Upgrade Steering and Suspension Parts

[citiboy]

All the parts that i've ordered came in.....i'm goin' to install 'em this weekend .







Here's the parts list:

ARP exhaust manifold stud kit

AC Delco exhaust manifold gasket

Exhaust manifold donut

Torsion bar bracket support bushings

Cognito steering support kit

Cognito front stabilizer link kit

Cognito upper control arm kit

AC Delco rear stabilizer links

Moog inner and outer tie-rods

Bilstein front and rear shocks

Bilstein steering stabilizer



I have to deal with the broken exhaust manifold bolts on rear passenger side. Hopefully it'll come out without a fight .



Next mods will be to re-gear the front and rear diffirential with yukon gears 4.88 and also install front eaton e-lockers .

[Gadgets]

You're not going to know how to drive the thing for the first couple days. The steering should be extremely responsive once you are done.





I'm seeing a lot of talk about broken exhaust manifold bolts lately, is this a common problem on the H2? I ask this, because I have a feeling I have one on the drivers side. My son had his fixed on his Durango to the tune of $800+. If that's my problem, I'll be living with the ticky noise for a while.

[citiboy]

Well, i just want to tighten-up the steering...i have no problem so far and no looseness yet. The suspension is another story, because of the 38" tires that i've installed recently, i have no choice but to upgrade them.





The broken exhaust manifold bolts are fairly common on our trucks....but, i thought on 08 - 09 model, GM already installed the upgarded bolts....i guess not .



I think the problem on this was the lack of flex between the engine and the exhaust system...our trucks doesn't have flex pipe installed on the exhaust so the last exhaust manifold bolt would take the impact from the engine torque.

[whitehumh2]

So Jimmy, is it all installed yet?



Need a place to test it? Hint Hint!

[citiboy]

[quote name='Polar Bear' timestamp='1346029255' post='39855']

So Jimmy, is it all installed yet?



Need a place to test it? Hint Hint!

[/quote]



Kev, i only installed the rear shocks and rear stab links as i have only 45 min. spare time yesterday. Tomorrow, i will be doing the whole install.







I will definitely need the AWESOME PolarBear Playground to test the upgraded steering and suspensions .

[whitehumh2]

Keep me posted!



If you need an alignment guy...I have a good contact who did mine...great job!



Plan for the last Saturday of the month for testing! I need some rain for my new obstacles!! Just a tad too dry!

[citiboy]

[quote name='Polar Bear' timestamp='1346031695' post='39857']

Keep me posted!



If you need an alignment guy...I have a good contact who did mine...great job!



Plan for the last Saturday of the month for testing! I need some rain for my new obstacles!! Just a tad too dry!

[/quote]



Yes, i will definitely need a good alignment shop. If everything go smoothly....we might get it muddy this weekend .



In the meantime, check this out...we have a little discussions with the steering, heavy duty, oem or moog tie-rods.

[citiboy]

Cognito steering support bracket....installed







Cognito front stab link kit....installed







Bilstein steering stabilizer....installed





I'm having rubbing issues on the support bracket touching the crossmember at full lock .



Check this out.

[citiboy]

Well, just finished installing everything (except the torsion key support bracket bushings), goin' to the alignment shop tomorrow. I've notice that my suspensions we're a little softer now even with the cranked tb keys as compare with stock shocks , the ride we're definitely smoother. The steering we're tighter and i don't feel any more looseness. I think the upgrade we're definitely worth it. Next is the re-gearing and front e-locker <img src='http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... iggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' />



Cognito UCA





Bilstein 5100 shocks



Moog Problem Solver inner and outer tie-rods





Broken passenger side (rear) manifold bolt





Removing the passenger exhaust manifold broken bolt





That pesky broken exhaust manifold bolt





ARP stainless studs and AC Delco exhaust manifold gasket





ARP stainless steel stud kit installed

[whitehumh2]

In the meantime, check this out...we have a little discussions with the steering, heavy duty, oem or moog tie-rods.

[/quote]



Hey Jimmy,



I read all the posts on the link. Some cool ideas but I don't agree with most of their thinking. There needs to be fusible links...that is what saves the rest of the truck. And the guy who was going to use the HEIM joints...NONOOOOO!! Do they know how sloppy they get! Have the ever seen a farm tractor linkage, strong but lots of excess movement! Good for offroad bad for Street! The RCV CV joints will never break before the the diff...not good ideas!



The Moog are stronger than OEM and than jobber. And too date I still have not broken one...too date!



Looking forward to seeing your mods in action! How you are ready for my traps!



Kev