volume 08.02.10 the hummer club, inc. · 2016. 8. 17. · contents spring 2010 azimuth 1 cover...
TRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 08.02.10 THE HUMMER CLUB, INC. ®
CONTENTSS P R I N G 2 0 1 0
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COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY BRAD MELLON
Photo: Manny MacMillan
Photo by Jay Manley
Features10 iron range “snow & go” A Trip To Gilbert Minnesota
14 socal dakar Hummer Club Skills Challenge
18 gray rock 2010 Back To Gardendale Alabama
Departments05 president’s message The Hummer Lifestyle
06 club news 2010 Event Schedule
07 new products Cool New Products
08 Hope program Welcome New Member
09 cHarity event Pediatric Cancer Research
22 tecH tip Idler Arm & Pitman Arm Check
24 oops! Sometimes Things Don’t Go As Planned!
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Marshall HendersonDirector - President289 Rolling Hill RoadMooresville, NC 28117704-663-6510 (home)704-309-9427 (cellular)[email protected]
Bob DeVoreDirector - Events/Land Use8390 Cappy LaneSwartz Creek, MI [email protected]
Manny MacMillanDirector - Azimuth Magazine [email protected]
Hal DilworthDirector - Secretary20214 County Line RdLutz, FL 33558(813) [email protected]
Glen PeckDirector - CFO/Membership/[email protected]
Rick GruczDirector - Ambassador Program2845 Jewell Rd.Howell, MI 48843517-223-4885 (home)517-223-8551 (fax)[email protected]
Eric [email protected]
Club Directors
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The HUMMER Club, Inc. is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation organized under the California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law.
We are a national organization dedicated to promoting the safe use of the HUMMER in a family oriented atmosphere. We emphasize responsi-ble four-wheeling and are serious about safety and environmentally correct off-roading. We encourage our members to be active in land use advocacy and community service and to use both vehicles and land resources safely along the guide-lines set forth by Tread Lightly! and the United Four Wheel Drive Association.
Both regional and national events run by member volunteers are sponsored throughout the year where members can drive trails with levels of difficulty ranging from moderate to extreme. These events, our website and the publication of a quarterly mag-azine also offer an opportunity for exchange of information to develop a better understanding of the HUMMER vehicle and its safe use.
As the only recognized national HUMMER orga-nization, the Club enjoys excellent relationships with AM General and HUMMER/General Motors Corporation and frequently has factory technicians and parts support at major events.
The Club welcomes all HUMMER vehicles. It is a strong, established organization that will only get better with your help. Join in, support the HUMMER Club. With your participation, the Club will continue to grow for the benefit of HUMMER owners. H
©Copyright 2010 - The HUMMER Club Inc.
All Rights Reserved for all original material herein. HUMMER trademarks used with the written permission of General Motors.
For membership information visitwww.thehummerclubinc.com
For advertising information [email protected]
Azimuth is designed by: Paul Jones 212 South 69th Avenue Yakima, WA 98908
Contact Paul at [email protected]
For permissions and reprints of this magazine, contact: [email protected]
Photo: Manny MacMillan
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PRESIDENT’SMESSAGEP. Marshall Henderson
The HUMMER lifestyle is alive and strong. As I write this a group of Club members are returning to their regular lives after a great weekend of offroading in Kentucky. The Club has a full schedule of events planned for this year and more people are joining our FaceBook group everyday.
Even though we are strong, there are a lot of questions out there about the future of the HUMMER line. Reporters call, people at the filling station comment, pretty much everywhere you go in your HUMMER you will get asked about GM shutting down HUMMER. Those of us who have had the experience of owning and driving a HUMMER know that we will carry on even without GM.
I also have a tricked out Jeep Rubicon, but nothing compares to the HUMMER for getting “a little mud on the tires.” Jeeps are
everywhere and do not get the comments that the decked out H1 gets when I drive it around. People take pictures, service guys love to talk about how they worked on the Humvees, others just call out “I love your truck.” HUMMERS definitely attract attention.
Have you been to an event this year? Go to the Club website www.thehummerclubinc.com and look under upcoming events. Find one close to you and sign up. We have a blast on the trails and it is always great to catch up with your fellow HUMMER Club members. If you have not yet tried coming to an event, I encourage you to give it a try. We take all levels at every event, so do not let that stop you. Sign up and lets get started.
