Canadian Hummer Club Forums

Well... the truck is getting closer to being done.
 
Finished on the body restoration. Now the ABS, RD Intercooler, AC condenser, Heath PCM, remote PMD, boost control, gauges, shocks, new (again) fan clutch, Fan shroud (again) Evans waterless coolant, Washer tank, Fuel lines, lift pump....... it goes on.
 
The ABS is a mess on this truck. Dash bulbs and sockets removed... Relays trashed.... Getting it all back enough to see what else is wrong. Modulator etc.. May just go with lockers if the expensive stuff is trashed too. Will be looking for advice on the best lockers if that's the case.
 
This should get me close to having the truck I want. 
 
Next new leather wrap inside.. (next year)
 
More to come....
 

Truck looks great. Sounds like you have a good to-do list. Funny how that list never gets shorter.
 
Never did liked that TT4/ABS stuff. Have to reset the wheel sensors after every offroad because they always moved. I had a 2000 H1 and I drove it with the ABS lights off for about a month until I went offroad - stayed on ever since. I am leaning to lockers on my 98 as well. The BTM method works ok but there is nothing like lockers.
 
Just my opinion but from past conversations with those with lockers I believe the Auburns are the way to go. I have an ARB compressor so it would make sense for me to go with their locker but the argument for the Auburns is convincing. I am not sure the Eaton locker is available any more. I dropped by a local performance shop who quoted me CDN$1260 / locker (x2) for the Auburns plus about 10 hours shop time to install front and back.  If the ABS repairs are more than that I know which way I would be going. Maybe under the tree for Christmas (and in the truck by New Years) . I plan to give Polar Bear a call on the locker issue as I understand he is the guru - maybe he will weigh in on this one. I know Roy has lockers as well but am not sure what he has - I know his work great.
 
Please keep updating on your progress. BTW the RD tire rack looks great.

BTW. Just noticed this should you wish to stick with the ABS and need this stuff. He may have what you are looking for. May be worth a call.
 
http://www.hummermarketplace.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=4597

Nice Project!!
 
So I would dump the ABS system but it will be a big enough job to remove the whole system from every aspect of the truck. It AM General would have kept the original Torsen 1 differential and simply added ABS the H1 would be unstoppable even without lockers! The Original Torsen Diffs where extraordinarily reliable and strong and could find traction in all but the most extreme cases...but if you were skilled in BTM...everyone would swear you had lockers!! The Torsen 2 was a much lower bias to allow the ABS to work. So On-Road safety became Far more important than offroad ability on the most capable 4x4 on the planet...and the TT4 system plain SUCKED! It required so much wheel spin before the system tried to transfer power to the wheels with traction that most drivers let off the throttle way before the system had a chance to do it's thing and even when it did it's thing...it was not that impressive! So dump the ABS system and enjoy the extra space under the hood!
 
Another disadvantage of the ABS system is that it forced a change to DOT3/4 brake fluid in place of the DOT 5. DOT5 has no afinity to water so your brake lines and calipers normally lasted far longer...the new system are continually seizing up...you need to change the Brake fluid once a year on a trail truck! I actually run DOT 5.1 in my H2 which has many of the advantages of the DOT 5 brake fluid but can be used in a system design for DOT3/4 without busting the seals! And it makes my TCS respond very very well!!
 
So when it comes to Lockers...it is going to depend on just what you you are looking for!
 
If you want Old School, you could reinstall the original Torsen or a Detroit True Trac and with a bit of practice you would be able to rock out the BTM like a pro! One major advantage of this system is that on road it would be transparent and you would have very low chance of exploding a halfshaft unless you do something dumb!
 
Next step up would be a Detroit Locker in the rear and Torsen or True Trac in the front BUT, while the Detroit Locker is almost unbreakable...if you drive on icy roads...you will really get to practice your facial expressions and the pitch of your squeals as you slip and slide your way down the highway...BUT offroad...it would be point and shoot. The Detroit Locker itself is unbreakable BUT your stub shafts and halfshafts are not! As well, if you have a sharp offcamber turn to make you will need several progressive turns since the rear will scrub around.
 
