two questions....

Is there a big difference in having the adventure package
and not in respect to off-roading?

If so then can I make it the same by installing a locking diff
and a bigger transfer case or is that just stupid?

 

Not stupid at all...so far from what I've been reading the aftermarket is scarce for locking diffs for the H3 right now...Like me, I don't do off roading in my new HUMMER, but the next guy I sell it to, might.. and if I have the adventure Package, and I do, that might be what it'll take to cinch the deal...I say the Adventure package is nice to have and who the hell cares if you ever use it..but you might, and you'll be glad you have it.

 

There are some differences, yes. the 4:1 t-case in the adv H3 has a much lower low gear. It allows you to creep up obsticles without much wheel spin. Trying to do the same obstacle with a higher low gear, like the standard H3, will just mean that at a given speed, the lesser t-case will often (not always) spin the wheels before the torque can let the tires grab. usually it means that more momentum is needed. Momentum is not something you want to use if you can help it. It's always better to climb with complete control, at a low speed. So the 4:1 is not a "must have" to wheel. It's just nice to have. The locker just means that both wheels will be 100% dedicated to providing traction, no matter what the TCS is doing. You can get the t-case, but it would be VERY PRICEY. If you plan to keep your H3 for a long while, and find you really want the t-case. keep an eye out for salvaged H3's, or wrecked ones that are totaled. All you'll really need is the t-case, so if it checks out it would be much cheaper.