spend more money later.