Now, my Favorite...selectable lockers!!! The are 4 different types.
 
1. Air Activated like the Legendary ARB Air Locker and the new Yukon Zip Locker. The ARB is pretty much one of the Strongest Selectable Lockers you can get...but Air Leaks can be super annoying!!!
 
2. Electric Locker like the Eaton E-Locker, which is full opne when unlocked and fully locked when engaged. It is Strong but not the strongest!
 
3. Electric Locker like the AUBURN ECTED, which I wish was available for my H2...This is the STRONGEST Electric Locker available!! It is a Limited slip when off and fully locked when engaged. The LSD portion works so well that most of the time you can run everything but the most extreme situations without having to lock up...but when you need that little bit more the AUBURN Delivers!!! This is what Roy runs is his Mighty H1 Beast and what gives it part of it's unstoppable ability!!
 
4. The last type and the STRONGEST is the OX-LOCKER or the new G2 Locker...this is a Cable activated locker that should something fail can be relatively easily be put in Full Lock mode as default with simple tools and back to full open when back to the street! It is a tad more difficult to install in the truck due to the lever to operate the locker but...I wish they had it for my H2!!
 
So hopefully this has helped a bit! I think I will make a new post explaining all the differences with videos!
 
Later,
 
Kev
 
 
Btw, instead of simply an Intercooler...why not install a full stack that is one piece!!! Much better airflow and much less chance of debris getting stuck in it! And while you are at it...get rid of the mechaincal fan and install an electric fan...it will save you fuel on road and headaches everywhere else!

Nice to see some able to have the patience and mind set for big jobs,

I seem to plan everything out think it out way to much instead of just digging in the project,...

I've had job where I'm defeated even before I start,,,,

I'll hyper focus on what ever I do for weeks and weeks and read so much,,

Kev, 
Thanks for this fantastic insight on the lockers. I have read similar evaluations on the forums but not that well explained.
I suspect I will be dumping the ABS as there was likely a good reason the previous owner put in a large effort to disable the system so cleverly. If it was just wheel sensors or relay issue it would make no sense not to simply fix it. Plus... there are no lockers on the truck so it wasn't done as an upgrade to the trucks off-road prowess.
When the time comes I will be looking at the AUBURN ECTED as I need the truck to be fairly street friendly as well. I just traded my H2 for a new Z06 Vette so I will be using the H1 more for around town stuff especially in the winter. I have been told to forget using the H3 as it is HERS!!  haha
 
I like your idea on the cooling. However I already ended up buying both the Predator and Rubber Duck intercoolers to actually see the physical difference. I know...ridiculous but I wanted to compare apples to apples. For me the RD system is much more professionally built with the actual manifolds to bolt on plus there is only 4 soft connections to leak compared to the the Predator system that had 12 soft connections if I remember right. The heat exchangers themselves are identical and clearly come from the same shop. For the few hundred more for the Rubber Duck kit there is no contest. It has all the actual manifolds, piping, gaskets, electrical jumpers, bolts, block off plate, rubber duck, air freshener, and sticker. Kidding aside IMHO it is a much better buy for the money as it is thorough and theoretically there is no hacking and searching for harnesses, bolts, and gaskets.
The electric fans are a good idea too. It turns out the new fan clutch put in this year with the shroud is faulty, and now they have all the new stuff there on warranty being installed for free by the dealer...... but when the damn shroud detonates again I will be definitely converting the system to pull air with electric fans. The benefits are clear. I am actually quite happy with the new young AM Gen Tech they have working on my truck. (They outright fired the last one) I planned on doing most of the work myself but... as they were doing the warranty work and have to pull the engine cover to install glow-plugs I decided to have him do the intercooler etc while it is out..ok maybe I am just being a bit lazy as I could have installed the GPs myself..lol
 
I bought this H1 planning to just beat the hell out of it and fix what needed fixing as I went along. Problem is I fell in love with the damn thing as it is just so much fun to drive. That led to some TLC maintenance...which lead to some restoration...which led to.... which led to... you know where I am going with this. Now my goal is to make the truck a close to brand new as possible with the upgrades that make it both comfortable and capable. The amount of money I have and continue to put into this truck is beyond practical or likely bright but I am really enjoying the process.
 