AM General is supporting several of our key events again this year. The factory trailer and factory technician will be at Rausch Creek, Moab and Windrock. In addition a Tech and a Toolbox will support the Black Hills, SD event. As always this supports is invaluable and very welcome. Even with budget cuts and the poor economy AM General found a way to help out. I am very grateful and hope you join me in thanking AM General. Be sure to seek out their representatives at our events and say thanks.
Are you interested in volunteering your time to help run the Club? Or do you know someone who would be willing to help out? We have four director positions up for election this fall. Two of the current directors will run for re-election (Hal Dilworth and Eric Sitterle) while two are unable to continue serving on the board (Manny MacMillan and Bob DeVore). If you would like to help out or have information about someone interested in nomination, please contact Glen Peck or me. This is your Club, help us keep it strong.
Keep talk ing up the Club . Use your Club Ambassadors to help get people interested in joining the Club. Think about what you can do in your area to help generate interest. Sometimes just having our trucks present can help promote an event. See if you and local owners can help the Red Cross, YMCA, Habitat, Big Brothers/Sisters, Rescue Mission, EMS service, etc. These are all groups that we can help with little time or financial commitment. Let the Club know what you are doing and we will help promote your event. Share a bit of the HUMMER lifestyle and you will recruit more people into the Club.
the weather is breaking, lets get out there and have some fun. i cannot wait. take care, be safe and i will see you on the trails,
Marshall
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CLUB NEWS
event location dates event coordinator coordinator e- mail
northern arizona snow run February 18-21, 2010 Marc Balocco [email protected], Arizona
so cal “dakar” Hummer march 26-28, 2010 Ryan Wilson, Josh Lieberman [email protected],skills challenge & John Herr [email protected], [email protected] Cup Campgrounds, California
gray rock april 22-25, 2010 Glen Peck [email protected] Mount Olive, Alabama
black mountain may 15-16, 2010 Eric Sitterle and Travis Depew [email protected], Harlan, Kentucky [email protected]
canadian event plus may 21-23, 2010 Tony Cocco & [email protected], Hummer rally 2010 Quebec Kev Gundry-White [email protected] Saint Sauveur, Quebec
badlands June 18-19, 2010 Scott Pouls [email protected] Attica, Indiana
northeast Hummer meet June 19, 2010 Mike King & Dan LaForgia [email protected], Uncasville, CT [email protected]
sunday river Hummer event June 25-27, 2010 Manny MacMillan [email protected] Bethel, ME
rausch creek July 22-25, 2010 Scott Freeman [email protected], Rausch Creek, Pennsylvania
colorado rocky mountains august 5-8, 2010 Shane Fowler [email protected] Golden, Colorado
drummond island august 13-14, 2010 Scott Pouls [email protected] Drummond Island, Michigan
black Hills august 27-29, 2010 Gary Swallow [email protected] Black Hills, South Dakota
am general off-road course august 27-28, 2010 Scott Pouls [email protected] and silver lake sand dunesSouthbend, Indiana and Mears, Michigan
moab september 26-30, 2010 Marc Balocco [email protected] Moab, Utah
iron range oHv recreation area october 8-9, 2010 Jay Manley & Deb Raff [email protected], Gilbert, Minnesota [email protected]
windrock october 14-16, 2010 Marshall Henderson [email protected] Oak Ridge, Tennessee
rausch creek “lite” november, 2010 Scott Freeman [email protected], Rausch Creek, Pennsylvania
coal country 2010 Barry Yorwarth [email protected] Shamokin, Pennsylvania
country roads 2010 Tim Judd [email protected] Beckley, West Virginia
penn’s cave 2010 Gary Roberts [email protected] Centre Hall, Pennsylvania
west coast 2010 James Stephan [email protected]
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CLUB NEWS
RUBBERDUCK
4X4TreeHugger™
Provide the ultimate protection for your hood and off-road lights while providing an unobstructed view of all of the marker lights with the RubberDuck 4x4 TreeHugger™.
The TreeHugger™ is structured to withstand the abuse of mowing over small trees and rubbing in those tight spots off road by not only being pinned in four points but by its mounting system, completely concealed behind the factory fog light valance, that ties into the frame and the radiator core support. This exclusive mount system provides the strongest platform on the market and rigid enough to stand on to access items at the front of your roof rack or to clean the mud off your windshield. It is also powder coated with a textured black finish that provides a tooth for painting touch-ups should it become scuffed on the trail. Contact RubberDuck4x4 at (513) 617-0913 or by visiting www.Rubberduck4x4.com for more details.
