Adding a 2" lift

[partsguy]

What kinda mechanical (suspension)problems have you had????????

[OrangeCrush]

I didn't know a 2" lift was available. I thought the only way you get a few inches was with replacing the torsion bar brackets and cranking up the pressure. (which I don't recommend just for the record)

Mark

[partsguy]

OK adding any kind of lift what should you beaware of?

[H Duece]

I just ordered a 6" lift. Was told the only thing I'd need to be concerned with was getting a steering stabilizer too.

[partsguy]

What about idler arms and pitmen arms?? possible steering gear problems?

[OrangeCrush]

Originally Posted by partsguy

OK adding any kind of lift what should you beaware of?

Honestly, other than tie rod ends, I don't see any problems. I've put almost 30K miles on mine since I installed the lift and though I did have a vibration problem (I went round and round with pinion angles... you shouldn't have to make any changes... I had to)

Other than that, I can honestly recommend Fabtech's kit (fit and ease of installation is second to none... tech support sucks)

I'm sure enough of us have installed this kit to express the same satisfaction with the end results.

Mark

[JamesT]

Originally Posted by OrangeCrush

Honestly, other than tie rod ends, I don't see any problems. I've put almost 30K miles on mine since I installed the lift and though I did have a vibration problem (I went round and round with pinion angles... you shouldn't have to make any changes... I had to)

Other than that, I can honestly recommend Fabtech's kit (fit and ease of installation is second to none... tech support sucks)

I'm sure enough of us have installed this kit to express the same satisfaction with the end results.

Mark

[timgco]

Originally Posted by PhilD

Tie rods are going to be the biggest weak point, as you'll generally be running over size tires. You can and will break half shafts while wheeling, but that is an easy fix.
Not too many negative points really.

Phil, I am still wondering if running only the 4" list with 37' will still have your rig prone to broken half shafts. I haven't broken any on other H2's with 37's yet, but does the lift increase that chance and if so can you explain why?

Thanks.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by partsguy

What about idler arms and pitmen arms?? possible steering gear problems?

steering gear seems to be an issue anyway.

Since these trucks are, at most, a little over 4 years old it's just now getting on the longevity scale. Looking at some of the HD pickups, it seems that the steering gear wears badly when the pitman and idlers do (which makes sense).

I have slop in my steering gear now and am looking to upgrade and possibly put hydraulic over. Of course, I don't have a lift but I have been running 37" MT/Rs.

Overall, the steering system, from beginning to end, on the H2 is weak. I don't know of one part aside from the airbag that is a positive.

[timgco]

Originally Posted by PARAGON

steering gear seems to be an issue anyway.


Overall, the steering system, from beginning to end, on the H2 is weak. I don't know of one part aside from the airbag that is a positive.

I think the MPG we get is positive. +12 mpg THan there's the.... ummm....the....yeah.....ya know... that one thing that never breaks ever is....... I've never broken a center council or the stock jack holder.... yet.

[h2co-pilot]

I am interested in just to see the difference in problems (if any) associated with lifts that are less than 6". I didn't know a 2" was available.

[partsguy]

Originally Posted by PhilD

There isn't a 2" lift kit avilable for the H2. Unless you count the + key and spacer hack jobs out there, which will lead to problems.

What do I know about lifts? thats why I'm asking. I don't get into things like super chargers and lifts etc we leave that to the after market people.

[Hummie2]

Here is one of the best explanations of what happens when you try and lift the front of a H2 by just cranking the torsion bars up tha I have read: http://www.norcaltruck.com/cognito-2-3.html

BTW, I see that Trailduty has these kits listed on their site.

[PARAGON]

Originally Posted by PhilD

I'm on my second steering gear and it is very sloppy. The idler pivot is the only part of my steering I have not changed at least once.

I think I want to try a new steering gear from PSC and not go back with stock. Maybe get one pre-ported for Hydro so I can add that later, after I get the whole steering figured out and beefed up.... or on top of a solid axle.

[Hummie2]

Hydro is the best way to go. I have been running a hydro setup 2+ years. Did away with my idler arm, centerlink, and stock pitman arm completely. End of problems+ I can sit still and turn 37" tires lock to lock with one finger. Completely satisified with it.