2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I am looking to lift my truck. But I dont want a 4inch or 6 inch lift. I just want a little bit of lift. Somewhere around 2 inches. Anyway I have a couple of questions and thought I would post my plan and see what you guys think.

Front End:
Currently the front end is all stock. I was thininking of cranking the T-Bars for another 1 1/2 - 2 inches for height.

But how far is the max I can crank for height before I max it out? I want to be sure that I can leave at least 1 full inch of upward motion if not more before whe arms hit the bump stops

Also how far can i lift without putting too much stress on the CV's and Tierods??? Is an 1 1/2 - 2 inches really going to stress them that much more??

I would also probubly get new shocks as well. I am currently running the original ones so im sure after the adjustment they would be rendered usless pretty quickly??

Back End:
I currently HAVE factory Air ride.

I was thinking I would really like the truck to ride at its extened ride height all the time in the rear with the possibility to raise it yet another 2-3 inches when pressing the ride height button on the dash.

I have some questions about that:
Can I just adjust the height sensors to make it ride higher and trick the computer?? Then press the button and get another 2 inches??
My gut tells me this will not work as the bags will not expand that far.

I was really thinking of placing a hockey puck under the air bag to help with this.

If raising this high, am I staring to change the geometry of the rear end too much. Trailing Arms? Drive Shaft? Brake Lines?

Any insite would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Eric

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

When I had my '03 H2, I installed the fabtech 6" kit. It was an excellent product but unfortunately along with a liftkit went bigger tires, different gears and supercharger.

Too much for my daily driver...

Having said that, last week I picked up an '06 SUT. I installed the torsion keys and raised the truck up 2 1/2". With a 2" taller tire, that raised the truck up an add'l 1".

3 - 3 1/2" inches was perfect for what I was looking to accomplish. Here's a pic of before and after.





The best part is the ride.... virtually unchanged.

Mark

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I just did the Truxxx lift kit on my 08 H2 sut. It is a 2"-3" in front with different keys and shock extenders and in the rear it is 1.25" coil spacers.. Took about an hour and a half to install and am very happy with the kit. It was $315.00 shipped.

Bill

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Well the hard part for me is the Rear End Lift. I have Air Ride. I want to keep its functionality. I need to find out if there are spacers for the air bags.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Looks Great Mark! Are those 37" Toyo MT's?

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

You might also look into the 2-3" cognito lift. I am also looking to go this route.

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I not really a fan of the cognito kit. The reality is you can use the OE upper A-Arms and just have it aligned unless you want to push the front end to the max. I am not looking to go all the way with the front end. Just up a little. Also the rear end is where I have more questions than anything. I am going to call Travis over at Rubber Duck as he may know more about what to do in the rear.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

"to the max".......that's exactly what I intend to do and run 40"s

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I'd like to impart some valuable info to anyone who wants to do the torsion bar lift. IMO it's a waste of money to pay $267 for the <Truxx Torsion Bar Keys> with the shock extender brackets when for $44 ($22 each) you can buy the same keys from <gmparts direct>. Just order GM Part # 15592573.

With the money you save, you can buy quality Bilstein shocks which are longer and do away with the shock extenders. it's a much better way to go IMO.

Here's a photo I took which shows the difference between the OEM stock key on the H2 compared to the GM Part # 15592573.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Please post up when you find out. I may want to do this as well, and while you are at it run 38s just to make sure i can as well ;).

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

SummitUp......I agree with you 100%. If all someone is looking to do is crank the t-bars, then the keys you mentioned above from GM and some longer shocks is the way to go.

However, if you want to gain 2-3" of lift, with better articulation, alignment, etc. than I think the kit I mentioned from Cognito is the way to go.

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I couldn't agree more. I raised my front end a full 3" to accommodate the 37" KM2's. If the front end is cranked a full 3" and the OEM UCA isn't replaced with the Cognito UCA, the premature contact of the metal to metal bump stop on the OEM UCA's will create a harsh ride as the result. Also the angle of the upper ball joint on the OEM UCA will be too extreme, and will wear out prematurely.

<Click Here> for the full in detail information on this.

Here's a pic of my front suspension:

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

SummitUP,

To get the full 2-3" from the Cognito kit, does one need to purchase the green keys also or can this amount of lift be had from the full crank of the stock t-bars?

Thanks for the input in advance,

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

That's a good question Duck, and I would say it all depends. In my case I needed the "green keys" to get the lift I needed. The adjusting bolt on the driver's side only had a 1/4" of adjustment left before bottoming out (passenger side was at 1/2"), and turning it in all the way didn't give enough lift.

My advice to anyone wanting to do this is just go ahead and start cranking the T-bars up and see how far you can go. There's a tremendous amount of pressure on those adjusting bolts, and to avoid damaging the bolts (i.e. stripping the threads) it's highly advised to unload the front suspension first by jacking the front end high enough to get the front wheels off the ground. And don't forget the WD40! :D

One other thing to consider, is the torsion bar key installation tool is required to change the keys. Looks like this:

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Thanks man.