Completely reusable bolts won’t back out – never buy another halfshaft bolt or lock washer
Littleton, Colorado, April 18th, 2010 BlueHummer Outfitters announces the availability of the Locking Halfshaft Bolt Kit. Each kit provides enough locking fasteners for one halfshaft.
Using this kit will prevent the halfshaft bolts from backing out and damaging other components. Each kit includes 6 bolts, 6 locking tabs, and 6 retaining clips, plus one extra clip. No thread locker or lock washers needed. All parts are completely reusable.
Installation is simple requiring only a 10mm 12-point socket or wrench and a pair of pliers.
The Kit works on all model year Hummer and HMMWV vehicles including the H1 Alpha.
The Locking Halfshaft Bolt Kit was developed by BlueHummer Outfitters and is manufactured exclusively for BlueHummer Outfitters by Stage 8 Locking Fasteners using their patented locking fastener technology. More information can be found on the BlueHummer Outfitters web site.
Contact:
Dave Breggin, owner BlueHummer Outfitters [email protected] 303-798-5518 www.BlueHummer.com
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BlUEHUMMEROUTfITTERSANNOUNCES lOCKING HAlfSHAfT BOlT KIT fOR HUMMER / H1 VEHIClES
Sick and tired of the heavy maintenance bills, reliability issues and lack of performance from your 6.5 engine? Now there is a solution.
The Predator Cummins conversion includes a full retrofit to the Cummins 6BT Engine utilizing the stock 4L80E or Turbo 400 transmission for approximately the same cost as a dealer supplied 6.5td engine! Cummins Engines Available in 12-Valve
and 24-Valve 6-BT . Power ranging from 230 HP to 900 HP!. Don’t waste your hard earned time and money on putting in another 6.5TD, for the same price you can upgrade to an engine that will outlive your H1. Starting price is $14,995 Turn Key. Call 1-888-PREDATOR or Email [email protected] for more info. Also available is our Duramax Diesel/Allison 6-Speed Transmission Conversion.”
PREDATOR MOTORSPORTS H1 CUMMINS DIESEl CONVERSION
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WElCOME TONEW HOPEMEMBERS!Several Club members have been volunteering their time and becoming active in the Club’s HOPE Program over the past few months. Please join me in welcoming and thanking the following Club members for their involvement:
Cinthia Garfold – Pittsburgh, PADennis Misamore – Jenera, OHRobert Jenkins – Evansville, INKen Kelchner – Benton, PACynthia & Carl Jarema – Plymouth, MIPeter Carr – Johns Creek, GADiane Caton – Ramsey, NJRick Roberts – Valley Center, CAMatt Russell – Brenham, TXTravis Arthofer – Aurora, COThomas Henderson – Chino Hills, CADon Jones – Burton, MI
We are always looking for new Partnership’s for our HOPE program. Although the American Red Cross will be the main stay of our involvement we need to reach out to other local disaster relief agencies in our communities. At the present time we are working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Reserve Corp www.medicalreservecorps.gov and Community Emergency Response Team www.citizenscorps.gov/cert/ organizations. Both of the groups are national organizations who provide a number of varying services to their communities. Each of the relationships will be primarily at the local community level. As MOU’s are completed each of the HOPE members will receive information to assist them in establishing a relationship in their community.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Club events this year. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions about our HOPE Program.
Glen Peck, Board Member
National HOPE Coordinator
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Southern California HUMMER Club members are participating in an event to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research. James Stephan, John Herr and Brad Mellon, along with other Club Members in the area, will be bringing their trucks to the event so that kids can have access to them. These members and others are working to try to bring in vendor participation and possibly some military agency participation as well.
HUMMER ClUB MEMBERSTO PARTICIPATE INfUND RAISER fORCANCER RESEARCH
admission: $6 per person,
2 yrs and under free
Free admission forcancer families
$50,000 fundraising goal set
100% of donations go topediatric cancer research
business sponsorshipsavailable to help off-setthe cost of the event
raffle – several high $$$items up for grabs
bake sale & cake walk
lemonade stand
bouncy Houses
pr releases to all san diego newspapers and sources
If you can not attend please consider making a donation.
Dear Hummer Owners,
May 31, 2009 we hosted our first annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser for
pediatric cancer research. We had over 40 vehicles participate, and were
joined by 125 families. The day brought in $10,000 that went directly to
help save kids lives!
The event was such a success – for our cause, the participants, and the
attendees – that we would be remiss in not hosting it again… and crazy not
to make it bigger, better, and louder than last year!