I will let you know what we find with the ABS. If it's an easy fix (unlikely) I will get it working for the winter roads. One way or the other the plan is to install lockers next year. 
 
Again Kev thanks, I really do appreciate your great knowledge of all things "Hummer" and your willingness to share it.
 
Derek

[quote="canadah1"]
BTW. Just noticed this should you wish to stick with the ABS and need this stuff. He may have what you are looking for. May be worth a call.
 
http://www.hummermarketplace.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=4597
[/quote]
 
Hey thanks for the link. The ABS stuff is gone but there are lots of parts for sale on there. I have been lost in the damn forum there for an hour.. haha
 
D

[quote="Monk"]
Nice to see some able to have the patience and mind set for big jobs,

I seem to plan everything out think it out way to much instead of just digging in the project,...

I've had job where I'm defeated even before I start,,,,

I'll hyper focus on what ever I do for weeks and weeks and read so much,,
[/quote]
 
Trust me my patience has run out many times and the truck has gone into the shop as a result. Now is one of those times. What troubles me is the lack of experience the AM Gen Techs have now with the trucks slowly disappearing over the years. I find myself explaining so many things on the actual repairs or cause as it seems they do not read forums much. Fortunately I now have a good fundamentally skilled kid working on my truck now who has moderate H1 experience, and is making the phone calls for info and advice when he is stuck or unsure. He is not "guessing" on a multi-$1000 job like the last "Dura-max" clown did. That guy really messed up and it has cost the shop lots of $ to get my business back. I was quite dejected after that experience facing doing everything myself. Thus for me the "Ideas and eyes are bigger than the skillset and tool box" scenario was very real. I do like working on the truck, and I find when I am not bleeding or looking at a huge scratch I just installed in the new paint... it is quite fun and relaxing. This time however, since it's in getting sorted out from the last techs mess, I just decided to blur my vision on the bill and have the kid install everything in the multiple boxes of goodies I have been collecting for the last 6 months. I am incredibly lucky my wife just shakes her head and makes a "men" comment when she see the bills...  haha
 
Out West I have not been able to find a "Polar Bear" or "Roy" to go and get face to face advice or the right repairs or mods done bang on everytime.
 
And yes.. I have forum read my way out of a few jobs too. Oddly I seem to end up doing the job anyway...just later after the wallet shock wears off and I insanely convince myself it is a MUST have.  lol
 
great seeing you here Monk.   

Guys here is the progress on the intercooler install and other upgrades.
  Doghouse off Waiting for the new fan clutch (last new one failed-warranty) to put the new shroud and stack back in before the flushing and putting the Evans in. The intercooler manifolds are in and bolted up great. A few minor bracket adjustments to get the piping to run with no interference. New Lift Pump, EGT, Boost Controller is in. Only one bolt broke removing the turbo heat shroud. Easily fixed. Power Steering reservoir slightly relocated and the remote PMD connected. Will be mounted on the new washer tank.  Slowly coming together.
 
Left to do: New fuel lines, cooling stack install with new I/C heat exchanger. Flush engine and install Evans Waterless Coolant. Finish I/C piping. Install EGT, tranny and boost gauges into dash pod. Install Raptorq PCU and check timing. Install new shocks. Plus the stuff I forgot at this moment.. 
 
Test and enjoy...
 
I will send more as progress moves forward. Do you love waiting for parts you never expected to need??!!!
 

 
Derek
 

Derek when you set the timing...give it 3 to 6 degrees more than stock and get ready to ROCK!!!