I was thinking that I would install the Cognito kit.....then crank fully.....then determine if more is needed (aka if I can or can't fit my 40"s).

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I hear you guys on the Cognito etc.... But if you crank it all the way the truck will have no squat at all. Am I not right?? And if I dont crank them all the way then do I really need the cognito kit?? I understand im going to need new struts no matter what.

Boss. I would imagine that if you got 38's that were 12.5 inches wide it should fit with a slight lift. Hell I got a buddy who did a 2inch custom body lift on his SUT and he is running 40's!

Also what about the rear end? Have any of you guys lifted a rear end with Air? I have not had time to put a call into Travis yet but I will soon.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

HumminNBoatin'.....

All I have heard re: lifting the rear end w/ air susp. would be to "extend" the sensor arms that control the rear lift option.

I think I remember reading something about "fooling" this sensor OR being able to have the "standard ride height" of the H2 adjusted upward.

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

So, there are three options on that page.

Two are $460 and one is $680.00. I would think it would be better to use the extended length shocks over the added brackets as well.

So what is needed if you are going to raise the front end up 3".

maybe a full list with part#'s would allow us to order all teh correct parts at once.

Maybe we can list this out as FRONT and REAR parts added/modded.

I the past i turned the tbars up just a little, added fabtec tie rods and rancho shocks/steering stabilizer....but the shocks would blow out up front quickly....too short.

This time i want to add to the height (without doing another Rancho 4" kit), add to the steering support, idler/pivot support, and increase what little travel we can get up there.

So, what do I need?

Here's what I have so far:

FRONT:
Rancho steering stabilzer $55 RS5407
Fabtech tierods $245 FTS71002
GM green keys (3" lift to the front) $44 15592573
Cognito Idler Pivot Kit $200 IPAWG8
Cognito Pitman/Idler Support $216 PISK2008
Cognito Upper Control Arm Kit (someone please fill in all that is needed)
Shocks (not sure, I would like to go extended length without adding purchases)(does fox make the proper extended length)

Rear:
Samco rear Springs (1" of lift) $360 SCH2Rear Spring
Crown Brake Lines (+2 length) $159 CR-H2
Shocks (not sure on shocks needed) (fox maybe)
rear spring spacers (not sure if these would be needed after adding the samco springs or not)

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I also have the Truxxx 2.5-3 F 1.5R lift and like it very much.


Before lift.

After lift.


New wheels (old tires).

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Looks good Bimmer.....all you need now is some bigger meats! Maybe 40"s?

I also agree that the "best" option for the Cognito kit would be to get the longer shocks. However, I have Rancho 9000's on all four corners (they are adjustable for those who didn't know) and I am in love with them.

Thus, this fact coupled with the reports of the Bilsteins being valved much harder and that I have adjustability as we speak......I will be opting for the extender hardware.

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I don;t know where you guys are getting 40's from....that would be retarded!! 37's on teh stock rims just fit and allow full flex. 38's with a 4" Rancho kit (more like a 6" kit) barely allow for 38's and still allow it flex up all the way.

With 38's or larger, you can forget about even turning all the way.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

i can tell you what we are thinking.....simple math.

if we can run 37's on stock rims with no lift. thus, if i lift my rig 3 inches, and keep the wheels the same, 40"s are definately doable.

especially when individuals are running 40"s with only a 2 inch body lift and they actually wheel it......obviously it can be done.

jdj

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Have at it. I had a Rancho lifted H2 with 37 13.50's. Ther new owner is running 38's....and he is out of room to try and fit 40's. I have also seen a Fabtech lifted H2 in action with 38's (6" lift) and he had rubbing issues as well. THat's with a true 6" kit/ so to say 40's will work awith a 3", I don;t see how...even with adding a 2" body lift. I also wouldn;t consider running that tire on a stock rim. I think (not sure) 40's go to a 14.50 wide? I think that tire will pop off the bead easily being that wide with these narrow rims.

So I don;t see how 40's would even come close to fit... and be even close to functional. If you have the rear sensors for the factory airbags, you can kiss those goodbye as well. You would have to relocate those sensors from the wheelwell alltogether.

So I think your "simple math" is off. there is no way 40's will fit. But go ahead and prove me wrong. it would look bada$$ for sure, but with a tire that big, would be wortheless. "Obviously" it would be a worthless truck with that size tire. :lame:

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

:raar:

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Truxx kit is a waste of money and is a rip off. Go with the green keys from Chevy

OEM length shocks will be a problem before needing to replace the UCAs as the shocks are first limiting factor. You can get 1.5-2" of lift in front using OEM UCAs but your ball joints will wear out quickly. There is a point where the OEM UCAs will not allow you to fall within OEM alignment specs, so if you go to far - you will need to opt for Cognito UCAs

Before you hit a full 3" of lift in front, you will start getting half-shaft or CV joint vibrations at 70+mph. With 37s, the safe mark is 44.5" from ground to bottom of fender flare.

Uni-ball Cognito UCAs are very nice and will allow max height of 44.5" (with 37s) from ground to bottom of fender flare and still fall into OEM alignment specs. The Uniballs will never need replacing and may last life of H2.

