Buying an 03 h2....Need help with the 4x4.

[RCKSTR]

Make sure it is in 4 high, and not 4 high lock.

[HummerJim]

Sounds like it's in 4 HI Lock. The button right above the neutral (N line) should be the one pressed.

[love dodge]

i drove the h2 yesterday and it was on 4hi unlocked..The top button..And for sure something was wrong with it...It was a good price tho but i let it go..i was scared to death in having to deal with a busted 4x4...but thanks a lot guys help was very apreciated

[HumminNBoatin']

Keep looking man you will find one. Just a couple of tips on the h2. especially since you are looking at higher mileage older units. Some of these tips could help you negotiate better.

1. Check out all the front end linkage. Odds are its all shot unless it has been recently replaced. So Pitman Arm, Idler Arm and tie rods. Also ball joints.

2. H2's are know to eat hubs as well. Hubs are easy to replace but expensive. so check them.

3. If you hear weird groans or rattles get under the truck odds are the skid plates are bent up from offroad use. The ladder style one will press up against the exhaust ( usually making groans and squeeks) and the small one under the trasfer case will bend and touch it causing rattling sounds.

4. Check the air springs in the rear for cracking. They dry rot if you see cracks they are leaking or close to leaking. They run about $150 each.

5. Go through all the gear selections and make sure they work. Also check the rear locker and make sure it works. Just come to a complete stop and make sure the truck is in 4lo lock before trying to engage it. Odds are the locker should be fine unless it was badly abused. However most of the rear lockers on H2's never even get used.

I hope this helps man.

[HummerJim]

Great tips! I'd ad one more on higher mileage H2s: pull the dipstick on the automatic transmission and smell the fluid and look at the color. If it smells burnt or is grey or black, they've probably never changed the automatic transmission fluid, which also means they've probably never changed the transfer case or diff fluids. Ask for some documentation on the fluid changes.
As for the antifreeze, I've known H2s to go 6 years with the same antifreeze and no water pump or radiator problems, but I wouldn't recommend it. If the color is green or yellow gold on the antifreeze, they've changed it. Reddish or orange???

[love dodge]

Something is goign on with the h2's man..I just found another one..It's an 03 with the options that i want and the guy just broke the t-case of it...Weird i know...He says thats no power going to the front wheels,and the truck now is a 2wd so i guess t-case..
Is it expensive to have it rebuild?

[HummerMann]

YES!