In addition to the obvious fun TAT generates for our attendees, this event
is an outstanding opportunity for San Diego businesses to showcase their
vehicles and advertise their companies at the same time. Kids love vehicles:
construction trucks, farm tractors, boats, aircraft, motorcycles, race cars,
monster trucks, fire engines, police cars, school buses, and any type of
service vehicle (our big hit last year was the trash truck!). So why not let
them physically touch the vehicles and marvel at their qualities, while rubbing
elbows with you, their hometown hero?
Melissa Mikulak, a Carmel Valley mom is organizing TOUCH A TRUCK in
honor of her son Max who battled cancer for half of his short seven years.
We are raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer research –
specifically, neuroblastoma – the cause of sweet Max’s death. I am asking
you to do your part by polishing up your vehicle, driving it over to our event,
and sharing your love of this rig with children of all ages as they admire,
touch, climb in and honk the horn.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact
me at 619-890-1743. I’m happy to persuade you into making this
a special day for so many children
With love and respect,
Randee Ferry
Max’s Annee Ranee
www.MaxsRingOffire.org
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Article & Photos by Jay Manley
In late February 2010, three Hummer families met for the first time in Gilbert, MN to run the Iron Range OHV in the deep snow of Spring. For those that have not heard of this hidden jem in upper Minnesota, you are missing out. It has a little of everything – especially snow in late February! And word is that they are going to double in size this Summer, with an all-new expansion area North of the existing OHV park.
We started the morning going up trails that in the Summer are just main roads to the harder parts, but with snow depths varying from eight to eighteen inches, depending on tree coverage, even these main roads were, at times, a challenge to traverse. The first thing after getting off the main roads and on some of the more challenging trails, we found that the mixture of snow, which had formed into more of a “rock salt” snow in texture, and tailings from the previous mining that had occurred on the land, was greasy in the just above freezing temperatures.
After airing down to about 20psi on each tire, we trekked off for mischief to get into, and the first thing we found was a steep climb named “Upper Money Talks”, which, combined with the “Lower Money Talks” should give you some clue to the general difficulty of the climb, even in the best of conditions.
The first to take a run at it was John in his H2. He made a heroic effort at it, but was only able to get up about 75% of the climb before backing down. Next was Robert in his HMMVV. He made it just a bit higher than John, but then a problem developed and he couldn’t keep the transfer case in Drive, and it’s really
hard to back a HMMVV over all the trails, so we towed the HMMVV out with John’s H2 and Robert swapped to his tow vehicle…his wife’s H2. I’m probably glad I wasn’t a fly on the wall with that call home!
So, back to the park we all went, breaking trails that hadn’t been driven on all winter, and widening some trails that had been cut by the “other brands”. About 1:30, two hours before the park closed, we decided to take a little loop called the “Berry Trail” which, in the summer, is a nice, easy loop around a small lake with only a few small challenges. The trail starts with the first challenge – a steep descent with a hard right turn at
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the bottom of a hill. I was at the back, with John breaking the trail for us. About 1500 feet after the turn, the trail narrowed significantly as it started to rise up a hill. At the transition, Robert’s H2 slid one back tire off-trail and down-slope.
After assessing the issue, we decided that we’d have to use my vehicle to winch Robert’s H2, but because of the narrow trail, I had to change the winch direction. We found a suitable tree and using a snatch block redirected the winch to pull the H2 back on-trail. After doing that, Robert again tried to drive the trail, but again slid off, mainly due to his stock tires. We realized that it was now 3pm and it was going to be very difficult to get out before the park closed for the night. Robert called up and asked the park employee if he’d wait for us to get out of there after telling him the situation. The employee said that he could give us until 4pm.
We analyzed the situation and realized trails already driven were a better (and hopefully quicker) bet to get ourselves out of the park – after the park employee leaves, the gate is closed, and three families would be staying overnight in their vehicles, rather than utilizing the hot tub at the hotel. So, we again quickly pulled Robert back on-trail and started to get all three vehicles turned around.
When we got to the bottom of the hill, I tried my best to climb up it, but the snow on the slippery rock was just too much for stock BFG’s, so I quickly realized much more winching was going to be needed. I winched myself out, but then couldn’t figure out how we were going to get the others out, when it hit me – my winch is a receiver-mounted Warn, so I pulled it off and then used their jumper cable kit as the “wiring” for moving it to a new vehicle, and used it to pull Robert out as well. When we got him to the top of the hill, John, with his offroad tires, was able to make the climb with only moderate effort.
