Hey guys, I’m looking at buying a 2009-2010 H3 and would like some input. The truck is going to be driven by my wife for the next 2-3 years, and then be retired to our cottage as my "toy". I have found a low mileage 2009 H3 base that is super clean and in great shape. Is there anything specific I should be checking out, am I missing out on some off road functionality by going with a base?

Any input and buyer advice would be greatly welcomed. Thanks

 

Nothing short on the base pkg except you probably already know it does not have any lockers (open front and rear diffs) and the T Case does not have the same super low crawl ratio that the Adventure does.

Pleanty of guys fiercely wheel in a base. Tires are probably the most important factor. Put some nice boots on it and it will go almost everywhere. For me, the Adventure is muey importanto.

If you think you may do more wheeling than most, you may look for an Adventure, but that is up to you.

Welcome and good luck.

 

Doc, thanks for the advice. I was aware of the open diffs on the base, and plan on upgrading to aftermarket front and rear lockers once the vehicle moves to our place in northern Michigan. As far as the t-case is concerned, I don’t see myself ever wheeling in an area that would require such a low crawl ratio, so that’s not an issue.

You bring up a good point on tires, and I do plan on upgrading to 35" BFG's. Its my understanding that 35's will fit with no modification, is this correct? In the short term, other than the tires, the only modification I may do is a leveling kit to bring the nose up a bit. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

I've owned a base model since '06. Only began wheeling the last 2 years. For driving around town - zero mods are needed. With 4 wheel drive, even new tires in winter are not needed. I ran my 32's for 4 years before I upgraded to better 33's.

Offroading has seen some very basic changes to my truck. Undercarriage protection, rocker rails, rear shock skids and tires. Not even a front end lift and I have wheeled some pretty serious trails. Have never needed lockers except this past summer where I got hung up on 2 separate logs and needed to be strapped over. Those with lockers and lifts made it. I was too low and couldn't get the traction. Therefore, lockers are now on my upgrade list. I am now also adding better shocks. Not much more planned for mine. If you go to 35" tires with the I5, know that your gear ratio will effectively change from a 4:56 to a 4:15 (32" tire to a 35" tire). I get 16mpg with my 33's. 35's will reduce mpg as well as add additional weight to the brakes and torsion torque to the front end components.

If the persent intent is for the Mrs to drive it, then there really is not much that is needed. When you decide to wheel it, then some mods would be helpful.
Just my .02

 

New buyer advice? BUY IT!!! Another reason to look at the Adventure is that the shocks are firmer than the base, but as a mostly city vehicle it's not really a necessity. But if I didn't want/need the lower transfer case ratio I would just get a Base and add the bigger tires, UCP, shocks and shackles and level the front. I would look at lockers later if my wheeling area required them, you can use BTM in the meantime.

 

Hello new h3 owner here also, How can I find out what all I have on my 08 alpha. I see guys posting about all the different suspensions, open closed diffs. off road kit, and etc. lol I have an 08 alpha. with a rancho lift and I think a magnaflow muffler.
thanks.
mike

 

Man, I don't know where to start. I would just keep reading all the posts on here and after a little while it will all start to sink in. Since you have the Rancho suspension lift a couple of things will be different for you in that dept.

 

I obviously agree with most of the posts. Having a base H3 is more than enough for Michigan. However, under winter driving conditions, a rear locker may be of some use but only after you determine whether you really need it or not. Also, lockers do not get you out of every jam but they are nice to have so you don't have to get out of the truck in the dead of winter to tie up a winch! I think its a good buy, unlike some of us that have to have all the bells and whistles that we tend not to use. Hope this helps.... good luck!

 

Hello and Welcome from MI!

As a HUMMER owner and having wheeled several HUMMERs in MI and other states I would suggest finding an Adventure (I5) or an OffRoad (Alpha). While the base is GOOD for wheeling the Adventure/OffRoad is EXCELLENT for wheeling. Espically in the 09-10s where you will get as Doc mentioned, front/rear lockers (Cast Iron Front Diff) and the 4:1 transfer case. The 4:1 t-case is in my opinion the most important part of the Adventure/OffRoad package.

I know it is for yoru wife for now, but I can't tell you how many times I have heard that and then all of a sudden there are 2 HUMMERs in the driveway (ask me how I know that!). This way you will have 1 H3 that will satisfy both of your needs.

Where are you located in MI??? I'm north of Detroit by 20 minutes up I-75. If you want to see what H3/H3Ts are capable of send me a PM so you can join us at an OffRoad park and ride along!