Tim..only thing you might want to add to list id the Borgeson Steering shaft. It is "optional" but if you are looking to build ultimate non-lifted H2 - this is nice mod. It will further tighten steering as it rids it of slop in the shaft. Also rids clunk... Also, dont forget the tru-cool tranny cooler and the Diablo programmer to recal speedo for larger tires and deactivate GM torque management for "power on demand". Don't forget the Hutchison beadlocks Tim!!! Also, dump all drivetrain fluids and pour in Redline for big improvement;)

For those arguing about the 38s, Tim is right. He has owned more Hummers than all of us and offroads them too so you might want to heed his advice. You can't do 38s without at least a 4-6" lift without major rubbing issues and even then will still rub pretty bad offroad.

Summitup is on track as well.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Dose anybody make a 2" body lift for the H2? I've never seen or heard of it.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I'm not sure on who makes it, but I do know that either a 2" or 3" body lift is what is used on the DMax /Allison conversion to allow enough room.

I don't hink i would do a body lift on this truck though. I'm not sure we would gain too much from it. your rock rails and bumper woudl show a gap along with a mod would be needed to hide the gaps in the fender wells. Those lift lips might work though.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

If anyone has info...please share.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Why would anyone make a 2" lift when you can get this with parts already available? Read what's already been posted and you can accomplish this amount of lift while strengthening the steering, increasing flex and ground clearance all at the same time. You gain so much more by doing this versus doing a lift kit that drops the front diff down and lower rear trailing arm brackets.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I already have a Truxx lift, I'd just like a little more tire clearance for bigger meats. I don't take my truck offroad, I just like the lifted look.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

yes but ,you realy Fu*k up the nice smooth ride with the keys or cranking the bars .

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Tom.....my point exactly. i am glad to see someone understands my "obvious" theory.

also, many other specific vehicle factors come into play when examining what will work or will not: wheel width, offset, tire width, tire height, knuckle lift vs. full diff. drop, and track width.

thus, that is why i dont think Tim's argument is conclusive (no offense to him....Lord knows i respect his knowledge and definately don't want for this thread or any others "to go there"), but i do feel he is comparing two different lift strategies based upon his experience with only one.

i have owned many lifted vehicles. with that said, my 2 door tahoe (college rig) for instance had a 6" rough country and 35"s on 15x10 wheels. that was all that lift could clear and still function off road. it looked great, but when compared to a later 2 door tahoe i owned (law school) which only had a 3" body lift, cranked t-bars, and add-a-leafs in the rear, i netted a smaller amount of lift, but ran bigger tires (36" TSL's and later 37" Boggers), had more ground clearance (due to nothing being dropped in the front suspension--as tom mentioned), and was more capable off road because of all these factors.

therefore, if running a bigger tire, having more ground clearance, perfecting the stock suspension setup via quality pieces, and becoming more capable off-road is "lame" and/or "worthless"....well then sign me and my truck up!

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Mine rides awesome, don't know about everybody else. Thats the difference between just cranking up the bars vs. keys.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

the keys put the same load on the T bars ,but allow the adjustment bolt not to bottom out . done 2500 hd's both ways and you get a harsh ride with both. first one I ever did was a 93 k 5 blazer 4x4 .

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

If you really wanted the best for going off road you'd ditch the IFS for a solid axle with coil springs or coil overs for the best articulation. Agreed?

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

if i remeber correctly the original H1 is decent off road and it seems to have IFS......

but yeah......a solid axle H2 would be burly.....however one would loose all the advantages of our traction control systems and the daily driver abilities they have.

DUCK

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

Yea, I don't think the H1 and the H2 have the exact same suspension...
:giggling:

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

40s Can be done!!! But its not easy.

See: Picture number 4 on the site posted
http://thehummerclubinc.com/Media/Images.aspx?I=246

This Black SUT is Custom Body Lifted 2". He also cranked T-bars and did something with his coils in the back. There was alot of cutting and welding involved in doing this lift. Yes those tires are on stock rims and I have never heard of Rick bitching about loosing beads.

Guys I would like to thank you for the great response. So far I have learned that I will be purchasing the Cognito kit before I do this. Now I just have to figure our the BACK END!! lol.

Eric

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

They used to use a relocation bracket for the airbag sensor, that would trick the sensor into thinking the back was sagging so it would air up and raise the rear of the vehicle. This is common practice on lowering air bag equipped vehicles aswell.

Re: 2 Inch Lift on H2.
 

I can't speak of the bodylift but I can tell you that with a fabtech 6" lift, 40's will not work.

My 38's fit perfectly, no trimming, no rubbing (would make the frame shiny but not bear into it so that you could feel it)

The problem with 38's and especially 40's even if you could fit them is the truck would run like crap. When I installed 38's, I was so dissapointed with the performance, I installed 4.56 gears.... that didn't work so I installed a supercharger.

That's why I did the torsion bar bit with 35's. Looks decent and not so power robbing, it makes the truck nasty to drive.

Mark