When we got to the trail head, we noticed that it was already 4pm, and we had no idea if the gate was open, or locked for the night. Our time was past, but we decided to do what we could to get to the entrance. When we pulled up in trio, the park building door opened and the smiling park employee said he was happy that we were able to make it out and he was glad to see us. We turned in our slips (used to track who might be in the park) and thanked him for staying past his normal time to let us out. He asked if we were returning the next day (Sunday), and we all smiled and said “You Bet!”
I can’t say enough about the great attitude of the Iron Range OHV employees, each and every time I’ve been there, and if you don’t plan a trip for this year there, you don’t know what you’re missing. We are planning a Hummer Club event there in early October, and I hope that I’ve convinced you to come and join us! H
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Photo By Brad Mellon
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Article By John Herr
It was around 1:30 am, early Saturday, when our RV began to shake. At first we thought it might be an earthquake. The advisory for high winds had expired; little did we know they were just late! The steady, annoying gusts were between 30-50 mph, causing an almost blinding sand storm. As a Hummer Club Inc. Ambassador and co-organizer of this event, I began to wonder if we could pull this off. Our group runs were scheduled to begin in a few short hours! So with trepidation, as the moonlight illuminated the sand blowing into the air vents and other crevices of the trailer, I finally drifted off (no pun intended) to sleep.
I had arrived at the site with my girlfriend two days prior to the event. We had arranged to rent a 27’ pull along which was set up and waiting for us, and several others were also being dropped off at the site. Thanks to Alberts RV Rentals, we negotiated a great discount for Hummer Club Members. Those who used this convenient mode of lodging agreed that this was the way to go, and other tent campers will consider this service in the future. Way too easy, great price, and definitely better than a tent in a sandstorm.
Prior to registration on Friday evening, I met with Brad Mellon of HOPE, and Sylvia Perciado, Manager of the Imperial County Red Cross. Of course, we had to take our first rides into the dunes. Brad’s photography is world famous, so I was honored when “challenged” to do a special run. For safety reasons, I asked Sylvia to wait with Brad while I tried to get “airborne.” Brad’s instinct for knowing when to snap the picture is uncanny, and here is the result of trying to get a Hummer to fly. (See this issues cover).
Definitely a high point of the day, I arrived back at base camp to greet and register fellow participants while Brad and Sylvia went on their way. Others set up camp and you could see they were chomping at the bit, ready to play in the giant sandbox. It was a very casual evening. The moon was bright and the air was deceptively still. Sitting around the camp fire and looking out towards the starlit dunes, a few of us decided to take our first night run. We checked our gear and headed off into the night. Tires were deflated to recommendations; all off-road
lights were on and we were ready. I led the group to an area where I had
ridden earlier that day.
We caught up to several quads attempting to run up Suicide Hill. Now, Suicide Hill is an interesting place. Our starting point was on a ridge. When we began our run, you had to gain some speed to go down the 30-40’ semi soft sand to the bottom, slowing a little because you would be hitting a dozen or so “moguls” before you could power up for the climb to the top of this dune. The climb was probably a good 45 degree angle and approximately 400 feet high in mostly soft sand. After several attempts, Ryan in his modified H1 made it to the top. Several of my attempts resulted in my H3 Alpha getting close to the top, but no cigar. Other night riders had fun, with one other H1 getting to the top. After about an hour of playing on the hill, we figured it was getting late and Saturday would get here early, so we left the hill to the quads and headed back to camp.
Early Saturday morning, with the winds howling and the sand blowing, I met with our co-sponsors, Ryan Wilson and Josh Lieberman of Predator Motorsports Inc. Originally, we were going to organize participants into groups based on Hummer types and experience levels. Most of the Hummer owners there were either beginner or intermediate rated, so we decided it would be unwise and unsafe to follow through with our original plans. Now, if you have ever gone into soft sand, you’ll know it is extremely deceiving and treacherous, with or without a sandstorm. I wouldn’t recommend anyone do it alone.
So while everyone attempted to have breakfast (this is where we really appreciated our RV!), Ryan, Josh and I made plans to use the environment to our advantage. Instead of small teams, we decided to create a
Photo By Brad Mellon
Photo By David McLaughlin
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convoy and play “follow-the-leader.” We gathered everyone for a safety meeting and split up the participants in the convoy so newbies were mixed into the line with more experienced Hummer drivers.
Ryan and I rotated between leading the convoy and bringing up the rear. Maintaining safe distances is critical in circumventing the soft sands in the dunes. As you begin ascending a dune hill, you need to power up, but as you near the crest you need to veer off to the side at a 45 degree angle.
