EATON FRONT E-LOCKER

[Mike97ZJ]

Don, after looking at that pic of the rear sway setup you posted, I agree with you. I'm sure a set of JKS links could be adapted to fit pretty easily. The links are straight,and are pretty long. Most JKS links are adjustable for length to accomodate different lift heights.

Another thing to figure out is what to do with the swaybar once it's disco'd. On Jeeps, you can just tuck it up and out of the way. Doesn't look really possible with he H2 setup.

I have another suggestion though, after seeing the pic. Most setups I've seen have the swaybar bolted to the frame, and the links bolted to the axle, not vice versa like in the Hummer. It looks like it's just waiting to get snagged on something, hanging below the axle like that. What I would consider doing is removing the swaybar altogether before you go on a wheeling trip. Ubolt the 2 bolts per side that hold it to the axle, and unbolt the upper links from the frame.

"Mike...when I was very serious about buying a Grand Chickedee, I was looking at the 2001 and wanting to lift it a bit and add larger tires. The salesman "looked into it" and came back telling me that the quadra-drive can not be lifted...it was some kind of special 4x4 system and not like the previous 4x4's. Now I find out different...just goes to show ya how you should get a 2nd opinion before taking anyones word for much of anything. Hmmm...might want to get a 2nd opinion on that opinion too! hehehe"

Steve, just goes to once again prove my theory that car salesmen are for the most part idiots who have no clue about what they sell.

My advice to anyone looking into getting any kind of vehicle is always to find a BB such as this one and ask people who actually have one, and not listen to what the shyster car salesman has to say.

"Mike, I spent some time with a buddy of mine who is insanely into 4x4ing. According to him it is not an established fact that SFA is completely superior to IFS...it's definitely a debate and argued issue. The one point I do see is that when one wheel goes up, the other is pushed down...and that would reasonably make sense to offer some benefits. I wonder why it is that Hummer chose the IFS then...no doubt it cost more?"

Are baiting me here, Steve? Trying to get me into a debate?

Well, the H1 has IFS/IRS because it was a military design requirement. They wanted the underbody clearance that the IFS/IRS gives.

I'm sure in the case of the H2, it costs LESS than what SFA would, because the IFS setup is right out of the existing GM parts bin. GM does not make any vehicles with solid front axles anymore. They haven't since 1991, IIRC. I also think that ride quality was a big reason for the IFS. It's easier to make a good riding IFS than it is a SFA. Although Chrysler Corp SFA vehicle ride very nicely.

I don't want to get into that debate about what your buddy said, mostly because I'm way outnumbered here. I'll say this though, short of a purpose built, big $$ IFS system, stock for stock, the SFA is better for rock crawling. Maybe you don't like to rock crawl, but would rather blast through the desert at speed. In that case, IFS is better, and IFS/IRS even better yet.

It all depends on what you want to do with it.

Another thing to think about is that SFA is much easier and cheaper to modify for more height and travel than IFS.

My buddy with the '99 GMC is currently gathering parts and plans to torch out his IFS and swap in a solid axle. This is actually becoming a common swap, if that tells you anything.

JJ, glad to hear that you are getting alot out of these tech topics.

Like Steve said, the only stupid question is the one not asked.

I've been getting alot out of them too. I've really learned alot about the H2 in the few weeks that I've been here.

I'm glad that I can read these forums and have technical discussions like this, and not just read endless posts about which chrome grille guard is better and who makes the best 20" wheels.

[This message was edited by Mike97ZJ on January 26, 2003 at 10:49 AM.]