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Picking up from yesterday when I discussed how I’m really interested in buying a Hummer H3 to replace my Jeep and that I’m excited to run down the specs of the H3 today is because of all the things I will not have to modify on the H3.

So beginning with a bit of a history lesson, the H3 Hummer is a crossover SUV from GM in 2005 based on the GMT355 platform that it shares with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks. Originally equipped with 3.5L inline 5 cylinder motor (220hp and 225 ft·lb) the motor was considered underpowered and quickly replaced with the 3.7L inline 5 cylinder motor (239 hp and 241 ft·lb) in the 2007 models and newer. As the quest for power wasn’t enough, the model “Alpha” was produced with a 5.3 liter V8 producing 300 hp and 320 ft·lb of torque in 2008 and up. The 5 cylinder motors come with 4.56 gears from the factory whereas V8’s get 4.10 gears factory. Equipped with a 2-speed full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case, 2.64:1 gear reduction for standard H3’s and 4.03:1 gear reduction for Off-Road editions,  your options are “Four Wheel High,” “Four Wheel High Lock,” and “Four Wheel Low Lock.” The factory tires are 31 inches unless you get the “Off-Road Suspension” or “Adventure Package” which in that case you have 33-inch tires factory and a rear locker (and a front locker if newer than 2008). Finally, the gas mileage is 16 city and 20 highway, and the wheelbase is right on the magic number of 111.9 inches (A wheelbase of 110 inches just seems to be perfect in the off-road world).

Now lets race down the similarity of my Modified Jeep and a Factory 07 H3 with the I5 and Off-Road Suspension Package.

1. Both have inline engines for durability (H3 motor is more powerful)
2. Both are running 33-inch tires
3. both can have 35-inch tires put on them
4. I wish I had gotten 4.56 gear but I got 4.10… the hummer has 4.56
5. Same wheelbase length (love that magic 110 inches)
6. Both AWD but my Jeep has 2 wheel drive after an expensive swap
7. I have Limited slip in both my differentials, the hummer has a Full locker in the rear (fair trade if you ask me)
8. Gas mileage is the same
9. the same seating arrangement
10. Height of both are approximately 72″

Now the differences

1. I have solid coil-sprung axles front and rear (more flex) the hummer has independent front and a leaf-sprung solid rear axle (steers better)
2. My spare tire is inside the cargo area (I hate it) the hummer can fit 35-inch spare tire on the rear door factory 🙂
3. Ground clearance is where the H3 losses. I have 17″ the hummer has 10.5″ but an easy fix
4. The H3 has a wider stance at 74.7 and the jeep is 70.9

With all that listed it really gets me because of the time I wasted getting my Jeep to that point only to be trumped by a factory H3 Hummer. Other things I have noticed is how much stronger the door hinges are, more durable the frame is, and how much better handling an H3 has over my Jeep.

With that, I end today with even more excitement then yesterday to write about the parts I want to upgrade the Hummer H3 with and have the words “Less is MORE” in my head.