Unless you previously walked the approach, you have no idea what’s on the other side. Most of the time there could be a 20-50’ drop into a “bowl.” A bowl is usually deep and the softest sand out there. Once in a bowl, the only way out is a tow. I found
that out along with two other Hummers that weekend. It definitely humbled me and my Hummer. On some of our runs, we climbed major dunes and the only way down was extremely steep runs down a couple of hundred feet in semi-soft sand. You need to the let the Hummers ahead of you run their course completely before you begin. I like to get to the top, stop and plan my approach downhill. If I feel my Hummer begin to slid sideways on the decline, I like to power up enough to get her pointed in the right direction.
During the runs we also discussed how to improve our Hummers. Those of us with H3’s shared a similar concern. That being our ABS systems. We have great power but trying to slow or stop on an uneven grade causes major problems. I wish we could have a selector switch to turn them on for regular riding and off for off-roading. I’ve already spoken with Ryan and Josh at Predator and they’re looking into it. As a side note, they are so great at what they do, they’ve re-designed the breaking systems for the Navy Seals, impressive. Further, all my modifications were done at their shop and I am extremely
Photo By David McLaughlin
Photo By Brad Mellon
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proud to say they do great work, and they have become personal friends that I truly respect and trust.
Meanwhile, back at base camp, the wrath of the weather continued. My girlfriend, psychic and “deli-queen” Michelle, had taken sandwich orders the night before, “just in case” of poor weather. So she and our good friend Jennifer prepared individually wrapped sandwiches for everyone. I, on the other hand, secretly wondered how I was going to cook the evening meal on the two grills I trailered out.
Within minutes of pulling into camp from the morning run, Michelle and Jennifer had lunch ready, and we chowed down and talked
about the run. We had actually been
only 50 feet from the Mexican border and, thanks
to Brad Mellon’s influence, the patrols were constantly watching
out for us! After lunch, the park rangers came for a visit and gave us
a presentation on the park and special safety issues. And while the group headed out for the afternoon run, miracle of miracles, the winds died down. Assisted by Michelle, Jennifer and Steve (Jennifer’s hubby), I began preparing my BBQ, with no worries.
Everyone returned from another great run, and a bit later the dinner of ribs, chicken two ways, and hot dogs for the kids was served. It must have been great, because there were
hardly any leftovers, and comments like “these baked beans are awesome” and “this was the best meal I ever had” were heard. (The dogs probably enjoyed it, too!)
After clean-up, we all relaxed around a big bonfire, talking and laughing (and bragging) about our adventures, and happy to bask in the warmth of the fire and the glow of the moon. Consensus? We need to do this again - and often. I would like to thank everyone, and especially Glen Peck of The Hummer Club Inc. and HOPE, for making this a special and successful, first-ever SoCal event! It was great to meet some wonderful folks from the area, and to have created a new family of Hummer enthusiasts. H
Photo By Brad Mello
n
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ARTICLE BY HAL DILWORTH | PHOTOS BY GEORGIA DILWORTH**All photos taken by georgia except the one that wasn’t!
Off-roading season is upon us and there’s no better time and place to kick it off than April at Gray Rock Farm ORV Park in Gardendale, AL! And no better people to kick it off with than our HUMMER Club friends. Yes, it’s about the trucks, the scenery, the adrenaline that flows when gravity takes over…but it’s mostly about making friends with other people who think HUMMERS are the coolest and most capable trucks ever built!
Located just north of Birmingham, Gray Rock is built around a working coal mine and features some very scenic mountain trails… and some very challenging obstacles! Our hosts, Brandon Michael and James Brewer, THCI members and officers in ALHOG (Alabama Hummer Owners Group) are very familiar with the trails at Gray Rock and were great trail leaders. Being a somewhat “excitable” guy at times, I really appreciated James’ spotting
technique…very calm and dead-on accurate. Again, one of the many benefits of THCI events…you’ll never find yourself out on the trail with a leader who isn’t capable.
We got a lot of looks as we rolled up I-75 and across central GA into AL on 82, us in a lifted H1 on 40’s and Curt in his 6” lifted H2 on 38’s. Driving the truck to the events is huge fun for us…and it also means we have to drive it home on Sunday!
Registration was held in a classroom setting, trail protocol and safety rules laid out for everybody…very good way to start. We also knew that we were under the threat of some very severe weather arriving late Friday and continuing into Saturday, so we planned to make the most of our day Friday.
