H3T drivetrain decicions...

[Scarsman]

Hi! This is my first post here, but I have been lurking and reading for some time. While I do not have a Hummer right now, I will be getting an H3T at some point. I have not decided if I want to get one right away, or wait and see if they come out with a different engine option next model year.

Ultimately I would like the 5.3 with the 5 speed and the super low 68.9:1 crawl ratio, but they are not offering that.

Now, I know with the automatic you have some "give" due to its nature, so do you think that would make up for the difference between the 68.9:1 ratio you get with the 5 spd I5 and the 50.6:1 ratio for the V8 auto? I have seen some video of the V8 going down some really steep hills off road, and they were actually giving it gas to speed up because it was holding back so well. So maybe it would be alright.

I would really like to have the power of the V8 for towing, but I am really after the off road ability, so I would rather go for the I5 if the lower ratio will clearly be a benefit off road.

I would like to drive one of each and see how they feel, but the dealer near me only has three I5's and one V8, and they are all autos and all "blinged out." And none of them have the offroad package with the lower gearing, either. They also don't have a Hummer demo course.

So, which set up do you guys think would be better?

[Desert Dan]

I too would want the V8 with a 5-speed manual.

The Alpha HT3 with the Adventure package has front and rear lockers with the 4:1 low range as well as 33" tires.

The V8 models have a cast iron front diff housing but my question is does the I-5 with a front locker aslo have the cast iron front diff housing?

[Scarsman]

So far I am under the impression that only the 5.3 with the off road package comes with the cast iron diff. I could be wrong, but that is what I have been told. But then the dealer here is not really a "real" Hummer dealer. They are more about the pavement princess market, I think.

[Desert Dan]

Darn I'll have to get a V8....... LOL!

I hope the put the cast iron housing in all the H3s especially with the front locker

[Gholan]

these are the specs as listed by hummer for H3T

3.7L Manual: 45.1:1 with Opt. off-road suspen. package 68.1:1
3.7L Automatic: 36.8 with Opt. off-road suspen. package 56.2:1
5.3L Automatic: 33.1:1 with Opt. off-road suspen. package 50.6:1

I can't remember for sure but, I believe since the off-road suspen. package comes with front locker the cast iron dif is a part of it.

I hope that helps

[timgco]

After having two H3's with the I5, and now one with the V8, there is no way in hell I would ever go back to the I5.

The I5 is OK, but since you mentioned towing, I say go for the I5.

Your comment on giving the auto gas to go down hill is spot on!!!

The lower gear ratio on the manual? I'm not sure its worth that little bit.

Since you are going to be off roading this truck...ane more than likely adding 35's, I say go with the V8. You'll get the cast iron front diff, more power, torque for towing and moving larger tires around.

Go drive both and see what you think.