Friday AM…we hit the trails! Driving into the property past the mine we could tell this was a pretty cool place…and very dusty. A couple
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of us in open tops had decided to roll topless and the access roads definitely tested the limits of human dust inhalation! We split into groups and James took us down to The Canyon, which is almost Kinzalow-like. Not as extreme, but still some very big rocks and some pretty extreme angles of approach and departure…enough that one of them claimed Jim Bilyeu’s LR half-shaft! However, he was able to continue and Dustin and Jeff helped make the
repair during lunch. Curt Ridenour had the only H2 at the event and his truck was very impressive in the Canyon, climbing over every rock we cleared with the H1.
After lunch, the Gray Rock river crossing proved to be a lot of fun…and very interesting! If there’s two things that all HUMMER owners love, it has to be mud and water. And someone always has to try and find out just how deep it is. Next time you see Harold Biebel, ask him
if an H1 floats! We finished the afternoon with some very steep, rocky climbs out of the river valley and Jesse and Stephen made an exceptionally steep hill look easy in their ’09 H3s Adventures with the front & rear lockers.
Saturday AM, we’re under very cloudy skies and the threat of tornadoes and before we even left the parking lot it was pouring. But after we arrived at the park, the rains let up and we hit the trails. James and Brandon decided to keep the group together because of the weather situation and we ran a very tight trail up a creek. Some logs hidden under the water proved to be challenging and accounted for a minor door scrape on Dan Allen’s previously pristine ‘93 H1 Open Top. Dan drove over from Atlanta to Gray Rock for his first THCI event and
he did a great job throughout the weekend… it’s always a blast watching somebody discover the capabilities of their HUMMER and really get a chance to test their limits. Saturday’s rain settled the previous day’s dust and produced the slipperiest and reddest mud we’re ever seen. Some of the hills climbed easily the day before were pretty tough on Saturday, giving more than a few people
in the group an opportunity to test their winch. Two flat tires were our only issues that day and we left the park a little earlier than usual because of the weather. Saturday night’s dinner gave us a chance to share some door prizes (I hope the package of geared hub seals
that I won are not a glimpse into my future!), stories, pictures and invitations from James and Brandon to return to Alabama next year. Next stop, Black Mountain in Harlan, KY. H
AZIMUTH 21
Photo By Jesse Selinas
22 AZIMUTH
TECH TIP BY DAVE BREGGIN
Idler Arm and Pitman Arm - Check
Description
The manufacturer recommends checking the Idler Arm and Pitman Arm as part of the “B” service. They should probably be checked as part of the “A” service, and following se-vere operation (refer to the Severe Operat-ing Conditions section).
The Idler Arm and Pitman Arm can also be checked via the “Steering System Check” procedure.
Related Tasks
See “Per Wheel Checklist”.
When checking the Idler Arm and Pitman Arm, the front Tie Rod Ends are also easily checked. Refer to Steering System Check and Tie Rod Ends Check sections for details.
Special Tools
Jackgear pullerball Joint separator
Notes / Special Instructions
A locating diagram for steering parts can •be found in the References section.
The Pitman Arm is located on the driver’s •side of the truck. It is attached to the output shaft on the steering gear. When steering, this arm moves the Center Link left and right. (Illustration 4)
The Idler Arm is located on the passen-•ger’s side of the truck. It is attached to the frame. When steering, this arm keeps the Center Link correctly aligned. (Illustration 5)
Alignment (toe-in) should be checked af-•ter replacing these parts.
Some time in the ’95 model year, AMG •changed to a heavy duty Center Link, Idler
Arm, and Pitman Arm. This center link can be identified by measuring the thickness of the link where the Idler Arm or Pitman Arm are attached. The original Center Link was 7/8” thick, and the new Center Link is 1” thick. When using the newer style Idler Arm or Pit-man Arm with the older style Center Link, a 1/8” spacer (e.g. washers) must be used un-der the nut. If this is not done, the cotter key will not retain the nut correctly.
Tips on Idler Arm and Pitman Arm replacement
When removing the Pitman Arm from the •steering gear, a gear puller must be used. Il-lustration 1 shows a typical gear puller used for this purpose.
To remove the Idler Arm or the Pitman Arm •from the Center Link, a “tuning fork” type ball joint separator may be used. While conve-nient, this tool will destroy the boot on either Arm. If the Arm is to be re-used, a gear puller should be used instead.
The newer “Problem Solver” style Idler •Arm requires a spacer and longer bolts. Illus-tration 2 shows the old-style and new-style Idler Arms. Illustration 3 shows the new-style arm with the spacer and the old-style arm without. The spacer goes between the Idler Arm and the Frame. Both the spacer and the new bolts are supplied by the factory with the replacement Arm. Some time in mid-2002, Moog changed the spacer arrange-ment. The new model, shown in Illustration4, shows the permanently attached spacers, and the oversize washers and metric bolts now provided with the Idler arm.
It is not necessary to remove the Drive •Line Protection to remove the Idler Arm or Pitman Arm. It may be necessary to turn the wheels to remove the Pitman Arm.
After installation, clearance should be •
checked between the Idler Arm and the low-er radiator hose. If necessary, gently pry the hose away from the Idler Arm.
Checking Procedure
Check Pitman Arm
1. Raise and Support Lower Control Arm, Driver’s Side.
Refer to Tire/Wheel Assembly section •for lifting procedure.
This procedure should be performed with •the tire/wheel assembly installed.
2. Grasp the tire at the front and rear.
3. Alternately push the wheel in at the front and the rear.
Push as if you were trying to turn the •wheel left and right by pressing on the sides of the tire.
Any looseness may indicate a problem •that should be isolated to determine the cause.
Any movement in the Pitman Arm or the •joint where it attaches to the Center Link in-dicates replacement is necessary.
Check Idler Arm
1. Raise and Support Lower Control Arm, Passenger’s Side.
Refer to Tire/Wheel Assembly section •for lifting procedure.
This procedure should be performed with •the tire/wheel assembly installed.
2. Grasp the tire at the front and rear.
Alternately push the wheel in at the front •and the rear.
Idler Arm and Pitman Arm - Page 1 of 1
Idler Arm and Pitman Arm - Check
Description The manufacturer recommends checking the Idler Arm and Pitman Arm as part of the “B” service. They should probably be checked as part of the “A” service, and following severe operation (refer to the Severe Operating Conditions section). The Idler Arm and Pitman Arm can also be checked via the “Steering System Check” procedure.
Related Tasks See “Per Wheel Checklist”. When checking the Idler Arm and Pitman Arm, the front Tie Rod Ends are also easily checked. Refer to Steering System Check and Tie Rod Ends Check sections for details.
Special Tools Jack Gear Puller Ball Joint Separator
Fasteners Fastener Wrench Size Loctite Torque Notes / Special Tools Idler Arm to Frame 5/8” & 11/16”
or 18 mm - 60 lb ft
Idler Arm to Center Link 15/16” - 80 lb ft Pitman Arm to Steering Gear 1-5/16” - 185 lb ft 33mm may fit better Pitman Arm to Center Link 15/16” - 80 lb ft
Notes / Special Instructions • A locating diagram for steering parts can be found in the References section. • The Pitman Arm is located on the driver’s side of the truck. It is attached to the output shaft on the
steering gear. When steering, this arm moves the Center Link left and right. (Illustration 4) • The Idler Arm is located on the passenger’s side of the truck. It is attached to the frame. When
steering, this arm keeps the Center Link correctly aligned. (Illustration 5) • Alignment (toe-in) should be checked after replacing these parts. • Some time in the ’95 model year, AMG changed to a heavy duty Center Link, Idler Arm, and Pitman
Arm. This center link can be identified by measuring the thickness of the link where the Idler Arm or Pitman Arm are attached. The original Center Link was 7/8” thick, and the new Center Link is 1” thick. When using the newer style Idler Arm or Pitman Arm with the older style Center Link, a 1/8” spacer (e.g. washers) must be used under the nut. If this is not done, the cotter key will not retain the nut correctly.
Push as if you were trying to turn the •wheel left and right by pressing on the sides of the tire.
Any looseness may indicate a problem •that should be isolated to determine the cause.
More than a small amount of vertical •movement in the Idler Arm indicates replace-ment is necessary.
Any movement in the Idler Arm joint •where it attaches to the Center Link indicates replacement is necessary.
Illust. 1 - Gear Puller
Illust. 4 - Newer Spacer
Illust. 5 - Idler Arm
Illust. 2 - Old and New Idler Arm
Illust. 3 - Spacer
24 AZIMUTH
THINGS DON’T ALWAYS GO AS PLANNED
Soft sand and side-slopes sometimes don’t mix well – thankfully, all the occupants were wearing seatbelts and this HUMMER was tipped back onto its wheels by a small army of people. Nobody was hurt, and it drove off under its own power with only some minor body damage.
Photo by Joe Irvine
Photo by Chris Blood
Photo by Manny MacMillan